Company snapshot
| Category | BaishanCloud | NS1 |
|---|---|---|
| Status | active | active |
| 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.
NS1, now IBM NS1 Connect, specializes in DNS traffic steering and MultiCDN solutions to optimize application delivery. Founded in 2013 and acquired by IBM in 2023, it serves enterprises needing precise control over traffic routing across multiple CDNs and cloud providers. Its flagship product, NS1 Connect, uses real-time data and automation to enhance performance and resilience. Customers include large-scale organizations in tech, finance, and media sectors. The platform integrates with various CDNs and cloud services to manage global traffic efficiently.
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.
NS1 operates a global network with 26 points of presence (PoPs) across North America, EMEA, APAC, and other regions, ensuring low-latency DNS resolution. Its architecture leverages authoritative DNS and real-time data for traffic steering, with robust peering to major cloud providers and CDNs. The platform supports hybrid deployments, combining on-premise and cloud DNS for flexibility. It excels in global coverage but may have less focus on niche regional markets like Africa or the Middle East compared to telecom CDNs.
Feature comparison
| Feature | BaishanCloud | NS1 |
|---|---|---|
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/.
NS1 operates on an enterprise-only model with custom pricing based on traffic volume and feature sets. No public per-GB pricing is available, and there’s no free tier or pay-as-you-go option. Contact IBM for pricing details.
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.
NS1 supports Terraform and Ansible for infrastructure automation, with an API-first design for programmatic control. SDKs and integrations with tools like Catchpoint and ThousandEyes enhance monitoring and analytics. Real-time logs and analytics provide immediate insights, and the platform supports seamless integration with major CDNs and cloud providers. Migration tools are available for transitioning from other DNS providers, with a focus on minimizing downtime.
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.
- Enterprises needing precise MultiCDN traffic steering across global regions.
- Organizations requiring robust DDoS protection and real-time analytics.
- Teams using Terraform or API-driven workflows for network automation.
When it doesn’t
—
- Small businesses or startups seeking low-cost, pay-as-you-go CDN solutions.
- Users needing native video streaming features like VOD or live streaming.
- Companies focused on niche regional markets with limited NS1 PoP coverage.
History & Notes
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