Overview

Instart Logic was a content delivery network (CDN) provider that specialized in accelerating web and mobile application performance through endpoint-aware technology. Founded in 2010 and headquartered in Palo Alto, California, it served clients like Neiman Marcus and Kate Spade, focusing on optimizing content delivery and online advertising. The company was acquired by Akamai in February 2020, and its operations have since been fully integrated, rendering Instart Logic defunct as a standalone entity.

Sunset timeline

  • 2010: Instart Logic founded to improve web and mobile application delivery speeds.
  • 2016: Acquired Kwicr, a mobile app accelerator, to enhance its technology offerings.
  • 2018: Rebranded from Instart Logic to Instart, reflecting a focus on its Digital Experience Cloud.
  • February 2020: Akamai acquired Instart Logic’s customer contracts and select intellectual property, transitioning customers to Akamai’s platform.
  • 2020: Instart Logic ceased operations as a standalone entity post-acquisition.

Migration guidance

Customers still using legacy Instart Logic services should migrate immediately, as the platform is no longer operational. Akamai, the acquirer, is the primary recommended alternative, offering robust CDN capabilities with global reach, advanced security (WAF, DDoS protection), and image optimization. Other alternatives include Cloudflare for developer-centric features or Fastly for edge compute and real-time logs. Check with Akamai for specific migration paths from Instart’s technology.

History & Notes

Instart Logic was a notable CDN player, raising $167 million across multiple funding rounds from investors like Andreessen Horowitz and Kleiner Perkins. Its Digital Experience Cloud used AI and machine learning to optimize content delivery, particularly for e-commerce and media companies. The 2020 acquisition by Akamai included customer contracts and IP, primarily to enhance Akamai’s page integrity solutions. No official EOL notice remains publicly accessible, but Akamai’s press release confirms the transition (https://www.akamai.com/newsroom/press-release/akamai-technologies-acquires-customers-and-select-intellectual-property-from-instart).