This first level of integration enables Plesk users to use a single interface to seamlessly access all SoftLayer management tools.

Nathan Day, chief technology officer of SoftLayer, is currently demonstrating this integrated feature at the third annual Parallels Summit in Washington, D.C.

SoftLayer also announced that it has signed rackAID (rackAID.com) to its Preferred Partner Program, making the company a preferred service provider of server management and Plesk expert solutions to SoftLayer. The agreement further builds on the companies' long-standing referral program, says SoftLayer.

rackAID delivers "managed services and support to businesses using SoftLayer infrastructure for their global IT needs," including administering and maintaining computing clusters using the Plesk control panel.

"SoftLayer believes that the best approach for our customers is to create an ecosystem of best-in-class solutions that work together to address all requirements," says George Karidis, chief strategy officer at SoftLayer. "We prefer not to compete with our partners; rather, we seek out companies that share our vision and approach to help our customers grow."

The news follows Softlayer's other key service and facility announcements this month, which includes its new CDNLayer content delivery network, and the opening of its new Washington D.C. data center.

The Plano, Texas-headquartered company uses management tools coupled with a network-within-a-network topology to securely manage IT environments while providing scalability.