Company snapshot
| Category | NS1 | Verizon Media (VMDS) |
|---|---|---|
| Status | active | defunct |
| Founded | — | — |
| Headquarters | — | — |
| Website | — | — |
| Docs | — | — |
Overview
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.
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
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.
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Feature comparison
| Feature | NS1 | Verizon 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
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.
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Integrations & DevEx
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.
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When it fits
- 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.
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When it doesn’t
- 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.
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History & Notes
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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.