Company snapshot
| Category | Akamai | Mlytics |
|---|---|---|
| Status | active | active |
| Founded | — | — |
| Headquarters | — | — |
| Website | — | — |
| Docs | — | — |
Overview
Akamai, founded in 1998, operates one of the largest global Content Delivery Networks (CDNs), serving high-traffic websites, media streaming, and enterprise applications. The company delivers content through its Intelligent Edge Platform, which also provides security and edge computing capabilities. Akamai serves major clients like Kuaishou Technology and iQiyi, handling up to 30% of global web traffic. Its solutions cater to industries requiring low-latency content delivery, robust cybersecurity, and scalable cloud services. While historically focused on CDN, Akamai has shifted toward security and cloud computing, with these segments now driving two-thirds of its revenue.
Mlytics is a Singapore-based MultiCDN platform founded in 2017, specializing in AI-driven traffic steering to optimize web and video streaming performance. It aggregates multiple CDN providers, routing traffic based on real-time performance metrics. The platform serves businesses needing global content delivery, particularly in video streaming and markets like China. Mlytics integrates with major CDNs like Akamai, Cloudflare, and Amazon CloudFront. It is recognized for its analytics and security features, catering to enterprises and developers. Customers include Fortune 500 companies and video streaming providers.
Network & Architecture
Akamai maintains over 325,000 servers across 4,100+ points of presence (PoPs) in more than 135 countries, offering extensive global coverage. Its network leverages advanced routing and peering for low-latency delivery, with strong presence in North America, EMEA, APAC, and a licensed operation in China. Regional limitations include the planned cessation of CDN services in mainland China by June 30, 2026, with transitions to partners like Tencent CDN and Wangsu Science & Technology. Akamai’s architecture supports high-throughput applications like gaming and video streaming, with optimized edge caching and load balancing.
Mlytics operates a global network with over 214 points of presence (PoPs) and 30,000+ real user monitoring (RUM) nodes, with a strong presence in APAC, China, India, Southeast Asia, and emerging markets. Its proprietary decision engine uses AI to route traffic to the fastest available CDN based on latency and availability. The platform supports access to China without an ICP license, leveraging partnerships with local providers. Specific peering details are not publicly disclosed. Limitations may include less coverage in Africa and Latin America compared to larger providers like Akamai.
Feature comparison
| Feature | Akamai | Mlytics |
|---|---|---|
waf | ✓ | ✓ |
bot_mitigation | ✓ | ✓ |
ddos | ✓ | ✓ |
rate_limit | ✓ | ✗ |
http3_quic | ✓ | ✗ |
tls13 | ✓ | ✗ |
tiered_cache | ✓ | ✗ |
origin_shield | ✓ | ✓ |
instant_purge | ✓ | ✗ |
stale_while_revalidate | ✓ | ✗ |
stale_if_error | ✓ | ✗ |
image_optimization | ✓ | ✗ |
video_vod | ✓ | ✓ |
video_live | ✓ | ✓ |
drm | ✓ | ✗ |
hls_dash_packaging | ✓ | ✗ |
websockets | ✓ | ✗ |
signed_urls | ✓ | ✗ |
edge_compute | ✓ | ✗ |
functions | ✓ | ✗ |
kv_storage | ✓ | ✗ |
api_first | ✓ | ✓ |
realtime_logs | ✓ | ✓ |
log_push | ✓ | ✗ |
terraform | ✗ | ✗ |
Legend: ✓ = Supported, ✗ = Not supported, — = Not listed
Pricing
Akamai operates an enterprise-only pricing model with committed contracts tailored to large-scale deployments. No public per-GB pricing is disclosed, and there is no free tier or PAYG option for smaller users. Pricing details require contacting Akamai’s sales team for custom quotes. For more information, see https://www.akamai.com/pricing.
Mlytics operates a pay-as-you-go (PAYG) model with flexible pricing plans, allowing businesses to scale usage without long-term commitments. No public per-GB pricing is available, but cost savings of up to 25% are claimed via the CDN Marketplace. A free trial is offered for testing the platform. Enterprise plans include 24/7 support and custom configurations. For detailed pricing, visit https://www.mlytics.com/pricing/.
Integrations & DevEx
Akamai supports API-first workflows with extensive REST APIs for configuration and management. Its DataStream and Log Delivery Service provide real-time logs and analytics for monitoring. While Terraform support is not natively offered, Akamai’s CLI and SDKs (Python, Java, etc.) enable integration with CI/CD pipelines. Migration tools are available for transitions, such as from Edgio or Lumen Technologies, as seen in recent customer contract acquisitions. Real-time analytics and RUM are supported through Edge Analytics and mPulse.
Mlytics supports API-driven integrations, including the Mlytics MCP Server for managing CDN sites and DNS records. Real-time logs and analytics are available through a unified dashboard, simplifying multi-CDN management. The platform offers real user monitoring (RUM) and synthetic monitoring for performance tracking. No Terraform or CI/CD-specific tools are documented. Migration tools support seamless transitions from other CDNs, with expert assistance to minimize downtime.
When it fits
- Enterprises needing a global CDN for high-traffic websites, gaming, or media streaming with robust security (WAF, DDoS, bot mitigation).
- Organizations requiring edge computing for serverless functions or low-latency data processing with EdgeWorkers and EdgeKV.
- Businesses operating in China needing a licensed CDN provider (until June 2026) with established local partnerships.
- Businesses needing Multi-CDN for video streaming, especially in APAC and China markets.
- Enterprises seeking AI-driven traffic steering with real-time analytics and RUM.
- Developers requiring an API-first platform with flexible, PAYG pricing.
When it doesn’t
- Small businesses or startups seeking pay-as-you-go or free-tier CDN options, as Akamai focuses on enterprise contracts.
- Users prioritizing China-based CDN after June 2026, as Akamai is exiting this market and transitioning to partners.
- Teams needing native Terraform support or simpler DevEx for smaller-scale deployments, as Akamai’s tools target complex enterprise needs.
- Organizations needing extensive edge compute or serverless functions, which Mlytics does not offer.
- Companies focused on regions like Africa or Latin America, where coverage is less robust.
- Users requiring advanced video features like HLS/DASH packaging or DRM, which are not supported.
History & Notes
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