Liquid Web vs Softlayer (IBM Cloud)

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Considering  Liquid Web vs Softlayer?
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It can be tempting to think that the most well-known technology brands provide the best possible solutions for all customers, but that is not always true particularly for businesses in the SMB segment. One of those most well-known brands in the infrastructure space? IBM. As the saying goes, “no one ever got fired for buying Big Blue.” IBMs customer-facing infrastructure business, Softlayer, has built a nice reputation on the back of the IBM brand.

When it comes to performance and support, however, the truth is much different than perception. Softlayer’s free support is available exclusively through a public support forum, with pre-pay and pay-as-you go options for assistance via phone and chat. Even at Softlayer’s highest rate for premium support, only the most critical issues can expect to receive a response in 15 minutes. At Liquid Web, our expert support is available 24/7/365 via phone, chat, and email, with a 59-Second Initial Response Guarantee by phone or chat. Not only can you always reach us in under a minute, but you’ll never pay extra for support — it’s included for all managed hosting customers.

Furthermore, Softlayer charges additional fees for performance optimization and server management, and only offers limited remedy in the event of downtime. While Softlayer does offer a 100% uptime SLA and inarguably provides excellent technology for clients, when it comes to service and support, the scales are undoubtedly tipped in Liquid Web’s favor.

At Liquid Web, we’ve spent more than two decades providing not only cutting-edge hosting solutions but also class-leading support and service. From fully managing your infrastructure, to our 100% uptime guarantee, from up to 1000% downtime credits to proactive monitoring, we offer complete hosting solutions for individuals and organizations that demand the best infrastructure.

Liquid Web vs Softlayer (IBM Cloud)

Liquid Web is the world’s most loved hosting company for a reason. We’ve chosen to build our reputation through hard work and by providing industry-leading web hosting with best-in-class hardware for our powerful Enterprise solutions. See for yourself how Liquid Web compares to Softlayer (IBM Cloud).

Fully Managed Yes No
Full Server Stack Support Yes Yes
24/7/365 Support Included Yes Yes, but Pay-As-Needed for Phone & Chat
Support Request SLA 59 Seconds or Less for Phone or Chat; 59 minutes for Email Second Ring for Phone; 20 Minutes for Tickets
Includes cPanel/WHM/Plesk Yes No
Performance Optimization Yes No
Service Monitoring Yes Yes
Proactive Monitoring Yes No
Included Outgoing Bandwidth 5 TB 5 TB
100% Network Uptime Guarantee Yes Yes
100% Power Uptime Guarantee Yes Yes
SLA Remedy 1000% 5% per 30 Continuous Minutes of Outage
Predictable Billing Yes, Monthly No, Priced Per Use
Migrations Included Yes No
Backups Included Yes For an Additional Fee

Nobody Includes More Than Liquid Web

Every Enterprise solution at Liquid Web is engineered for peace of mind, with a full suite of performance, reliability, and security solutions included at no extra charge.

CloudFlare® CDN

CloudFlare CDN includedWe provide full management for one of the world’s most popular CDNs, and full support when your site is added through our interface. CloudFlare will not only speed up your site, but also provide a further boost to security.

Built-in Backups

Built-in backupsLocal backups are always included at no extra charge. For an extra layer of backup protection, you can add our Acronis Cyber Backups, off-server backups especially made for our Dedicated Server Hosting and VMware Private Cloud product lineup.

Enhanced Security

Enhanced Security includedSecurity is paramount, which is why we include Server Secure with every Fully Managed server. Your server will be protected by a range of proprietary security enhancements to block unwanted access and keep your data secure.

DDoS Attack Protection

DDoS Attack ProtectionWe provide free basic protection from small volumetric DDoS attacks with every server on our network; it’s always on and ready to go. For larger and more sophisticated attacks, comprehensive protection and mitigation is available.

The World’s Most-Loved Hosting Company

Nobody delights customers more than Liquid Web. Our Net Promoter Score (NPS® ) of 67 puts us among the world’s most loved brands — and makes us No. 1 in the hosting industry. What makes us special? Our customers say it best:
Customer Quote

Liquid Web is always there for their customers. They are caring, thoughtful, helpful and treat you with so much respect. The help they give is phenomenal. Nothing compares to the wonderful caring company know as Liquid Web.”

— Kitti Titus, ProGroom Pet Supply
Customer Quote

Excellent service with timely support. I love all the staff at LW and have been a client for many, many years. I highly recommend Liquid Web”

— Martie

Backed By The Most Helpful Humans in Hosting and the Best Guarantees in the Industry

You don’t have to be a large enterprise to get enterprise-grade technology and class-leading support. Our team is made of over 300 of the Most Helpful Humans in Hosting. Each day, we support and innovate VPS, dedicated, and cloud infrastructure for some of the most ambitious digital projects on earth. Whether you need reliable, rock solid solutions or the most robust SLA in the hosting sector, the team at Liquid Web is ready to power your digital strategy into the future.
Most Helpful Humans in Hosting stamp

24/7 Support from The Most Helpful Humans in Hosting 
It’s easy to say you have the best support, but we have the numbers to back it up. Our Support ranks No. 1 in customer satisfaction.

59-second Phone and Chat Initial Response Guarantee
59 Second Initial Response Guarantee: Phone and Chat
We’re committed to answering your call or connecting to your LiveChat within 59 seconds.
59 minute support
59 Minute Initial Response Guarantee: Email
HelpDesk tickets receive an initial response via email within 59 minutes, guaranteed.
100 Percent Network Uptime Guarantee
100% Network Uptime Guarantee
All major routing devices within our network will be reachable from the global Internet 100% of the time.
100 Percent Power Uptime Guarantee
100% Power Uptime Guarantee
By owning — not leasing — our infrastructure, we can guarantee that power to your rack will always be online.