Dan Rayburn

Content Owners Struggle To Compare One CDN To Another

The major players as defined by revenue are Akamai, Limelight, Internap and Level in that order based on 2007 CDN revenue. I expect Level 3 to pass Internap this year and be the number 3 provider based on CDN revenue. To me, Level 3 is the one to really watch due to their unique offering in the market that is only getting stronger.

We will definitely see consolidation down the road but right now, with all of the CDNs having just recently raised money, they can all survive for the next 18-24 months. I expect it will take until that time before we see a lot of consolidation.

Level 3 Is Winning Video CDN Business, But Not On Price

I gave examples of pricing with a range. Look how other reports say Level 3 is cheaper yet then don't say by how much, use no number, no range and provide no guidance. Saying a few cents difference puts it into very clear light. That gives you a very clear picture of how Level 3 is being competitive, not the low cost leader, but not over-charging.

Companies show me and tell me their pricing in confidence. The reason they do that is that they trust me not to use their name and their pricing in detail. I update all pricing every quarter at CDNpricing.com