Company snapshot
| Category | StackServices | Transparent CDN |
|---|---|---|
| Status | defunct | active |
| Founded | — | — |
| Headquarters | — | — |
| Website | — | — |
| Docs | — | — |
Overview
StackServices, previously known as StackPath, was a content delivery network (CDN) provider that offered edge computing and content delivery services, targeting businesses needing low-latency solutions. It operated a global network of points of presence (PoPs) and provided features like instant cache purging, real-time logs, and an API-first approach. The company served industries such as gaming, media, and e-commerce. StackServices ceased operations in November 2023, following a strategic shift to focus on cloud computing, leading to the shutdown of its CDN services.
Transparent CDN, founded in 2015 and headquartered in Madrid, Spain, offers content delivery and web optimization services tailored for e-businesses. The provider focuses on accelerating website performance, optimizing images, and providing detailed analytics through real-time logs. Its services are designed to be accessible via an API-first approach, enabling seamless integration for developers. Transparent CDN serves a range of clients, from small businesses to larger enterprises, with a global network presence. The company emphasizes straightforward pricing and ease of use for performance-focused content delivery.
Network & Architecture
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Transparent CDN operates a global network with points of presence (POPs) across North America, Europe, Asia, and Latin America, though specific POP counts are not publicly disclosed. The provider leverages HTTP/3 and TLS 1.3 for efficient and secure content delivery. Its architecture supports real-time traffic analytics, which aids in performance monitoring. The network is optimized for general web content and image delivery but lacks specialized capabilities for video streaming or edge computing. Regional strengths include Europe and North America, with growing coverage in Asia and Latin America.
Feature comparison
| Feature | StackServices | Transparent 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
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Transparent CDN uses a pay-as-you-go (PAYG) model with no minimum commitments, making it accessible for small to medium-sized businesses. Pricing is based on data transfer and requests, though specific per-GB rates are not publicly listed. A free trial is available for testing the service. For detailed pricing, visit https://www.transparentcdn.com/pricing.
Integrations & DevEx
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The API-first design supports integration with developer workflows, offering programmatic access to configuration and analytics. Real-time logs are available through the Transparent Edge dashboard, aiding in performance monitoring. The provider does not support Terraform or other Infrastructure-as-Code tools, and no SDKs or CI/CD integrations are documented. Migration tools are not explicitly offered, but the API simplifies onboarding for developers familiar with programmatic setups.
When it fits
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- Small to medium-sized e-businesses needing cost-effective CDN services with simple integration.
- Websites prioritizing image optimization and real-time analytics for performance monitoring.
- Developers seeking an API-first CDN for programmatic control and global content delivery.
When it doesn’t
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- Enterprises requiring advanced edge computing, serverless functions, or key-value storage.
- Businesses focused on video streaming, needing VOD, live streaming, or HLS/DASH packaging.
- Organizations needing robust security features like WAF, bot mitigation, or rate limiting.
History & Notes
StackServices, under its former brand StackPath, was known for its global CDN footprint and developer-friendly features like instant cache purging and real-time analytics. The decision to discontinue CDN services was part of a broader pivot to edge cloud computing, announced after unsuccessful attempts to sell the business over 18 months. Some customers reported service reliability issues prior to the shutdown, which may have influenced the decision to liquidate assets. No revival of the CDN service has been reported, and the focus has fully shifted to other computing services.
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