In the medium run (first 2-5 years) it’s not cheaper.
In the short run? Buying Linode gave them a foothold in the market. Creating it from scratch, would have taken months (or even years) to be able to make the first offer, and years until they built a reputation that would attract customers.
But they are starting with a customer base, some of which have been with Linode for over a decade. Way easier and faster to build reputation from that as a starting point. (And also already cash flow positive and profitable, ignoring the purchase=setup cost)
Exactly, we are happy client for more than 14 years. And don't plan to move if they keep what Linode was good at. I mean when it is setup, except extremely rare migrations, you forget about it.
Yeah, but that's the big if, isn't it? Once they enact changes which require action on your part (sunsetting services, changing prices, ...), you'll probably move, or at least seriously consider it.
I think that's a lot of the point here. They won't be starting with that customer base if most of that customer base leaves because of these changes (which I think a significant portion of them may).
Yes, as I recall, when Rackspace ruined Slicehost, a lot of people moved to Linode. I am guessing the same thing is likely to happen to Linode now. I'm just not sure if there is as clear a choice for a new company as it seemed to be when a lot of people moved from Slicehost to Linode.
I think these acquisitions are partly about the customer base and infrastructure but I believe a big part is getting the staff - existing functional highly skilled.
In the medium run (first 2-5 years) it’s not cheaper.
In the short run? Buying Linode gave them a foothold in the market. Creating it from scratch, would have taken months (or even years) to be able to make the first offer, and years until they built a reputation that would attract customers.