An apparatus and method that, in transmission and playback of content between a server and a client, efficiently executes playing back part of content, such as an impressive portion, is provided. By setting index information as partial data region identification information in property information corresponding to content retained by the server, when a content request from the client includes partial playback specification information, the index information is acquired from the property information corresponding to the specified content, and the content is acquired and transmitted to the client. This configuration enables the client to enjoy playback of content of only particular partial data such as an impressive portion of content received from a server or a user's favorite portion.