Last year, Akamai bought industry pioneer Linode, with the intent of integrating the virtual server provider into its global network of cloud computing services.
Today Akamai announced that the Linode brand is being retired:
Over the next few months, you’ll notice some cosmetic changes to your Linode experience — such as seeing the Akamai logo where the Linode logo appeared.
Not that surprising, really. Linode has some brand history but it’s not like they’re some high-value mark. Indeed, Linode is mostly a story of missed opportunities.
How Linode Lost Its Mojo
In the early 2000s, Linode was a bit unique. They were more expensive but had a reputation for stability, a much nicer panel, and an API. Early on, they released new features regularly – many of which are common today. Sure, at the end of the day, you’re just buying a VM and there’s nothing magical about a Linode VM compared to a million other providers. But the panel, features, and experience was superior and they hardly ever went down.
But then Linode started to lag. While others’ pricing began to drop, they kept their price points for years. They were always the last one to lower prices, even after they bordered on the absurd.
In the early 2010s, they suffered a series of hacking attacks that seemed like it would never stop: first a bunch of people’s Bitcoin wallets were stolen, then their ColdFusion web server was hacked (who was still using ColdFusion in 2013?!?), and then there were massive DDoS attacks. By 2015, Linode’s reputation was tarnished.
Meanwhile, Digital Ocean was founded in 2011. Others (Vultr, Amazon Sail, etc.) soon followed and suddenly Linode was no longer special. Their panel looked dated, other providers had more features and POPs, and Linode could no longer point to a credibly superior reputation of reliability.
It seems like Linode at some point stopped investing in their business and put it on cruise control, while younger, hungrier competitors stepped up and ate their lunch.
RIP, Linode
And now they’re gone.
Sure, if you’re an Akamai customer I’m sure your VM will still work and if you want another they’ll be happy to take your order.
But you know how these things go. At first, the acquirer makes a lot of pretty promises about how much they believe in their acquired’s vision and how nothing will ever change. But over time, the things that make Linode unique will be sandpapered away in favor of “the Akamai way” – it’s an inevitable cultural takeover.
Are you an Linode customer? Planning to stay or go? Please us let know in the comments below!
By the way, if you’re looking for some alternatives, you might enjoy our recent video on $1/month VPS systems. You’ll be surprised what you can do with them!
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I also enjoy using LEBs! I have an empire of little guys for VPNs, larger guys for apps, and big guys for databases and storage. When I'm not in front a screen I'm into German Shepherd dogs, quality knives, target shooting, theology, tabletop roleplaying games, and forest hiking.
I enjoy writing technical articles here on LowEndBox to help people get more out of their systems. You can find me on LowEndTalk @raindog308
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Well. I am using linode and seems to work fine. I will give them a chance I hope the corporative akamai doesnt f*ck things and understand that that the future is getting final and real users to the services they are offering. That means thinking in the medium and small companies not just the big ones… More simple, I am web designer not a fancy developer. A small company CANNOT and WILL NOT pay more than 300 bucks (being really possitive) for a site that is not sure if will give them a decent ROI.
I use Linode to run htmlvalidator.com. Used them for years. I don’t plan on going anywhere unless they do something to make me want to move.
no! there is no evidence! this has to be a fuckin lie!
Long-time Linode client of 10+ years. The service has remained reliable and I wasn’t planning to leave. But my site was attacked and Linode customer service threw me and my site under the bus. Short-term notice to remove sites that have been on their service for years. Their decision is final. No extension of time limit to find alternate hosting. They even cut off the site earlier than warned.
Yes, it’s just business, but don’t count on Linode / Akamai to have your back or defend a long-time, good customer.
Linode will go nowhere it just Akamai bought them they may only retire the brand all services will migrate to Akamai.
Agree
And they are still VERY actively sponsoring IT YouTube videos.
This entire article is full of crap. LOL!! This guy gets his fact from a cereal box, clearly you don’t have your facts correct. Linode has really great pricing and it’s actually a reason why people pick the platform. Alongside the great Support team, it’s a great place to run a business.
You’re also just giving an unfounded ignorant opinion that we didn’t invest. The business was seeing growth year after year but you me explaining the details is irrelevant.
Yes, the brand is gone, but the heart of the business is still there.
I’m a fairly new Linode customer and ended up there due to YouTube sponsorships. I’ve been impressed with the service. Akamai is a great company… I’m OK with the change.
As long as pricing stays the same I’m OK with the change.
But do you think the price really will stay the same?
Linode was/is a classic brand. Sort of sad, in a way, to see it go the way of the doodoo bird.
Hopefully the technology, staff, etc, all continue on with a promising future.
Very easy, if they price increases, then time shift to a different one. It’s that simple.
How many VPS services do you have from Linode?
And here comes the price rise – announced today for Apr 1st.