It continues to surprise me how (why?) Netflix builds their infrastructure on their #1 competitors platform. They're basically funding Amazon Prime. They're undoubtedly smart, so they must have a lot of incentive in doing so.
And just because Netflix uses servers (hardware) hosted through AWS doesn't mean that they don't have plenty of proprietary in house tech (software) that powers their service. An example of such would be Open Connect (https://openconnect.itp.netflix.com/) their CDN built on top of FreeBSD and Nginx (https://www.nginx.com/blog/why-netflix-chose-nginx-as-the-he...).
But beyond software, content licensing and content creation are also major distinguishing factors in the streaming video space.
It is remarkable, but not uncommon.
In fact all of their mobile CPUs except A8/A8X and A9X are fabricated by Samsung [1]. Lately they are also increasingly using Taiwan Semiconductor.
[1] see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_mobile_application_proce... and linked "Main article" pages e.g. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_A9
One reason to host your service on a competitor's platform is if you intend to be purchased by that competitor. It brings your technology portfolio in alignment with theirs and makes the integration of the two platforms after acquisition easier.
"What should I go with? AWS or Azure/Google/Whomever? Wait, Netflix runs entirely on AWS... I use Netflix, my daughter uses Netflix, I've never experienced Netflix downtime..."
...sure, maybe your entire reasoning for picking AWS wouldn't be because of Netflix. But it's like a poster child. If Netflix trusts AWS, why shouldn't you?
> Cloud features and APIs should be a commodity not a differentiator
> ...
> We would prefer to be an insignificant customer in a giant cloud.
it makes me wonder if Netflix gets any "special deals" that any other corporation/consumer couldn't get, or if anything has been done at the hardware level specifically for Netflix.
I.e., I wonder if they ended up building a data center that they would have needed anyway, but made it the "Netflix datacenter," even if no one else would ever know it.
For example, here in the netherlands, you have one major IX, the AMS-IX; if they were to rent a suite there, put some metal and hire a few engineers, they could supply most of western europe from there; I can imagine for some of these locations, it would make sense cost wise; on the other hand, if they are profitable like this, why take on the extra distractions of HR, failing hardware, etc. (which is probably why Netflix doesn't do the above...)
Furthermore, it's actually a benefit to the marketplace! It forces Netflix to differentiate it's product to retain customers/marketshare.
Don't outsource your infrastructure to 3rd parties (especially competitors) just to save few dollars in the short term. Have control of your assets.
[1] https://techcrunch.com/2015/03/27/slack-got-hacked/That applies to you and me. Amazon will not ban Netflix randomly. If anything unexpected happens, I'm sure Netflix guys have direct contact to either people dedicated to servicing them, or appropriate level of Amazon management. They're also unlikely to have the same contract/access as you and me.
Best just to use the best tools for the job (and us customers get to reap the rewards of that funding with great TV shows!)