Company snapshot
| Category | Rackspace | Vercara |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Vercara, formerly Neustar Security Services, is a cloud-based provider of CDN, DNS, and cybersecurity solutions, focusing on enterprise-grade services. It offers UltraDNS for managed authoritative DNS and UltraDDoS Protect, UltraWAF, UltraAPI, and UltraEdge for security and performance. Acquired by DigiCert in September 2024, Vercara serves over 2,000 enterprises, including Fortune 500 companies, across industries like finance, e-commerce, and healthcare. Its solutions emphasize uptime, security, and scalability for complex digital infrastructures. Vercara handles approximately 30% of global internet traffic, processing over 9 trillion DNS queries daily.
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.
Vercara operates a global network with points of presence (POPs) across 16 regions, including a recently added node in Toronto. Its UltraDNS service ensures low-latency DNS resolution, and its DDoS mitigation network has a capacity exceeding 15 Tbps. The platform is designed for high availability, with a reported 100% uptime for DNS services. It has strong regional coverage in North America, EMEA, and APAC, serving global enterprises with hybrid cloud setups. Specific peering and routing details are not publicly disclosed, but Vercara’s infrastructure supports major hyperscalers and high-traffic verticals.
Feature comparison
| Feature | Rackspace | Vercara |
|---|---|---|
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.
Vercara operates on an enterprise-only model, with pricing tailored to customer needs and no public per-GB rates disclosed. It does not offer a free tier or pay-as-you-go options, focusing on committed contracts for large organizations. Specific pricing details are available only through direct sales consultation. No public pricing page is provided.
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.
Vercara supports Terraform for infrastructure automation, integrating with DevOps workflows. Its API-first design enables programmatic control of DNS and security services. Real-time logs are available for monitoring, though log push or streaming capabilities are not explicitly documented. Integration with HashiCorp Consul-Terraform-Sync enhances DNS management automation. Migration tools or specific SDKs are not publicly detailed, but Vercara’s enterprise focus suggests customized onboarding support.
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.
- Large enterprises needing robust DNS and DDoS protection with 100% uptime guarantees.
- Organizations with hybrid cloud setups requiring integrated DNS and certificate management.
- High-traffic industries like finance or e-commerce needing scalable security solutions.
When it doesn’t
—
- Small businesses or startups seeking pay-as-you-go or free-tier CDN options.
- Users needing transparent pricing or self-service onboarding without sales consultation.
- Applications requiring advanced video streaming features like HLS/DASH packaging or DRM.
History & Notes
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