If rumors are to be believed then we might see Apple build its own content delivery network (CDN) soon.
According to Dan Rayburn, principal analyst at business consulting firm Frost & Sullivan, the iPhone 5S maker is up with plans of building its own content delivery network to deliver apps, software updates, and iTunes content to its consumers.
Though details are very limited at this point of time, Raybun said that Apple has already begun working on its network building process. The company has hired many people, all with a deep background in building out large-scale networks. These employees have been made part of a new group, formed inside Apple last year, which has been allotted the task associated with building out of a new CDN for external use.
It’s still not clear what type of content Apple’s network will deliver, what areas it will service, and other related factors, said Rayburn.
Apple currently relies on Akamai Technologies and Level 3 Communications for hosting its content including apps, iTunes video, and software updates for its iOS and OS X platforms. Reports suggest Apple spent more than $100 million with Akamai for content delivery and professional services.
The news of Apple aiming to take content hosting control under its own roof comes just months after Akamai announced that they were in contract renegotiation with their largest media customer and that the negotiation would complete in the last quarter or the current one.
Apple’s decision would not only result in better service for customers, but will also allow the iPad maker to exert even more control over its products.
Rayburn said that “Right now they control the entire customer experience, except for the way content is delivered to their devices.”
“Since Apple does not own the last mile they won’t be able to have complete control, but having their own CDN would give them more control and security than they have now.”
Apple is yet to comment anything on the matter.
