Overview

OnApp is not a traditional CDN acceleration provider but a CDN infrastructure software platform. Its core product is a complete CDN software stack that hosting providers, telecom operators, and enterprises can use to build and operate their own CDN services, covering node deployment, traffic routing, billing, and customer control panels. This white-label model lets providers without in-house development quickly launch their own branded CDN products.

Founded in 2002 (formerly Layered Technologies) and headquartered in London, OnApp serves over 100 provider customers with nodes across 60+ countries, handling hundreds of billions of requests daily.

Key Strengths

  • White-label CDN platform: A complete branded CDN management platform that hosting providers can resell under their own brand without heavy R&D investment.
  • Full-stack coverage: Node management, traffic routing, cache rules, SSL, WAF, real-time stats, API, and billing, with HTTP/3, Brotli, and image optimization; see the CDN cache optimization practices.
  • Flexible deployment: Public, private, and hybrid cloud, either on OnApp's global shared network or dedicated nodes in owned data centers.
  • Mature partner ecosystem: Global channel, systems integrator, and technology partners providing full lifecycle support.
  • Deep cloud-management synergy: Also offers a cloud management system (CMS) to manage cloud servers and CDN on one platform.

Product Ecosystem

CDN Control Platform

Full CDN operations view: node status, traffic trends, cache hit reports, and security event alerts, with sub-accounts for granular permission and self-service. Smart DNS routing uses GeoIP and Anycast to reach the nearest edge; the cache rule engine supports file type, URL, header, cookie, and query parameter conditions with priority orchestration.

CDN Software Stack

  • Edge cache servers: high-performance HTTP engine with SSD and memory caching; hierarchical cache for origin offload per the CDN beginner's guide
  • Origin pull and pre-fetch: Pull and Pre-fetch modes, effective for large traffic events (launches, flash sales)
  • Security suite: basic DDoS, WAF rules, IP allow/deny lists, and CC protection
  • SSL/TLS management: Let's Encrypt auto-renewal, custom and wildcard certs per CDN SSL/TLS best practices

Billing and Customer Management

Built-in billing supporting traffic, peak bandwidth, and request-based models with prepaid/postpaid settlement; providers can define their own pricing plans.

API and Edge Computing

RESTful API covers config, cache purge, stats, and node management for automated deployment and custom control panels, with metrics export to Prometheus and Datadog; Edge Functions (JavaScript/WebAssembly) enable rewriting, A/B testing, custom auth, and personalization, aligning with the edge-computing CDN convergence.

Limitations

  • Not a direct CDN service: End users cannot buy CDN bandwidth directly; they must use a provider's OnApp-based CDN or build their own platform.
  • High deployment and maintenance complexity: Compared with Cloudflare or Bunny CDN, running your own platform needs technical investment and ops teams.
  • Higher initial investment: License or subscription costs can exceed direct CDN procurement for small early-stage providers; evaluate TCO per the CDN cost optimization guide.
  • Limited Chinese localization: English product with English-first docs and support.
  • Scale gap vs majors: As a software platform, network scale depends on provider-deployed nodes, smaller than Akamai's 4100+ nodes or Cloudflare's 330+ cities.

Use Cases

  • Hosting providers adding CDN (★★★★★): Launch own-brand CDN quickly without building from scratch.
  • Telecom operators building edge networks (★★★★): Monetize existing infrastructure with the OnApp stack via hybrid cloud.
  • Enterprise private CDN (★★★★): Deploy OnApp in owned data centers for secure internal content delivery.
  • Cloud providers adding value (★★★★): Add CDN value-added services to raise ARPU and stickiness.
  • Individual developers / direct CDN buyers (★★): Use Cloudflare, Bunny CDN, or KeyCDN instead.

Pricing

Item Description Range
Software License Per nodes or traffic Custom quote
Subscription Monthly/annual Custom quote
Deployment Services Professional services Custom quote
Node Hosting Owned or shared nodes Custom quote

OnApp uses subscription or license pricing that varies by deployment scale and configuration; contact sales for a custom quote.

FAQ

  • Is OnApp a CDN provider? No, OnApp is CDN software; end users buy CDN through OnApp-based providers or build their own platform; see the CDN provider selection guide.
  • Which deployment options are supported? Public, private, and hybrid cloud, either on the global shared network or dedicated nodes in owned data centers; see the website CDN setup guide.
  • How does it integrate with existing systems? RESTful API covers config/purge/stats/node management with monitoring integration (Prometheus, Datadog); see CDN log analysis and monitoring.
  • Is it suitable for individual developers? No; individuals and small sites should use Cloudflare or Bunny CDN.
  • What is the advantage over traditional CDNs? The white-label model—providers launch and operate their own branded CDN with full-stack capability—suits providers, operators, and enterprise private CDNs; see the CDN comparison.