Free Egress and Operations with Object Storage Changes Everything for Image Optimization

When evaluating object storage for image-heavy applications, most developers focus on storage costs per GB. But there's another cost that can make or break your project's economics: operations fees, and more specifically, reads. Fastly Object Storage eliminates this barrier by waiving operations fees, simplifying pricing, and creating new possibilities when combined with Fastly Image Optimizer.

The Hidden Cost of Image Operations

Modern image optimization with Fastly Image Optimizer is about dynamic transformation, caching, and delivery. Every time your application serves an optimized image through Fastly's platform, it involves multiple operations:

• Real-time format conversions (WebP, AVIF) via Image Optimizer

• Dynamic resizing and cropping for responsive design

• Caching across Fastly's edge network

• Performance analytics and optimization feedback

For busy e-commerce and publishing sites, these operations can easily generate millions of requests for source images from your origin. At a typical pricing of $0.0004 per 1,000 requests, costs can escalate quickly.

Why Operations Fees Kill Innovation

The real problem isn't just cost, it's how operational fees constrain your optimization strategy. When every read costs money, teams start making suboptimal technical decisions (a downside of a transformation pricing model):

• Avoiding aggressive caching strategies that would improve performance

• Limiting image format options to reduce API calls

• Skipping A/B tests for optimization techniques

• Compromising on responsive image delivery

This creates a false economy where you save a little on operations while potentially losing a lot in conversion rates and the overall user experience.

The Fastly Advantage: Lower TCO with Zero Operations and Egress Costs

Fastly Object Storage changes the game by waiving operations fees for image optimization workflows, which is on top of zero egress fees that are already a core component in its pricing model. Combined with Fastly Image Optimizer, this creates unprecedented TCO freedom:

• Scale Without Fear. Your costs become predictable and linear with storage, not exponential with usage. A viral piece of content won't suddenly spike your infrastructure bill, regardless of how many times Fastly Image Optimizer processes it.

• Optimize Freely. You can implement the best possible image delivery strategy, multiple formats via Image Optimizer, extensive caching across Fastly's edge network, and real-time optimization – without operations cost penalties.

• Iterate Rapidly. Development teams can test different Image Optimizer configurations, measure performance across Fastly's global network, and improve image delivery without worrying about accumulating operations costs during experimentation.

Making the Right Choice

When evaluating object storage for image optimization, don't just compare storage costs per GB. Calculate your expected operations volume and factor in read fees. Fastly Object Storage's zero operations fee model, combined with Image Optimizer's real-time processing capabilities, often delivers significantly lower total cost of ownership while enabling superior performance. The best optimization strategy should be driven by what works for your users, not what minimizes API calls. Fastly's approach aligns perfectly with that philosophy, letting you focus on delivering exceptional image experiences rather than managing operational cost complexity.

Build Faster, Smarter, and without read fees. With Fastly, your best-performing image strategy no longer comes with hidden costs. Eliminate operational costs and scale your image optimization strategy with confidence – ready to get started? (Bonus! If you already have a Fastly account, you can get a trial of IO today!)