History of PowerDNS: 1999-2003 - Bert Hubert's writings
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- PowerDNS was launched during the dot com boom, initially to create geographical load balancing DNS software for V3's redirection service.
- The early PowerDNS version, called AhuDNS, was a closed-source C++ project with modular database backends, replacing a djbdns prototype.
- PowerDNS shared offices with ZEP Holding in The Hague, moving to a former embassy building that was slated for demolition.
- The main business opportunity was fulfilling the need for database-driven DNS, as BIND scaled poorly and relied on text-based zone files.
- PowerDNS struggled with sales because its pitch threatened sysadmins' jobs, and it failed to connect with senior management.
- After downsizing due to lack of revenue, PowerDNS open-sourced its software under GPLv2, which kept it alive despite company struggles.
- Key employees included Stefan Arentz (logo designer), Floor Plikaar, Hartger Ruijs, and Michel Stol (Windows port), but not all hires were successful.
- PowerDNS 1.0 failed due to lack of strategic vision and inability to attract talent for telecom market, while competitors like Infoblox and Nominum succeeded.