9 posts tagged with "infrastructure"

2023 marked one of our most ambitious transitions yet – the migration from AWS to Azure infrastructure. This strategic move, combined with significant improvements to our Reality protocol, has positioned us for a new era of innovation and service excellence.

Azure Migration Success​

The transition to Azure brought significant advantages:

• Enhanced global network coverage
• Improved service reliability
• Better resource optimization
• Advanced security features
• Superior scalability options

Reality Protocol Evolution​

Major improvements to our signature protocol:

• Enhanced obfuscation techniques
• Improved connection stability
• Better censorship resistance
• Reduced latency
• Advanced security features

Infrastructure Transformation​

The Azure migration delivered:

• Expanded global presence
• Better network optimization
• Enhanced DDoS protection
• Improved failover systems
• Advanced monitoring capabilities

Performance Gains​

Significant improvements across platforms:

• 50% faster connection speeds
• Reduced server latency
• Better resource utilization
• Enhanced stability
• Improved streaming performance

Security Enhancements​

Advanced security implementations:

• Enhanced encryption methods
• Improved threat detection
• Better privacy controls
• Advanced leak protection
• Enhanced security policies

User Experience​

Platform-wide improvements:

• Simplified connection process
• Better server selection
• Enhanced settings management
• Improved troubleshooting
• Advanced user controls

Enterprise Solutions​

Enhanced business offerings:

• Advanced team management
• Improved deployment options
• Better resource monitoring
• Enhanced security controls
• Advanced analytics

Looking Forward to 2024​

Key priorities ahead:

• WireGuard protocol integration
• Enhanced mobile experience
• Expanded server network
• Advanced security features
• Improved business solutions

A Personal Note​

The decision to migrate our entire infrastructure to Azure was bold, but necessary. It reminded me of another pivotal moment – our early days when we made crucial decisions that would shape our future. Each major transition in our history has been driven by one question: "How can we better serve our users?"

This year's migration was more than a technical shift; it was a recommitment to excellence. The move to Azure, while challenging, has given us the foundation we need for the next phase of our evolution. Seeing our Reality protocol thrive in this new environment has been particularly satisfying.

What makes this transition especially significant is how it enables us to better serve our diverse user base. From individuals protecting their privacy to enterprises securing their communications, the enhanced capabilities of Azure allow us to provide better service to everyone.

The successful migration while maintaining and improving our Reality protocol showcases something important: our ability to manage major transitions while continuing to innovate. This balance of stability and progress is crucial in our field, where both reliability and innovation are essential.

Our team's dedication during this transition has been extraordinary. Managing a global infrastructure migration while maintaining service quality and enhancing our flagship protocol is no small feat. The results validate our decision and set us up for an exciting future.

To our users who maintained their trust in us during this transition: thank you. Your patience and feedback during the migration have been invaluable. To our team who worked tirelessly to make this transition successful: your dedication to excellence while maintaining our core values has been remarkable.

As we look toward 2024, with WireGuard integration on the horizon, we're excited about the possibilities our new infrastructure enables. In an ever-evolving digital landscape, we remain committed to providing the most secure, reliable, and innovative privacy solutions possible.

Dr. Nima Golsharifi
Founder, OrbVPN

2017 marked a transformative year for OrbVPN with our migration to Spring Boot. This fundamental change in our backend architecture set the stage for improved performance, better scalability, and enhanced service reliability.

Spring Boot Migration​

The decision to migrate to Spring Boot was driven by our need for:

• Enhanced API performance
• Better service scalability
• Improved system reliability
• More robust user management
• Advanced monitoring capabilities

This migration was one of our most significant technical undertakings since our founding, requiring careful planning and execution to ensure uninterrupted service.

Performance Improvements​

The new architecture brought substantial benefits:

• Faster connection times
• Improved API response
• Better resource utilization
• Enhanced system stability
• More efficient user management

Infrastructure Growth​

Our AWS infrastructure expanded further:

• Added new regional servers
• Enhanced network capacity
• Improved global routing
• Better load balancing
• Advanced failover systems

Security Advancements​

We implemented new security features:

• Enhanced encryption methods
• Improved protocol security
• Better traffic obfuscation
• Advanced threat protection
• Enhanced privacy controls

User Experience​

The Spring Boot migration enabled:

• Faster account management
• Improved service reliability
• Better feature deployment
• Enhanced user analytics
• More responsive support

Market Expansion​

We saw growth across various segments:

• Increased business users
• More streaming customers
• Growing privacy-conscious users
• Extended global reach
• Enhanced corporate solutions

Mobile Enhancement​

Mobile improvements continued:

• Better battery optimization
• Enhanced connection stability
• Improved auto-reconnect
• Advanced settings options
• Streamlined interface

Looking Forward​

Our 2018 roadmap includes:

• Further Spring Boot optimization
• New protocol implementations
• Enhanced mobile features
• Expanded server network
• Advanced security measures

A Personal Note​

The migration to Spring Boot represents more than just a technical upgrade – it's an investment in our future ability to serve our users better. The decision to undertake such a significant change wasn't easy, but our commitment to providing the best possible service made it necessary.

The diversity of our user base continues to grow, from individuals protecting their privacy to businesses securing their communications. Each group's unique needs drive us to innovate and improve. The successful migration to Spring Boot gives us the foundation to serve these needs better than ever.

As we close 2017, I'm proud of our team's achievement in completing this crucial transition while maintaining service quality. To our users who experienced this transition seamlessly: your trust in our service motivates us to keep pushing forward with innovations that enhance your online privacy and security.

Dr. Nima Golsharifi
Founder, OrbVPN

2015 has been a year of significant growth and maturation for OrbVPN. With our AWS infrastructure fully established, we focused on expanding our global presence and enhancing our service for users worldwide. The digital privacy landscape has evolved, and so have we.

Global Expansion​

Our AWS infrastructure allowed us to rapidly expand into new regions:

• Enhanced coverage in Asia Pacific
• Expanded European presence
• New locations in South America
• Improved Middle East connectivity
• Better global network distribution

Service Evolution​

We've enhanced our service to meet diverse user needs:

• Optimized streaming capabilities
• Improved gaming connections
• Enhanced business user features
• Better mobile performance
• Advanced security options

Technical Improvements​

Major technical advances this year included:

• Enhanced protocol optimization
• Improved connection stability
• Better speed performance
• Advanced server selection
• Refined load balancing

Security Enhancements​

Privacy remained our cornerstone as we introduced:

• New encryption standards
• Enhanced leak protection
• Improved kill switch functionality
• Better DNS security
• Advanced traffic masking

User Experience​

We focused heavily on making our service more user-friendly:

• Redesigned desktop interfaces
• Enhanced mobile apps
• Simplified server selection
• Better connection statistics
• Improved troubleshooting tools

Business Growth​

This year saw significant growth in our business segment:

• Enhanced team management features
• Improved account management
• Better billing systems
• Advanced reporting tools
• Enhanced support system

Infrastructure Stability​

Our AWS infrastructure proved its worth:

• Achieved 99.95% uptime
• Reduced connection latency
• Improved global routing
• Enhanced backup systems
• Better disaster recovery

Looking Forward​

As we move into 2016, we're focusing on:

• New protocol developments
• Enhanced streaming support
• Improved business features
• Mobile app advancement
• Expanded server network

A Personal Note​

This year has shown us that digital privacy is becoming increasingly important for everyone. From businesses protecting sensitive data to individuals maintaining their personal privacy, the need for reliable VPN services continues to grow.

To our diverse user base: thank you for trusting us with your privacy. Your varied needs and feedback help us create a better service for everyone. As privacy concerns become more mainstream, we remain committed to providing secure, reliable, and accessible privacy tools for all our users.

The digital world is changing rapidly, and with it, the importance of privacy tools grows. We're proud to be part of this evolution, providing the security and privacy features that modern internet users need.

Nima Golsharifi
Founder, OrbVPN

2014 marked a pivotal transition for OrbVPN as we migrated our infrastructure to AWS and significantly expanded our user base. This year showed us that privacy and security aren't just specialist needs – they're fundamental rights that everyone should have access to.

AWS Migration​

The decision to migrate to AWS was driven by our commitment to provide reliable, scalable service to our growing user base. This transition brought:

• Enhanced global reach
• Improved service reliability
• Better scalability
• More robust backup systems

Expanding User Base​

While we maintained our invitation-based system, we saw our service attract users from diverse backgrounds:

• Business professionals
• International travelers
• Remote workers
• Privacy-conscious individuals
• Online security enthusiasts

This diversity helped us understand different privacy needs and use cases, leading to better service for everyone.

Infrastructure Improvements​

The AWS migration allowed us to:

• Deploy servers more rapidly
• Implement better load balancing
• Enhance DDoS protection
• Improve connection speeds
• Optimize global routing

Enhanced Features​

We introduced new features to serve our broader user base:

• Improved server selection algorithms
• Enhanced speed optimization
• Better streaming support
• More flexible connection options
• Advanced user settings

Security Advances​

Our security measures evolved to address diverse needs:

• Enhanced encryption protocols
• Improved leak protection
• Better authentication systems
• Advanced traffic obfuscation

Service Reliability​

The AWS infrastructure brought significant improvements:

• 99.9% uptime achievement
• Faster connection speeds
• Better handling of peak loads
• Improved global accessibility

Looking Forward​

As we enter 2015, our focus is on:

• Further AWS optimization
• New feature development
• Enhanced user experience
• Expanded server locations
• Improved streaming capabilities

A Personal Note​

This year's expansion taught us something valuable: while privacy tools began as specialized solutions, they've become essential for everyone in our connected world. Whether it's for business, travel, or personal use, everyone deserves access to secure, private internet.

To our new users from all walks of life: welcome to the OrbVPN community. To our long-time users: thank you for continuing this journey with us. Your diverse needs and feedback help us build a better service for everyone.

As we grow, we remain committed to our core principles of privacy and security, now serving a broader community of users who share our belief in the importance of digital privacy.

Dr. Nima Golsharifi
Founder, OrbVPN

2013 brought two major developments to OrbVPN: our expansion into mobile platforms and the migration of our backend to Laravel. These changes weren't just technical upgrades – they were responses to how people increasingly rely on mobile devices for sensitive communications.

Mobile Evolution​

The launch of our iOS and Android apps marked a crucial evolution. We saw journalists and activists increasingly depending on mobile devices in the field. Our mobile apps needed to be as secure as our desktop clients while being even more reliable in challenging conditions.

Laravel Migration​

Moving our backend to Laravel was a major undertaking. This decision was driven by our need for:

• Better API management
• Enhanced user authentication
• Improved billing systems
• More robust service management

User Experience​

We focused heavily on mobile user experience:

• One-tap connection features
• Automatic server selection
• Battery optimization
• Connection stability in poor network conditions

Infrastructure Growth​

Our infrastructure continued to expand:

• New server locations worldwide
• Enhanced mobile-optimized servers
• Improved connection routing
• Better handling of unstable connections

Security Enhancements​

Mobile brought new security challenges:

• Enhanced protection against mobile-specific threats
• Improved data leak prevention
• Better battery-efficient encryption
• Stronger authentication methods

The Invitation System Evolves​

Our invitation-based system adapted to mobile, making it easier for trusted users to extend access to others while maintaining our security standards. This proved especially valuable in regions where secure communication tools were increasingly restricted.

Looking Forward​

As we enter 2014, our focus is clear:

• Further mobile app refinement
• Enhanced protocol security
• Expanded server network
• Improved user interface

A Personal Note​

Mobility is crucial for those working in sensitive situations. This year's focus on mobile platforms wasn't just about following tech trends – it was about providing security tools that match how people actually work in the field.

Watching users adopt our mobile apps, especially in regions with strong internet restrictions, reinforced the importance of accessible security tools. Every successful connection represents someone's ability to communicate freely and safely.

To our development team who managed both the Laravel migration and mobile app development: your dedication to both security and usability has been remarkable. To our users who trusted us during these transitions: thank you for your patience and valuable feedback.

The addition of mobile platforms and a more robust backend has strengthened our ability to serve those who need secure communication the most. As we continue to grow, we remain committed to our core mission: protecting privacy and enabling free communication, now across all devices.

Nima Golsharifi
Founder, OrbVPN

2012 marked a transformative year for OrbVPN with the launch of our native clients. After years of using configuration tools and manual setups, we took the bold step of developing our own applications for multiple platforms. This decision came from our core belief: security tools must be accessible to be effective.

Native Client Launch​

The launch of our Windows client was a major milestone. We focused on creating an interface that balanced simplicity with powerful security features. This wasn't just about making things easier – it was about making security accessible to everyone, from journalists to everyday users concerned about their privacy.

Expanding Platforms​

Following the success of our Windows client, we expanded to:

• MacOS native application
• Initial iOS development
• Android app planning
• Support for multiple protocols

Infrastructure Evolution​

Our infrastructure saw significant improvements:

• Expanded to new datacenter locations
• Implemented advanced load balancing
• Enhanced redundancy systems
• Improved network stability

Protocol Support​

We broadened our protocol support to include:

• OpenConnect (SSL Protocol)
• OpenVPN with custom configurations
• L2TP/IPSec
• PPTP (for legacy support)
• SSTP

Security Advancements​

The native clients allowed us to implement stronger security features:

• Advanced kill switch
• DNS leak prevention
• Custom encryption configurations
• Automatic protocol selection

Maintaining Our Principles​

Despite rapid growth, we maintained our invitation-based system. The events of 2011 taught us the value of trusted networks, and we weren't willing to compromise security for rapid expansion.

Team Growth​

Our development team grew to handle the increased complexity of maintaining native clients. Each new team member brought valuable expertise while embracing our core mission of protecting privacy and enabling free communication.

Looking Forward​

Our plans for 2013 include:

• Mobile client development
• Enhanced protocol implementations
• Expanded server network
• Improved user interface

A Personal Note​

We consider that tools for freedom should be accessible to everyone, not just technical experts. This year's development of native clients embodied that principle. We're making privacy protection more accessible while maintaining the high security standards that our users, especially journalists and activists, depend on.

The positive feedback from users transitioning to our native clients has been encouraging. Many have told us how the simplified interface has made secure communication more practical in their daily work. This is exactly what we aimed for – making privacy protection more accessible without compromising security.

To our development team who worked tirelessly on the native clients: thank you. To our users who provided valuable feedback during the beta testing: your input helped shape these applications. And to those who continue to trust us with their security: we remain committed to protecting your right to communicate freely and safely.

Nima Golsharifi
Founder, OrbVPN

In 2010, world events proved more than ever why secure communication tools are essential. The Arab Spring was beginning to take shape, and we saw firsthand how VPN technology became a crucial tool for freedom of expression. This year strengthened our resolve to provide secure communication channels for those who need them most.

Impact in Action​

Witnessing our service being used by journalists and activists during crucial moments was both humbling and motivating. While we can't share specific stories due to privacy commitments, knowing that OrbVPN helped protect vital communications during critical events drove us to enhance our service further.

Technical Advances​

Our Python-based system matured significantly this year. We focused on:

• Enhanced server-side operations
• Improved user authentication systems
• Better traffic distribution
• More sophisticated encryption implementation

Infrastructure Growth​

We expanded our infrastructure strategically:

• Added new server locations in key regions
• Improved our network redundancy
• Enhanced our failover systems
• Strengthened our backup procedures

The careful growth of our invitation-based network proved valuable. While other services struggled with abuse and blocked IPs, our controlled growth helped maintain service quality and reliability.

Security Enhancements​

Security remained our top priority. We implemented:

• Advanced traffic obfuscation
• Enhanced encryption protocols
• Improved IP masking techniques
• Stronger user privacy protections

User Support Evolution​

This year marked a significant improvement in our user support system. Understanding that our users often operate in sensitive situations, we developed better ways to provide help while maintaining privacy and security.

Research Initiatives​

We began more structured research into:

• Traffic pattern analysis
• Encryption methodologies
• Network optimization
• Security threat assessment

Looking Forward​

As we enter 2011, we see both opportunities and challenges ahead:

• Further infrastructure expansion
• Enhanced protocol development
• Improved user interfaces
• Stronger security measures

A Personal Note​

This year showed us that privacy tools aren't just technical solutions – they're essential instruments of freedom. The events unfolding across the world remind us daily of why we started this journey.

To our growing user base: your trust in our service drives us to keep improving. To those working in difficult situations: we remain committed to providing the secure communication tools you need.

2010 has been a year of growth and learning. We've strengthened our foundation while staying true to our core mission of protecting privacy and enabling free communication. As global events continue to highlight the importance of secure communication, we remain focused on providing a service that makes a real difference.

Nima Golsharifi
Founder, OrbVPN

2009 marked a pivotal year for OrbVPN. After two years of running with basic systems, we made the crucial decision to rebuild our entire backend in Python. This wasn't just a technical choice – it was about creating a foundation that could support our vision for years to come.

The Python Transition​

The move to Python was significant. We didn't just want to replicate our existing system – we aimed to build something more robust, more scalable, and more secure. Our small team spent months planning and executing this transition, ensuring our users experienced minimal disruption while we essentially rebuilt the plane mid-flight.

Infrastructure Expansion​

This year also saw our first major infrastructure expansion:

• Established presence in multiple data centers
• Implemented proper load balancing
• Created our first automated backup systems
• Developed basic monitoring tools

Strengthening Privacy​

The global focus on internet surveillance made our mission more relevant than ever. We enhanced our privacy features:

• Improved encryption implementations
• Strengthened our no-logs policy
• Enhanced user anonymity features
• Developed better traffic obfuscation

Learning Through Growth​

Our invitation-based system continued to prove its worth. While other services rushed to scale up user numbers, we maintained our focus on controlled growth through trust networks. This approach helped us maintain service quality while learning from our users' experiences.

Technical Challenges​

The year wasn't without its challenges. The Python migration revealed gaps in our initial planning, and some features took longer to implement than expected. But each challenge helped us build a more resilient service. We learned that sometimes going slower meant going further in the long run.

User Trust​

Our commitment to privacy continued to attract journalists, activists, and privacy-conscious users. Their feedback and trust helped shape our development priorities. We learned that our users weren't just looking for a VPN – they needed a reliable tool for protecting their fundamental right to communicate freely.

Research and Development​

This year also marked our first steps into formal research and development. We began studying new encryption methods and traffic optimization techniques, laying the groundwork for future innovations.

Growing Team​

While still small, our team grew more cohesive. Each member developed specialized knowledge in crucial areas:

• Protocol development
• Infrastructure management
• Security implementation
• User support

Looking Forward to 2010​

As we enter 2010, our priorities are clear:

• Further infrastructure expansion
• Enhanced protocol development
• Improved user interface
• Stronger security features

A Personal Note​

This year's developments in global internet freedom (or lack thereof) reminded us why tools like OrbVPN are crucial. We're not just providing a service – we're protecting fundamental human rights.

To our users: your trust drives us to keep improving. To our team: your dedication made this year's achievements possible. And to those working for freedom of speech and human rights: we remain committed to providing the tools you need to work safely.

The foundation we've built this year, especially with our Python backend, positions us well for the future. We're excited about the possibilities ahead while remaining grounded in our core mission of protecting privacy and freedom of communication.

Nima Golsharifi
Founder, OrbVPN

Our first full year of operation brought both significant challenges and crucial breakthroughs. When we started in 2007, we had a vision of a private, invitation-based network. In 2008, we began turning that vision into reality.

First Infrastructure Steps​

The most significant development this year was establishing our first dedicated servers. Moving away from shared hosting was a major step - not just technically, but also in terms of our commitment to users' privacy. We carefully selected our first data center locations, ensuring they met our strict privacy and security requirements.

The Invitation System Takes Shape​

Our unique invitation-based network concept proved both challenging and rewarding to implement. We spent considerable time developing a system that balanced security with usability. The early feedback from our first users, mainly journalists and privacy-conscious individuals, helped shape the system's development.

Technical Growth​

This year marked several important technical achievements:

• Implemented our first custom VPN protocols
• Developed basic traffic routing systems
• Created initial user management tools
• Established fundamental security measures

Each development was driven by real user needs, particularly those of journalists and activists who needed reliable, secure connections.

Learning from Setbacks​

Not everything went as planned. Our initial user interface was too complex for some users, and we faced several server stability issues in the early months. These challenges taught us valuable lessons about balancing advanced security features with user-friendly design.

The departure of our team member in 2007 still echoed through early 2008, but it helped us focus on building a more resilient organization. We learned to do more with less and to be more selective about our priorities.

Privacy Remains Central​

My father's influence continued to guide our development. His insights into the needs of journalists and activists helped us understand how crucial reliable privacy tools are for those working in sensitive areas. This understanding drove us to implement stronger encryption standards and more robust privacy protections.

Growing User Base​

Though we maintained our invitation-only model, our user base grew steadily throughout the year. Each new user brought unique challenges and perspectives, helping us understand different privacy needs across various contexts.

Infrastructure Expansion​

By year's end, we had:

• Established our first proper server network
• Implemented basic redundancy systems
• Created our initial backup procedures
• Developed preliminary monitoring tools

Looking Forward to 2009​

As we enter 2009, our priorities are clear:

• Expanding our server infrastructure
• Enhancing our encryption methods
• Improving user interface simplicity
• Strengthening our invitation system

Personal Reflection​

This year reinforced something my father always emphasized - technology should serve human rights and freedom of speech. Every technical challenge we solved wasn't just about improving our service; it was about protecting someone's ability to communicate freely and safely.

To our users who trusted us this first year: thank you. Your faith in our vision has driven us to work harder and think deeper about how technology can protect privacy and freedom of expression.

The foundation we've built this year isn't just technical - it's a foundation of trust, privacy, and commitment to protecting free communication. As we move into 2009, these principles will continue to guide every decision we make.

Nima Golsharifi
Founder, OrbVPN