NS1 EC-1 - Overview & Specifications

The Critical Role of Software and the Evolution of Internet Infrastructure

The current demands placed on software are exceptionally high. Trillions of dollars in market capitalization, billions of users globally, and substantial revenue streams, alongside continuous usage, all rely on software functioning flawlessly in real time, without interruption.

As software delivery methods have become increasingly sophisticated, each component of the technology stack has undergone significant revisions. This rapid evolution has spurred the emergence of numerous multi-billion dollar startups and several prominent initial public offerings.

Understanding the Domain Name System (DNS)

Today’s focus is on a fundamental pillar supporting the internet: the Domain Name System, or DNS. This system serves as the essential addressing mechanism, connecting browsers, users, devices, and servers. When you enter “www.techcrunch.com” into your browser, DNS locates the corresponding address and directs routers and switches worldwide to connect to the appropriate server and deliver data back to you.

Unlike traditional physical addresses, DNS addressing has experienced considerable innovation in recent years. Capabilities such as traffic management, performance optimization, and cost control have transformed DNS from a simple directory into a crucial layer for ensuring the reliability of all internet software, while simultaneously safeguarding financial performance.

NS1: A Leader in DNS Innovation

NS1 stands out as a company that has successfully leveraged expertise in internet infrastructure to build a world-class engineering organization. Based in New York City, the startup has secured over $100 million in funding as it establishes a strategic position at the heart of modern web delivery technology.

The company is experiencing substantial growth, currently serving 760 customers – an increase from 600 a year prior – with year-over-year bookings growing at a rate exceeding triple digits.

How did this company revitalize a previously stagnant, yet dependable, aspect of the internet and transform it into a competitive advantage and a valuable enterprise solution? What insights can be gleaned about the future of enterprise infrastructure from a leading innovator in the field? These are the questions this analysis seeks to answer.

EC-1 Contributors

This EC-1 report was primarily authored by Sean Michael Kerner. Kerner has covered the IT and enterprise infrastructure sectors for over a decade as a technology journalist (known as @TechJournalist on Twitter). Notably, he also possesses a working knowledge of the Klingon language, an interesting detail we wished to share.

Danny Crichton served as the lead editor, with assistance from assistant editor Ram Iyer, copy editor Richard Dal Porto, and illustrations by Nigel Sussman.

It is important to note that NS1 had no influence over the content of this analysis and was not granted advance access. Kerner has no financial connections to NS1 and has disclosed no conflicts of interest.

EC-1 Report Overview

The NS1 EC-1 consists of four main articles totaling 10,300 words, with an estimated reading time of 41 minutes. The report will cover the following:

• Part 1: Origin Story “1 napkin and 22 lines of code, or how NS1 rewrote the rules of internet infrastructure” (2,700 words/11 minutes) – Provides the background of NS1’s business and explains the importance of DNS, the technology underpinning NS1’s services.
• Part 2: Product Development and Roadmap “WTF is NS1? It’s DNS, DDI, and maybe other TLAs” (2,700 words/11 minutes) – Examines NS1’s products, its future vision, and its contributions through NS1 Labs.
• Part 3: Competitive Landscape “The fight for the future of DNS is white hot” (2,300 words/9 minutes) – Assesses NS1’s competitive position within a market populated by large, well-funded technology companies and established industry players.
• Part 4: Customer Development “Outages, pandemics and the reengineering of traffic on the internet” (2,600 words/10 minutes) – Investigates how companies such as Roblox and Pinterest have adapted their networking infrastructure to accommodate rapid growth and increasing demands for reliability.

We are continually refining the EC-1 format. Feedback, questions, or suggestions are welcome and can be sent to TechCrunch Managing Editor Danny Crichton at danny@techcrunch.com.