Company snapshot
| Category | Rackspace | Uploadcare CDN |
|---|---|---|
| Status | active | active |
| Founded | — | — |
| Headquarters | — | — |
| Website | — | — |
| Docs | — | — |
Overview
Rackspace Technology, founded in 1998, offers a content delivery network (CDN) designed to accelerate content delivery by caching assets closer to users. The service integrates with Rackspace’s broader cloud offerings, including Cloud Files, and supports businesses needing reliable content distribution. It is primarily used by enterprises leveraging Rackspace’s managed cloud services, particularly those with complex infrastructure needs. The CDN is built to reduce server load and improve user experience through global content distribution.
Uploadcare CDN, part of Uploadcare, is a file management platform and content delivery network designed for web and mobile applications. It specializes in handling file uploads, processing, and delivery, with a focus on media optimization for images and videos. The service caters to developers and businesses, offering tools for content creators and engineers. Its customer base includes startups, SMBs, and enterprises needing efficient media workflows. Uploadcare is headquartered in Palo Alto, USA, and has been operational since 2011.
Network & Architecture
Rackspace CDN operates a global network with points of presence (POPs) across North America, EMEA, APAC, and Latin America, though specific POP counts are not publicly detailed. It leverages partnerships with major cloud providers and uses Akamai’s infrastructure for content delivery. The service is optimized for integration with Rackspace’s cloud storage but may have limited flexibility for standalone CDN use. Its global footprint ensures low-latency delivery for enterprise customers, with a focus on North America and EMEA.
Uploadcare CDN operates a global network, though specific details on the number of Points of Presence (POPs) are not publicly disclosed. The platform leverages a multi-vendor CDN approach to ensure reliable content delivery across regions, including North America, EMEA, APAC, and others. It integrates with major cloud providers for storage and processing, optimizing for low-latency delivery of media assets. The architecture is developer-centric, prioritizing API-driven workflows and seamless integration with web and mobile apps.
Feature comparison
| Feature | Rackspace | Uploadcare CDN |
|---|---|---|
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
Rackspace CDN operates on an enterprise-only model, with pricing typically bundled into broader Rackspace cloud contracts. No public per-GB pricing is available, and there is no free tier or pay-as-you-go option. Custom pricing requires contacting Rackspace sales for quotes tailored to enterprise needs.
Uploadcare CDN uses a pay-as-you-go (PAYG) model with a free tier for low-volume users. Paid plans start at $20/month, with per-GB pricing for CDN traffic and storage. For example, the Regular plan includes 100 GB of CDN traffic for $49/month. A free tier offers limited monthly CDN traffic, suitable for testing or small projects. Enterprise plans are available for custom needs. Full details are at https://uploadcare.com/pricing/.
Integrations & DevEx
The CDN provides a robust API for managing services, with documentation available at https://docs.rackspace.com/docs/cdn. It supports programmatic control over caching, domains, and content refreshes. Real-time logs are available for monitoring, but there’s no public support for Terraform, SDKs, or CI/CD integrations. Migration tools are limited, primarily designed for integration with Rackspace’s Cloud Files.
Uploadcare provides a REST API and webhooks for programmatic control, with SDKs for JavaScript, Python, and other languages. Its React Uploader component simplifies file uploads in React applications. Real-time logs are available for monitoring, and instant purge is supported via API. No Terraform or CI/CD pipeline integrations are documented. The platform includes a dashboard for managing files and monitoring usage, aimed at developers and content teams.
When it fits
- When it fits:
- Enterprises already using Rackspace’s cloud services, seeking seamless CDN integration.
- Businesses needing global content delivery with a focus on North America and EMEA.
- Teams requiring API-driven CDN management and real-time logging.
- When it doesn’t:
- Small businesses or startups looking for pay-as-you-go or free-tier options.
- Users needing advanced security features like WAF or DDoS protection.
- Organizations prioritizing edge compute or video-specific CDN capabilities.
- Small to medium businesses needing a developer-friendly CDN for media-heavy web or mobile apps.
- Projects requiring robust image optimization and video-on-demand delivery with simple API integration.
- Teams on a budget leveraging the free tier or PAYG pricing for low-to-moderate traffic.
When it doesn’t
—
- Enterprises needing advanced security features like WAF, DDoS protection, or bot mitigation, which are not offered.
- Applications requiring live video streaming, DRM, or complex edge compute capabilities.
- Organizations needing detailed network transparency or extensive POP coverage, as specific network details are limited.
History & Notes
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