Cloud Computing Without Compromise
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cloud Computing Without Compromise?
3tera is announcing Cloudware - architecture for Cloud Computing without Compromise, that will allows open cloud computing, where individuals and companies will be able to add their distinct capabilities to the cloud. 3tera's flexible architecture empowers customers to build and run large-scale applications in the cloud without compromising their choices of operating system, middleware, security, location, architecture and vendors.
Why is it important?
The web has succeeded by allowing individuals and companies to add their own unique capabilities to the system. In contrast, today many cloud announcements are distinctly closed. Web developers are starting to believe that in order to use cloud computing you have to accept all kinds of limitations in the way they write and build their applications. With the announcement today 3tera demonstrated there is no need to make compromises when using cloud computing. The Cloudware architecture defines interfaces for resources, software, and controls that run existing code and middleware. That's what we mean by cloud computing without compromise.
How is it different from AppLogic?
Cloudware will incorporate AppLogic, and especially many lessons we've learned from operating AppLogic for almost two years. At the same time, Cloudware will further define an architecture that can span numerous data centers, operating systems, and even include important issues like security and high-availability to meet the needs for enterprise computing.
How is it different from other cloud offerings?
When current established vendors say "cloud", they mean their cloud. They don't have a place for other data center operators and they won't allow infrastructure other than theirs in the cloud. They don't have place for other software developers unless they writhe to their APIs.
Cloudware isn't merely a product or service, but an architecture by which not only 3tera, but thousands of other companies can build an inclusive cloud service. For instance, as a startup 3tera leveraged existing data center operators to get AppLogic available in data centers in the US, Europe and Asia. That's a good start, but Cloudware will allow data center operators to literally "publish" their resources.
Because of its open nature, the Cloudware Architecture will allow any existing web applications to run in a cloud - no limitations to a specific language, software library or interface.
Who should participate?
Cloudware will be open to all: from data center operators who can add resources, appliance vendors, system integrators, managed service providers, and of course developers. Everyone benefits by being able to combine technologies to deliver a better service to the user.
How will 3Tera deliver it?
Cloudware will be delivered in a series of specification and product role outs over the next 24 months. The initial components will include Solaris and Windows running on the grid. Adding these two popular operating systems to the existing Linux support broadens the selection of software users can run. The first specification to be released will be for our ADL (application descriptor language) which defines infrastructure, storage and control requirements for portable applications.
Why can 3Tera deliver it?
3tera has been in this space for two years, and has already delivered many of the core technologies needed to make Cloudware a reality. For instance we were the first to demonstrate the ability to run standard applications on a grid, to deliver universal high-availability, to be able to migrate arbitrarily large and complex applications around the world with a single command. And, of course, our visual infrastructure editor has captured imaginations since we introduced it. That experience has allowed us to define the set of capabilities required in the data center and the control plane necessary to build extensible cloud architecture.