Company snapshot
| Category | Google Cloud CDN | SimpleCDN |
|---|---|---|
| Status | active | active |
| Founded | — | — |
| Headquarters | — | — |
| Website | — | — |
| Docs | — | — |
Overview
Google Cloud CDN is a content delivery network integrated with Google Cloud. It sits behind Google Cloud Load Balancing to cache and serve HTTP(S) content from edge locations. Typical users are teams already running workloads on Google Cloud that want CDN caching, signed URLs, modern TLS, and consistent operations across the platform. The service emphasizes policy-driven caching, fast invalidation, and security integration through Cloud Armor. Pricing follows a pay-as-you-go model that varies by region and usage.
SimpleCDN, founded in 2007, provides content delivery network services focused on accelerating website and media delivery. Operated by Site Arrow Pte. Ltd., it serves businesses seeking to improve load times for images, videos, and web content. The service targets web design agencies, small to medium-sized businesses, and developers needing quick integration. SimpleCDN emphasizes affordability and ease of use, with a global network to reduce latency. Its customers include those managing multiple websites or requiring fast content delivery for global audiences.
Network & Architecture
Google Cloud CDN uses Google’s global edge and backbone to terminate HTTP(S) traffic close to end users and fetch from origins over Google’s private network. Coverage spans major regions in North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific, with additional presence in other geographies. Strengths include integration with Google Cloud Load Balancing, Anycast routing, and private backbone connectivity from edge to origin. Limitations can include fewer CDN-specific knobs than specialist CDNs and feature gaps for advanced video packaging.
SimpleCDN operates a network with over 120 points of presence across 77 countries, offering more than 150 Tbps of capacity and an average global latency of 24ms. The network supports HTTP, HTTPS, RTMP, RTSP, and MMS protocols, with on-the-fly gzip compression and cache-control customization. It is designed for high-bandwidth applications like HD video delivery, using a 100% solid-state and 10Gbe architecture. Free SSL certificates from Let’s Encrypt are included for secure content delivery. The service has a strong global footprint but lacks detailed public information on specific regional strengths or peering arrangements.
Feature comparison
| Feature | Google Cloud CDN | SimpleCDN |
|---|---|---|
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
Pay-as-you-go pricing with regional rates for cache egress and request charges. Total cost depends on geography, volume, and cache behavior. See cloud.google.com/cdn/pricing for current details.
SimpleCDN uses a pay-as-you-go model with plans starting at $5/month. No lock-in contracts are required, and pricing is designed to be competitive with single-source providers like Amazon CloudFront. A free trial is not explicitly mentioned, but quick setup is emphasized. Detailed pricing is available at https://simplecdn.com/pricing/.
Integrations & DevEx
Deep integrations include Google Cloud Load Balancing for traffic ingress, Cloud Armor for WAF and DDoS protections, Cloud Storage and Compute Engine for origins, and Cloud Logging and Monitoring for observability. Infrastructure as code is supported via Terraform, and a REST API enables CI/CD automation.
SimpleCDN provides a web-based interface and API for managing CDN zones, with support for team member accounts suitable for agencies. It integrates with WordPress via the {eac}SimpleCDN extension, which rewrites URLs to load content from the CDN. No Terraform or other IaC support is documented. Realtime logs are available, but no SDKs, CI/CD integrations, or migration tools are publicly detailed.
When it fits
- Workloads already hosted on Google Cloud that need an integrated CDN layer.
- Teams standardizing on Cloud Load Balancing, Cloud Armor, and Cloud Logging.
- Organizations that want signed URLs, HTTP/3, fast purge, and policy-driven caching.
- Buyers who prefer Terraform and API-first management across cloud services.
- Small to medium-sized businesses or agencies managing multiple websites needing affordable CDN services.
- Users requiring quick setup and integration with WordPress or API-driven workflows.
- Applications focused on image and video delivery with global audiences.
When it doesn’t
- Multi-cloud environments seeking provider-neutral or MultiCDN routing.
- Advanced video workflows needing packaging, DRM, or low-lency live features.
- Use cases requiring built-in image optimization pipelines.
- Projects that rely on WebSocket-heavy bidirectional traffic at the edge.
- Enterprises needing advanced security features like WAF, DDoS protection, or bot mitigation.
- Users requiring detailed analytics, log streaming, or edge compute capabilities.
- Scenarios needing specific regional optimizations or extensive peering documentation.
History & Notes
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