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When it comes to delivering the cloud services we all enjoy be it Facebook, Google, Amazon, or Netflix, what always impresses me is the technology behind the scenes.
Case in point: Intequus’s custom servers for Netflix.
In their press release, Intequus offers some unique insights to not only Netflix’s architecture, but the growing sentiment among cloud providers to shift from big brand servers and storage to solutions from little-known companies that specialize in server and storage customization using off-the-shelf commodity parts at attractive prices and with the support and logistics cloud service providers demand.
What does this say about the opportunities for custom system builders in the channel?
It says the cloud is ripe for growth, and Intequus is seizing the opportunity by offering what they have established as their core competency through years of specialization and customization in the channel. If a large cloud company like Netflix is an example of this trend, do we expect to see a resurgence of the “white-box” server market in the years ahead?
I say yes – without a doubt.
The reason is that many cloud providers know exactly what they want, what they need – especially the larger players that have invested in cloud architects, software developers, and technical talent. This is obvious with the likes of Google and Facebook given their proprietary file systems and software stacks. If these guys know what it takes to deliver their cloud services in the most cost efficient manner, what value would a big brand name offer them? Some argue none, hence the movement to flexible system builders like Intequus.
But, in many cases, smaller cloud providers won’t have the ability make such investments in architects, developers, and technicians. Instead, they will continue to rely on the services and solutions the big brands provide. This is where the battle will begin. With the rise of OpenStack, and the emphasis placed on the cloud by traditional channel suppliers like Intel and Seagate, as well as new cloud software companies expansion into the channel, it’s just a matter of time before the architects, developers, and technical talent are at the disposal of the smaller cloud providers. When this happens, and it has already started, companies like Intequus are in position for growth.
Kudos to Intequus for recognizing the opportunity and sticking to their core competency, and kudos to Netflix for recognizing less well-known brands like Intequus to take their cloud services to the next level.
They’re one of the more interesting stories to watch in the cloud space…
even if they are “behind the scenes.”
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[…] Behind the scenes of Netflix there’s Intequus […]