Company snapshot
| Category | BaishanCloud | Level3 |
|---|---|---|
| Status | active | defunct |
| Founded | — | — |
| Headquarters | — | — |
| Website | — | — |
| Docs | — | — |
Overview
BaishanCloud, founded in 2015, is a global cloud data service provider specializing in content delivery network (CDN) services, edge security, and data lifecycle management. Headquartered in Guiyang City, China, with international operations in Bellevue, Washington, it offers cloud delivery, storage, and security solutions. The company serves internet and enterprise customers, particularly in China and Asia, with a focus on data transmission, storage, and governance. BaishanCloud has a strong presence in the tech services industry, supporting applications like TikTok and Tencent QQ. It has raised approximately $173 million in funding and employs over 600 staff as of 2023.
Level3, originally Level 3 Communications, was a multinational telecommunications and internet service provider that operated a global Tier-1 network and content delivery network (CDN) until its CDN services were discontinued in 2023. Acquired by CenturyLink (now Lumen Technologies) in 2017, it provided core transport, IP, voice, video, and content delivery for medium-to-large internet carriers. The CDN focused on video delivery, large object caching, and edge computing, serving clients across North America, Latin America, Europe, and parts of Asia. Level3’s CDN is no longer active, and its network assets are now managed under Lumen Technologies.
Network & Architecture
BaishanCloud operates a global edge cloud platform with over 1,700 edge nodes across 300+ cities in more than 150 countries, with a strong focus on China and Southeast Asia. Its network includes 1,029 IPs, with 823 IPv4 and 206 IPv6 addresses, deployed across 28 cities in two countries (China and Hong Kong). The platform leverages intelligent routing, load balancing, and high-performance SD-WAN for efficient data transmission. Regional strengths include unparalleled performance in China due to its china-licensed status, but its global footprint is less extensive than some competitors in North America and EMEA. The network handles 600 billion daily requests and supports 80T of redundancy bandwidth.
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Feature comparison
| Feature | BaishanCloud | Level3 |
|---|---|---|
waf | ✓ | ✗ |
bot_mitigation | ✓ | ✗ |
ddos | ✓ | ✓ |
rate_limit | ✓ | ✗ |
http3_quic | ✓ | ✗ |
tls13 | ✓ | ✗ |
tiered_cache | ✓ | ✗ |
origin_shield | ✓ | ✓ |
instant_purge | ✓ | ✓ |
stale_while_revalidate | ✗ | ✗ |
stale_if_error | ✗ | ✗ |
image_optimization | ✓ | ✓ |
video_vod | ✓ | ✓ |
video_live | ✓ | ✓ |
drm | ✗ | ✗ |
hls_dash_packaging | ✓ | ✗ |
websockets | ✓ | ✗ |
signed_urls | ✓ | ✗ |
edge_compute | ✓ | ✓ |
functions | ✓ | ✗ |
kv_storage | ✓ | ✗ |
api_first | ✓ | ✓ |
realtime_logs | ✓ | ✓ |
log_push | ✓ | ✗ |
terraform | ✗ | ✗ |
Legend: ✓ = Supported, ✗ = Not supported, — = Not listed
Pricing
BaishanCloud operates on a pay-as-you-go (PAYG) model, primarily targeting enterprise clients. Specific per-GB pricing details are not publicly disclosed. The company emphasizes tailored solutions for large-scale deployments, with no free tier or public trial information available. For pricing details, visit https://www.baishancloud.com/.
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Integrations & DevEx
BaishanCloud provides an API-first platform with support for real-time logs, log streaming, and analytics. It offers edge-native technology for standardized application development across heterogeneous edge nodes. No specific Terraform or CI/CD integration details are documented, but its developer-centric tools support SDKs for custom integrations. Migration tools are not explicitly mentioned, but its partnership with Mlytics facilitates multi-CDN ecosystems.
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When it fits
When it fits
- China-focused businesses needing a licensed CDN with strong regional performance and regulatory compliance.
- Enterprises requiring edge computing and serverless solutions for data-intensive applications.
- Organizations seeking integrated security with WAF, DDoS protection, and zero-trust networking.
When it doesn’t
- Companies needing extensive North American or EMEA coverage may find BaishanCloud’s footprint limited compared to Cloudflare or Akamai.
- Small businesses or startups looking for free-tier or low-cost options may find its enterprise focus less accessible.
- Users requiring Terraform or CI/CD integration may need to confirm support, as documentation is sparse.
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When it doesn’t
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History & Notes
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Level3 was a major player in the CDN market, leveraging its Tier-1 network to deliver high-performance content delivery, particularly for video and large files. Its acquisition of companies like Genuity, WilTel, and TW Telecom expanded its footprint, but the 2017 merger with CenturyLink shifted focus to broader network services. The CDN’s shutdown in 2023 was part of Lumen’s strategic pivot, though specific reasons for discontinuation were not publicly detailed. Some network assets may still support Lumen’s non-CDN services.