Company snapshot

CategoryLeaseWebVerizon Media (VMDS)
Statusactivedefunct
Founded
Headquarters
Website
Docs

Overview

LeaseWeb is a global Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) provider based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 1997. It offers a MultiCDN service that integrates multiple CDN providers to enhance global content delivery, reduce latency, and improve availability. The service is used by industries such as media, entertainment, gaming, and e-commerce. LeaseWeb also provides public cloud, private cloud, bare metal servers, and managed hosting. Its MultiCDN portfolio spans North America, EMEA, and APAC, with a focus on scalability and performance.
Verizon Media (VMDS), originally Verizon Digital Media Services and formerly known as Edgecast, was a content delivery network (CDN) provider specializing in media and content delivery. Launched as a Verizon division, it served media companies and enterprises with scalable content distribution. In 2021, Verizon sold its media division, including VMDS, to Apollo Global Management, which rebranded it as Edgecast under Yahoo. In June 2022, Limelight Networks acquired Edgecast, forming Edgio. Edgio filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in September 2024, shutting down its CDN services on January 15, 2025. Select Edgecast assets were sold to Parler in February 2025 for $7.5 million.

Network & Architecture

LeaseWeb’s MultiCDN leverages multiple CDN providers, including Edgio, to distribute content across a global network. Specific POP (Point of Presence) counts are not publicly detailed, but the service covers North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia-Pacific. Intelligent traffic routing and redundant switching mechanisms optimize performance by selecting the best provider based on geography, latency, and availability. The architecture supports high-bandwidth content, making it suitable for media and gaming workloads. Regional strengths include strong coverage in Europe, with potential limitations in less-served areas like Africa or Latin America due to undisclosed POP specifics.

Feature comparison

FeatureLeaseWebVerizon Media (VMDS)
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

LeaseWeb operates on a pay-as-you-go (PAYG) model, with pricing available upon request, suggesting an enterprise-only focus. No public per-GB pricing or free-tier details are disclosed. For precise pricing, contact LeaseWeb directly via their website.

Integrations & DevEx

LeaseWeb supports Terraform for managing its public cloud and MultiCDN resources, streamlining infrastructure-as-code workflows. The API-first design allows developers to automate CDN configurations and monitor performance via real-time logs. SDKs or specific CI/CD integrations are not prominently documented. The customer portal provides tools for managing services, viewing notifications, and accessing detailed equipment data. Migration tools or import processes are not explicitly detailed but may be available through support channels.

When it fits

  • Enterprises needing a MultiCDN solution with global reach across North America, EMEA, and APAC.
  • Media or gaming companies requiring robust support for video streaming and image optimization.
  • Teams using Terraform for infrastructure management and prioritizing API-driven workflows.

When it doesn’t

  • Small businesses or startups seeking transparent, low-cost pricing or free tiers.
  • Users needing detailed public documentation on POP locations or specific CDN provider integrations.
  • Applications requiring advanced edge compute, WAF, or DDoS protection, which are not explicitly offered.

History & Notes

Verizon Media (VMDS) grew from Verizon’s 2013 acquisition of Edgecast, aiming to compete in media and ad tech. Despite $370 million in platform investment, it struggled against larger competitors. The 2021 sale to Apollo shifted its CDN to Edgecast, which merged with Limelight to form Edgio in 2022. Edgio’s bankruptcy in September 2024, due to accounting issues and debt, led to its CDN shutdown. Parler’s February 2025 acquisition of Edgecast assets supports its own platforms (Parler Social, PlayTV), with 120 former Edgio employees joining and a one-year IP license. The viability of Parler as a general CDN provider remains unclear.