Stratechery Cloudflare on the Edge
May 11, 2021
Matthew Prince, Co-founder and CEO of Cloudflare, dives into the fascinating landscape of internet infrastructure. He discusses Cloudflare's growth and its role in enhancing website speed and security for businesses. The conversation highlights the innovative Cloudflare Workers, allowing for customized applications at the network's edge. Prince also tackles the clash between centralized cloud computing and emerging edge computing, alongside the challenges posed by data sovereignty and global tech standards. A must-listen for anyone interested in the future of the internet!
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Steady Plane
- Matthew Prince shared an investor's advice: running a company is like flying a plane.
- Keep the wheel steady, nose up, and maintain the aircraft, ensuring consistent execution.
Democratizing Internet Tools
- Cloudflare's core value proposition was to provide Internet giants' performance and security tools to everyone.
- They made these tools ridiculously easy to use, requiring only a simple DNS change.
Disruption from Below
- Matthew Prince used Clayton Christensen's "Innovator's Dilemma" to explain Cloudflare's competitive advantage.
- Large incumbents struggle to compete with companies that disrupt from below.
