Comments on: Why Netflix’s CDN should scare the storage industry

By: Mark Wojtasiak

Mark Wojtasiak — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 14:33:45 +0000

This is yet another example of larger “cloud” players moving to their own custom designed solutions. I just did a post on a little-known company named Intequus that announced they were the ones building custom solutions for Netflix. Why the movement from the big brands to smaller builders/integrators? (from the post) The reason is that many cloud providers know exactly what they want, what they need – especially the larger players that have invested in cloud architects, software developers, and technical talent… If these guys know what it takes to deliver their cloud services in the most cost efficient manner, what value would a big brand name offer them? Some argue none, hence the movement to flexible system builders like Intequus. No doubt the big brands will have a play, but I’m more interested in what’s happening with the up-and-coming “white-box” builders.

By: Derrick Harris

Derrick Harris — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 05:36:48 +0000

Jason,

My comment was simply alluding to the fact when one sees Netflix moving to its own CDN, the directly affected parties are its CDN providers. while the storage aspect swims under the surface.

By: Jason Thibeault

Jason Thibeault — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 03:54:03 +0000

Sigh. I have to say that I am usually quite impressed with the level of analysis that you guys put to topics. And although this one really digs into the whole storage angle of the Netflix decision, you toss in the comment, “While OpenConnect directly targets commercial CDNs” without any sort of explanation. First of all, OpenConnect is not really a CDN. It’s managed storage (hence, why I think your analysis is ultimately solid in this piece). But I’d like to understand better how you came to the conclusion that OpenConnect targets the commercial CDN market. Is that simply because of their decision to replace their CDN services with this? Or is it based on the poor analysis in the financial markets? Did you stop and ask yourself “why?” Do you have any idea about the relationship Netflix content has with access networks (that access networks are feeling increasing strain because of the amount of bandwidth Netflix content is hogging on their networks and the cost for them to backhaul it from the Internet; in case you didn’t know, CDNs terminate on access networks)? I’d expect you to understand this relationship before making a content about what is or isn’t targeting a commercial sector (I’ve seen enough of that bad analysis coming from the financial markets since Monday). I provided my own speculation and analysis of the “why” in a blog post but, more importantly, what the why points to: a tipping point in video content consumption. Netflix’s decision will be forgotten. But the tipping point it illustrates will not. I’m not asking that you don’t speculate. I’m just asking that when you elect to make casual statements that may be inflammatory (and possible erroneous), you do so with some authority based on analysis.

http://jasonnthibeault.com/wp/mind/2012/06/06/has-the-tipping-point-for-online-video-finally-come/

@jnthibeault

By: adrian cockcroft

adrian cockcroft — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 21:56:47 +0000

s/Cockroft/Cockcroft/ – Thanks.

Also Redundant Array of Inexpensive Nodes – RAIN – is how low cost cloud storage disrupts the mainstream storage vendors.