Akamai is transitioning to a generational model for compute plans—a structured way of naming and organizing plans that reflects the underlying hardware generation powering each plan. For example, if you see plans labeled G6, G7, and G8, the G8 label immediately tells you it's the newest generation in that family. This model makes it easier to understand how a plan fits into Akamai’s hardware lifecycle: which processor architecture it uses, how it compares to earlier generations, and what performance characteristics to expect. It also gives Akamai a consistent framework for evolving the plans lineup over time, ensuring that new hardware generations can be introduced cleanly while existing workloads remain stable.

Why generations matter

A generational model offers several benefits that make it easier to understand your options and plan for the future.

Predictable, transparent performance

Generational naming clearly signals the processor generation behind each plan. This helps you understand the performance profile you’re choosing, based on the capabilities of that specific hardware generation.

Clarity in comparison and resource planning

Because each generation maps directly to a known hardware baseline, comparing tiers becomes simpler and more meaningful. You can evaluate plans with a clear understanding of how performance evolves from one generation to the next.

Right-sized compute

Generational tiers make it easy to align compute performance with your current application requirements. They also provide a predictable upgrade path as your needs evolve and new hardware generations become available.

What's changing

We're updating how compute plans are named and organized. Here's what that means:

• Plan names will include a generation number, such as G6, G7, or G8.
• Each generation aligns with a specific hardware cycle.
• Higher numbers indicate newer generations in the hardware lineup.
• Existing plan families remain in place: Shared CPU, Dedicated CPU, High Memory, GPU, and Accelerated.
• Premium CPU plans are now offered as G7 Dedicated plans within the Dedicated CPU family. Customers who already have Premium CPU plans will continue to see these plans billed as "Premium CPU".