sIFR is a workaround which uses Javascript, Flash and CSS to replace the given text with small Flash files. The lengthy processing times involved make it unsuitable for longer texts. Cufón, on the other hand is a Javascript package that draws type outlines. Like sIFR, it runs rather slowly, is difficult to set up, and has some issues with text selection and screen rendering.
Our system uses real fonts exactly like the other fonts that your computer uses to display websites. The only difference is that the font files are not hosted on your computer, but on a secure server.