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Backup · head to head

Datto SIRIS vs IBM Cloud

Datto SIRIS logo

Datto SIRIS

Backup

All-in-one business continuity and disaster recovery

From
$1095/one-time + recurring
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
IBM Cloud logo

IBM Cloud

Cloud

Enterprise cloud solutions from a trusted partner

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only IBM Cloud has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Datto SIRIS requires on-premises appliance, not purely cloud-native; IBM Cloud the USD 200 starter cloud credit is valid for 30 days only
  • They diverge on capability: Datto SIRIS covers Instant virtualization, IBM Cloud covers Virtual Servers.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Datto SIRIS and IBM Cloud actually diverge.

Attributes where Datto SIRIS and IBM Cloud differ
AttributeDatto SIRISIBM Cloud
Starting price$1095/one-time + recurringFree
Pricing modelUnknownusage-based
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsLinux, Virtual EnvironmentsLinux, Windows, Api, Cli
CategoryBackupCloud
Founded20112013

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Datto SIRIS

  • Instant virtualization
  • Screenshot verification
  • Ransomware detection
  • Inverse chain technology
  • Cloud-first architecture
  • Automated DR testing
  • VMware
  • Hyper-V

Only in IBM Cloud

  • Virtual Servers
  • Bare Metal
  • Cloud Foundry
  • Kubernetes
  • Watson AI
  • Blockchain
  • Databases
  • API Gateway

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Datto SIRIS

  • Data protectionnot IBM Cloud
  • Disaster recoverynot IBM Cloud
  • Business continuitynot IBM Cloud
  • Ransomware protectionnot IBM Cloud
  • Compliancenot IBM Cloud

IBM Cloud

  • Running containerized and VM workloads on IBM's public cloudnot Datto SIRIS
  • Building on Watson APIs and IBM middleware as managed servicesnot Datto SIRIS

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Datto SIRIS

  • Requires on-premises appliance, not purely cloud-native
  • Initial setup and hardware costs can be substantial for smaller MSPs

IBM Cloud

  • The USD 200 starter cloud credit is valid for 30 days only
  • The larger promotional credits are time boxed: USD 1,000 for Bare Metal Servers for VPC over 120 days, USD 2,500 for Power Virtual Server over 90 days, and USD 5,000 for Backup and Recovery over 90 days
  • The USD 5,000 Backup and Recovery promotion is valid for new clients only and requires a checkout promo code
  • The listed promotions carry an expiry date of 31 December 2026
  • Beyond the free tier the account is pay as you go, so cost tracks usage with no published cap

Pricing, plan by plan

Datto SIRIS

$1095/one-time + recurring

No published plan breakdown. See the Datto SIRIS review.

IBM Cloud

Free
  • Lite PlanFree
    • Free services
    • Limited resources
    • 30-day trial
  • Standard PlanFree
    • Pay-as-you-go
    • Enterprise support
    • Advanced services

Which should you pick?

Choose Datto SIRIS if

  • You need instant virtualization.
  • You work on Linux, Virtual Environments.
  • You also want screenshot verification.
Datto SIRIS review

Choose IBM Cloud if

  • You need virtual servers.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Linux, Windows, Api, Cli.
  • You also want bare metal.
IBM Cloud review

Questions people ask

Is Datto SIRIS or IBM Cloud better?
Neither clearly leads. Datto SIRIS starts at $1095/one-time + recurring and IBM Cloud at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Datto SIRIS or IBM Cloud?
IBM Cloud has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $1095/one-time + recurring for Datto SIRIS and Free for IBM Cloud.
Does Datto SIRIS or IBM Cloud run on more platforms?
Datto SIRIS runs on Linux, Virtual Environments. IBM Cloud runs on Linux, Windows, Api, Cli.
Can I use IBM Cloud for free?
Yes. IBM Cloud has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Datto SIRIS starts at $1095/one-time + recurring.
What is Datto SIRIS best used for?
Datto SIRIS is most often used for data protection, disaster recovery, business continuity, ransomware protection. Of those, data protection and disaster recovery are not what IBM Cloud is typically brought in for.
What can Datto SIRIS do that IBM Cloud cannot?
Datto SIRIS covers Instant virtualization, Screenshot verification, Ransomware detection, Inverse chain technology. IBM Cloud covers Virtual Servers, Bare Metal, Cloud Foundry, Kubernetes.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Datto SIRIS: What does SIRIS protect against?

Datto SIRIS includes immutable cloud backups, automated recovery verification, and integrated ransomware detection through Cloud Deletion Defense which undoes accidental or malicious backup deletion.

Source
Datto SIRIS: What's the pricing model?

Datto SIRIS uses flat-rate pricing starting at $1,095, which includes installation, storage, VIP support, recoveries, two annual DR tests, and five-year warranty.

Source
Datto SIRIS: What integrations does SIRIS have?

Datto SIRIS integrates natively with Autotask PSA, Datto RMM, ConnectWise Automate, and ConnectWise PSA. It also supports virtualization platforms like vSphere and CentOS Linux.

Source
Datto SIRIS: Is SIRIS cloud-only or appliance-based?

Datto SIRIS is an on-premises appliance that backs up data to Datto's cloud. You do not need to maintain your own physical server infrastructure for the core SIRIS functionality.

Source
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