Zürich, Monday 27 September 2010 – CloudSigma AG, the public Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) provider based in Switzerland, today announced the launch of a new RackSpace API emulator for its customers. The API emulator is designed to extend compatibility of its cloud to the RackSpace API which also forms the basis of the new OpenStack initiative.
Patrick Baillie, CEO commented 'The RackSpace API emulator is the latest new product as part of a continuing effort to improve interoperability. Interoperability is crucial in eliminating data and vendor lock-in which has been a rising concern amongst prospective customers in the IaaS space.'
By adding a RackSpace API emulator, CloudSigma is able to offer existing RackSpace customers a smooth migration path to its cloud without the need to re-development any API based tools that the customer may already be using.
Using the RackSpace API Emulator
CloudSigma's open software and networking layers support additional functionality not offered within the RackSpace platform. As a result, CloudSigma is running its RackSpace API emulator in parallel to its existing full feature API that includes a number of additional features unique to the CloudSigma platform.
Users of the CloudSigma cloud will now be able to choose between the native CloudSigma API and the Rackspace API Emulator seamlessly. The web console will continue to run under both systems. The company plans to roll out additional API emulators in response to customer demand and feedback.
Preserving ROI
The company hopes the new API emulators will prove popular with the increasing number of US based clients that it is attracting, particularly from within RackSpace's existing customer base. When used in conjunction with the unique Physical-to-Virtual (P2V) FTP gateway, it is possible to add a European availability zone to existing cloud based infrastructure with ease in a number of short easy steps:
- extract RAW ISO files from existing RackSpace compatible cloud infrastructure
- FTP in the ISO files to the CloudSigma cloud
- Re-configure networking on the new servers with correct IP information
- Re-point any relevant API scripts to the CloudSigma Rackspace API emulator
By minimising the development and migration time needed, the return on investment of a transition or extension of infrastructure using the CloudSigma cloud is significantly higher than with competing platforms. The company is already experiencing significant interest from new potential US customers following the launch of the API emulator.
The company decided to start development of its API emulators after working with a number of Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) and Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) providers that were looking to add European availability zones to their existing US cloud infrastructure underlying their service offerings.
Patrick Baillie, CEO continued "Many customers are spending significant time developing for different competing clouds that lack compatibility. This can easily eat into the cost savings and return on investment that using cloud infrastructure can convey to customers. Minimising migration and development time between clouds allows our customers to concentrate on their own business and not waste time keeping up with changing compatibilities within the IaaS space."
