Company snapshot
| Category | Mlytics | NS1 |
|---|---|---|
| Status | active | active |
| Founded | — | — |
| Headquarters | — | — |
| Website | — | — |
| Docs | — | — |
Overview
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.
NS1, now IBM NS1 Connect, specializes in DNS traffic steering and MultiCDN solutions to optimize application delivery. Founded in 2013 and acquired by IBM in 2023, it serves enterprises needing precise control over traffic routing across multiple CDNs and cloud providers. Its flagship product, NS1 Connect, uses real-time data and automation to enhance performance and resilience. Customers include large-scale organizations in tech, finance, and media sectors. The platform integrates with various CDNs and cloud services to manage global traffic efficiently.
Network & Architecture
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.
NS1 operates a global network with 26 points of presence (PoPs) across North America, EMEA, APAC, and other regions, ensuring low-latency DNS resolution. Its architecture leverages authoritative DNS and real-time data for traffic steering, with robust peering to major cloud providers and CDNs. The platform supports hybrid deployments, combining on-premise and cloud DNS for flexibility. It excels in global coverage but may have less focus on niche regional markets like Africa or the Middle East compared to telecom CDNs.
Feature comparison
| Feature | Mlytics | NS1 |
|---|---|---|
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
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/.
NS1 operates on an enterprise-only model with custom pricing based on traffic volume and feature sets. No public per-GB pricing is available, and there’s no free tier or pay-as-you-go option. Contact IBM for pricing details.
Integrations & DevEx
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.
NS1 supports Terraform and Ansible for infrastructure automation, with an API-first design for programmatic control. SDKs and integrations with tools like Catchpoint and ThousandEyes enhance monitoring and analytics. Real-time logs and analytics provide immediate insights, and the platform supports seamless integration with major CDNs and cloud providers. Migration tools are available for transitioning from other DNS providers, with a focus on minimizing downtime.
When it fits
- 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.
- Enterprises needing precise MultiCDN traffic steering across global regions.
- Organizations requiring robust DDoS protection and real-time analytics.
- Teams using Terraform or API-driven workflows for network automation.
When it doesn’t
- 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.
- Small businesses or startups seeking low-cost, pay-as-you-go CDN solutions.
- Users needing native video streaming features like VOD or live streaming.
- Companies focused on niche regional markets with limited NS1 PoP coverage.
History & Notes
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