Company snapshot
| Category | ChinaCache | EdgeCast |
|---|---|---|
| Status | defunct | active |
| Founded | — | — |
| Headquarters | — | — |
| Website | — | — |
| Docs | — | — |
Overview
ChinaCache, founded in 1998, was a Beijing-based content delivery network (CDN) provider specializing in the Chinese market, offering content delivery, cloud security, and streaming solutions. It served industries like media, gaming, and e-commerce, with notable clients including Alibaba, Baidu, and Tencent. The company was delisted from NASDAQ in 2019, and its international operations were acquired by EdgeNext in February 2023. As of August 2025, ChinaCache is considered defunct as a standalone entity, with its services integrated into EdgeNext’s offerings.
EdgeCast, originally founded in 2006 as EdgeCast Networks, is a content delivery network (CDN) and video streaming provider, now operated by Parler Cloud Technologies following its acquisition from Edgio in February 2025. The company specializes in delivering video-on-demand, live streaming, and edge computing services. It was previously acquired by Verizon in 2013 and later by Limelight Networks in 2022, which rebranded as Edgio before entering bankruptcy in 2024. EdgeCast serves clients across media, gaming, and e-commerce, including platforms like Parler Social and PlayTV. Its infrastructure supports high-performance content delivery with a focus on video streaming.
Network & Architecture
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EdgeCast operates 25 data centers across seven countries, with points of presence (PoPs) in North America, Europe, Asia, and other regions, following its acquisition by Parler Cloud Technologies. The network leverages a private backbone and peering agreements to optimize content delivery. It integrates with Triton DataCenter for enhanced cloud hosting capabilities. The architecture is designed for low-latency video streaming and edge computing, with strong global coverage but limited public details on specific PoP counts or capacity.
Feature comparison
| Feature | ChinaCache | EdgeCast |
|---|---|---|
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
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Pricing details are not publicly disclosed by Parler Cloud Technologies. Customers must contact the sales team for custom quotes. No free tier or pay-as-you-go (PAYG) options are explicitly mentioned, suggesting an enterprise-focused model.
Integrations & DevEx
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EdgeCast supports an API-first approach for configuration and management. Real-time logs are available for monitoring performance. Integration with Triton DataCenter enhances its cloud hosting capabilities. No specific details are provided on Terraform support, SDKs, or CI/CD integrations.
When it fits
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- Suitable for media companies needing robust video streaming (live and VOD) with HLS/DASH packaging and RTMP ingest.
- Ideal for enterprises seeking edge computing and serverless functions integrated with CDN services.
- Fits platforms like Parler Social or PlayTV requiring global content delivery with DDoS protection.
When it doesn’t
—
- May not suit small businesses or developers looking for transparent, pay-as-you-go pricing models.
- Limited public details on PoP coverage or advanced integrations like Terraform may deter DevOps-focused teams.
- Not ideal for users needing extensive security features like WAF, bot mitigation, or signed URLs.
History & Notes
ChinaCache was a pioneer in China’s CDN market, being the first to secure a nationwide CDN operating permit in 2000. It expanded globally with offices in the US, UK, and Hong Kong, and collaborated with partners like Microsoft and Adobe. Despite its early success, financial difficulties led to its NASDAQ delisting in 2019 and the eventual sale of its international operations to EdgeNext in 2023. Some sources note ChinaCache’s contributions to open-source CDN tools, but its standalone services are no longer active. For further details on the acquisition, see: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230214005037/en/[](https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230214005005/en/EdgeNext-Completes-Acquisition-of-ChinaCaches-Overseas-Business-Strengthening-Position-in-the-Global-Cloud-Services-Market)
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