> I really don't understand how adding yet another layer on top of AWS's / GCP's / Azure is materially going to change the developer or user experience. It just adds cost.
Actually, AWS products (PaaS like Lambda) themselves are a layer atop AWS (IaaS like EC2) that you just said you immensely favour, and that it reduced costs (1 devops for 3 teams). Besides, Snowflake and Databricks are two examples among many of non-AWS but AWS-dependent billion dollar software shops that work just fine for the largest of enterprise businesses.
That said, don't think Fly is a layer on top of AWS (they rely on servers from NetActuate, Equinix, and others from the looks of it: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=29162706). They couldn't have the pricing they do if they were.
Actually, AWS products (PaaS like Lambda) themselves are a layer atop AWS (IaaS like EC2) that you just said you immensely favour, and that it reduced costs (1 devops for 3 teams). Besides, Snowflake and Databricks are two examples among many of non-AWS but AWS-dependent billion dollar software shops that work just fine for the largest of enterprise businesses.
That said, don't think Fly is a layer on top of AWS (they rely on servers from NetActuate, Equinix, and others from the looks of it: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=29162706). They couldn't have the pricing they do if they were.