Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Akamai VS CloudLinux

Compare Akamai VS CloudLinux and see what are their differences

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Akamai logo Akamai

Akamai is the leading content delivery network (CDN) services provider for media and software delivery, and cloud security solutions.

CloudLinux logo CloudLinux

Making Linux secure, stable, and profitable for thousands of hosting providers and data centers worldwide.
  • Akamai Landing page
    Landing page //
    2018-10-10
  • CloudLinux Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-08-27

Akamai features and specs

  • Global Reach
    Akamai has a vast network of servers distributed globally, ensuring low-latency and high-speed content delivery anywhere in the world.
  • Performance Optimization
    Through advanced caching and robust infrastructure, Akamai enhances website and application performance, making them load faster and work more efficiently.
  • Security Features
    Akamai provides extensive security solutions including Web Application Firewalls (WAF), DDoS protection, and bot management to keep online properties secure.
  • Scalability
    Akamai can handle large amounts of traffic, making it ideal for businesses that experience high seasonal surges or rapid growth in user activity.
  • Comprehensive Analytics
    Akamai offers detailed analytics and reporting tools to track performance, user interactions, and security threats, helping businesses make data-driven decisions.

Possible disadvantages of Akamai

  • Cost
    Services from Akamai can be expensive, particularly for small to medium-sized businesses or startups with limited budgets.
  • Complexity
    Implementing and managing Akamai's solutions can be complex and may require specialized knowledge or trained personnel.
  • Vendor Lock-In
    Once integrated deeply into Akamai's ecosystem, switching to another service provider can be challenging and resource-intensive.
  • Support
    While Akamai does offer support, some customers have reported that the response times and level of assistance provided can be inconsistent.
  • Initial Setup Time
    The initial setup and configuration process can be time-consuming, requiring a significant investment of time and resources before fully realizing the benefits.

CloudLinux features and specs

  • Enhanced Server Stability
    CloudLinux uses its lightweight virtualization technology (LVE) to isolate each tenant on a shared hosting server, preventing any single user from consuming excessive resources and crashing the server for everyone else. This ensures consistent uptime and performance.
  • Improved Security with HardenedPHP and KernelCare
    CloudLinux offers HardenedPHP, which patches old and unsupported PHP versions against known vulnerabilities, and KernelCare, which provides live kernel patching without requiring server reboots. These features significantly enhance server security posture.
  • Resource Limit Management
    Administrators can set granular resource limits (CPU, memory, I/O, number of processes, etc.) per user account using LVE Manager. This makes it easy to manage shared hosting environments and ensure fair resource distribution among tenants.
  • CageFS File System Virtualization
    CageFS creates a virtualized file system for each user, preventing them from seeing other users on the server, viewing sensitive configuration files, or exploiting server vulnerabilities. This adds an important layer of isolation and security.
  • Wide Compatibility with Hosting Panels
    CloudLinux integrates seamlessly with popular hosting control panels such as cPanel, Plesk, and DirectAdmin, making it straightforward for hosting providers to adopt without overhauling their existing infrastructure or workflows.

Possible disadvantages of CloudLinux

  • Additional Licensing Cost
    CloudLinux requires a paid monthly or annual license on top of the base server cost. For smaller hosting providers or individual server owners, this additional expense can add up and may not always be justifiable compared to free alternatives.
  • Limited to CentOS/RHEL-Based Systems
    CloudLinux is built on top of RHEL/CentOS and does not support other Linux distributions like Ubuntu or Debian. This limits its adoption for hosting providers who prefer or already run non-RHEL-based environments.
  • Learning Curve for Configuration
    While CloudLinux provides powerful resource management tools, properly configuring LVE limits, CageFS, PHP Selector, and other features requires a solid understanding of the platform. Misconfiguration can lead to users being unnecessarily restricted or resources being poorly allocated.
  • Potential Performance Overhead
    The additional layers of virtualization, resource monitoring, and file system isolation introduced by CloudLinux can impose a slight performance overhead on the server compared to running a bare, unmodified Linux distribution without these controls.
  • Dependency on CloudLinux Ecosystem
    Adopting CloudLinux means relying on their ecosystem for kernel updates, PHP patches, and security fixes. If the company experiences delays in releasing patches or changes its pricing/licensing model, hosting providers may find themselves locked into a dependency that is difficult to migrate away from.

Analysis of Akamai

Overall verdict

  • Yes, Akamai is generally considered a good choice, especially for businesses seeking robust and reliable CDN and cybersecurity solutions.

Why this product is good

  • Akamai is one of the largest and most established Content Delivery Network (CDN) providers, with a vast global presence and a strong reputation for performance and reliability.
  • In addition to CDN services, Akamai offers comprehensive cloud security solutions, including DDoS protection, web application firewalls, and bot management, making it a popular choice for businesses concerned about cybersecurity.
  • Akamai's advanced analytics and optimization tools help businesses enhance their content delivery and improve user experiences.
  • The company's infrastructure is designed to provide fast and consistent performance, reducing latency and ensuring quick load times for websites and applications.
  • Akamai is known for its customer service and technical support, which can be crucial for businesses that require dependable assistance and personalized solutions.

Recommended for

  • Large enterprises and e-commerce platforms that require scalable and reliable content delivery solutions.
  • Businesses facing frequent security threats and in need of robust cloud security services.
  • Global companies looking to improve website and application performance for their users worldwide.
  • Organizations that need detailed analytics to optimize their content distribution and digital experiences.

Analysis of CloudLinux

Overall verdict

  • CloudLinux is a well-regarded, mature Linux OS distribution and toolset specifically designed for shared hosting and multi-tenant server environments, offering strong isolation, resource management, and security features that make it a solid choice for hosting providers.

Why this product is good

  • Provides LVE (Lightweight Virtual Environment) technology for per-tenant resource isolation, preventing 'bad neighbor' effects on shared servers
  • Enhances server stability and security by isolating users so that one account's issues (crashes, resource spikes) don't affect others
  • Offers extended lifecycle support (longer than standard CentOS/RHEL support windows), which is valuable for legacy systems
  • Includes tools like CloudLinux OS Shield, Imunify360 integration, and hardened kernel options for improved security
  • Compatible with popular control panels like cPanel and Plesk, making it easy to integrate into existing hosting stacks
  • Backed by an established company with a long track record in the hosting industry and responsive support
  • Offers granular control over CPU, memory, I/O, and other resources per user account
  • Provides PHP Selector and multiple PHP version support, useful for hosting providers serving diverse client needs

Recommended for

  • Web hosting companies running shared or reseller hosting environments
  • Hosting providers needing to isolate customer accounts on the same physical server
  • Businesses requiring extended OS support lifecycles beyond standard RHEL/CentOS EOL dates
  • Enterprises using cPanel or Plesk that want tighter security and resource control
  • Hosting companies looking to reduce support tickets caused by noisy-neighbor resource contention
  • IT teams managing multi-tenant infrastructure who need governance and monitoring tools built into the OS layer

Akamai videos

The Brew Gentlemen Akamai (Best PA DIPA!) Review Ep. #870

More videos:

  • Review - EBBB: Brew Gentlemen Akamai (Best IPA out of PA?!) - Review #343
  • Review - Akamai Year in Review

CloudLinux videos

When To Use Cloudlinux On Your Virtual Private Server (VPS)

More videos:

  • Review - CloudLinux OS+ in a minute: Explore Features
  • Review - How CloudLinux Plans to Keep CentOS 6 Alive

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Akamai and CloudLinux)
CDN
100 100%
0% 0
Hosting
0 0%
100% 100
Cloud Computing
100 100%
0% 0
Cloud Hosting
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Akamai and CloudLinux

Akamai Reviews

8 Best Cloudflare Alternatives (Free + Premium)
However, being a large CDN provider, Akamai may be somewhat restrictive and less flexible than smaller ones. Unlike Cloudflare, Akamai does not have a free plan, and their pricing is given only upon consultation. That said, if you have ample money in your pockets, Akamai could be the best Cloudflare alternative.
Source: hostscore.net
The 7 Best Content-Delivery-Network Providers
At Akamai product safety, web performance, media delivery, network operator and services are the focus. The globally distributed Intelligent Edge platform provides servers in over 130 countries. The tool keeps attacks and threats at bay and according to the company, particularly offers decisions, applications and experiences close to the user.
Source: omr.com
Top 15 Cloudflare Alternatives: A Complete Guide
Akamai is one of the oldest and largest CDN providers in the world, with over 300,000 servers in 130 countries. Akamai offers a comprehensive suite of CDN solutions, including web and mobile performance, media delivery, cloud security, edge computing, and enterprise networking. Let's explore its pros and cons:
Introduction to Cloudflare Alternatives In 2021
Akamai is among the biggest and rather popular CDN (material shipment networks) and cloud service providers around the world. It serves throughout 20-30 percent of network traffics. A lot of persuading services provides resemble stopping DDoS attacks and content delivery speeds that makes it better than any other alternatives & makes it a leading concern after Cloudflare....
10 Top Cloudflare Alternatives for Your Website
Akamai is one of the largest and best-known CDNs and cloud services provider in the world, and is believed to be responsible for serving between 15 to 30-percent of all web-traffic. If stopping DDoS attacks and optimizing content delivery speed are at the top of your list of priorities, this is the service that youโ€™ll need to seriously look at. Thatโ€™s because the companyโ€™s...
Source: beebom.com

CloudLinux Reviews

We have no reviews of CloudLinux yet.
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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Akamai seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 2 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Akamai mentions (2)

CloudLinux mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of CloudLinux yet. Tracking of CloudLinux recommendations started around Mar 2021.

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Akamai and CloudLinux, you can also consider the following products

CloudFlare - Cloudflare is a global network designed to make everything you connect to the Internet secure, private, fast, and reliable.

Amazon CloudFront - Amazon CloudFront is a content delivery web service.

KeyCDN - KeyCDN is a high-performance Content Delivery Network (CDN). Lowest price globally at $0.04/GB with HTTP/2 Support and free Origin Shield.

CDN77 - Content Delivery Network - website speed acceleration with CDN77. 28+ PoPs, Pay-as-you-go prices, no commitments.

Fastly - Real-time CDN

Sucuri - Website Protection, Malware Removal, and Blacklist Prevention