undefined | Better HN

story

0 pointsbeagle33y ago0 comments

In the long run, possibly.

In the medium run (first 2-5 years) it’s not cheaper.

In the short run? Buying Linode gave them a foothold in the market. Creating it from scratch, would have taken months (or even years) to be able to make the first offer, and years until they built a reputation that would attract customers.

0 comments

chaosite3y ago

> a reputation that would attract customers.

But the whole point is that they're throwing away any of Linode's existing reputation in favor of banking on the Akamai name.

beagle3OP3y ago

But they are starting with a customer base, some of which have been with Linode for over a decade. Way easier and faster to build reputation from that as a starting point. (And also already cash flow positive and profitable, ignoring the purchase=setup cost)

tchvil3y ago

Exactly, we are happy client for more than 14 years. And don't plan to move if they keep what Linode was good at. I mean when it is setup, except extremely rare migrations, you forget about it.

chaosite3y ago

> if they keep what Linode was good at.

Yeah, but that's the big if, isn't it? Once they enact changes which require action on your part (sunsetting services, changing prices, ...), you'll probably move, or at least seriously consider it.

nocman3y ago

I think that's a lot of the point here. They won't be starting with that customer base if most of that customer base leaves because of these changes (which I think a significant portion of them may).

Sophira3y ago

I've been with Linode since 2004, and this is making me seriously consider other providers.

1 more reply

ubermonkey3y ago

....and probably not caring that for a significant chunk of folks, swapping small firm for HUGE firm is absolutely a downgrade.

nemacol3y ago

I think these acquisitions are partly about the customer base and infrastructure but I believe a big part is getting the staff - existing functional highly skilled.

j / k navigate · click thread line to collapse

0 comments

chaosite3y ago

> a reputation that would attract customers.

But the whole point is that they're throwing away any of Linode's existing reputation in favor of banking on the Akamai name.

beagle3OP3y ago

tchvil3y ago

Exactly, we are happy client for more than 14 years. And don't plan to move if they keep what Linode was good at. I mean when it is setup, except extremely rare migrations, you forget about it.

chaosite3y ago

> if they keep what Linode was good at.

Yeah, but that's the big if, isn't it? Once they enact changes which require action on your part (sunsetting services, changing prices, ...), you'll probably move, or at least seriously consider it.

nocman3y ago

Sophira3y ago

I've been with Linode since 2004, and this is making me seriously consider other providers.

1 more reply

ubermonkey3y ago

....and probably not caring that for a significant chunk of folks, swapping small firm for HUGE firm is absolutely a downgrade.

nemacol3y ago

I think these acquisitions are partly about the customer base and infrastructure but I believe a big part is getting the staff - existing functional highly skilled.

j / k navigate · click thread line to collapse