In short
A federated cloud is a distributed cloud model where multiple independent cloud providers connect their infrastructure to share resources, enable workload portability, and extend geographic reach. The whitesky Federation allows Cloud Enablers and Virtual Cloud Operators (VCOs) to collaborate while remaining fully independent.
General definition
Federated cloud computing:
- Interconnection: Multiple cloud providers connect their infrastructure
- Resource sharing: Capacity can be offered and consumed across the network
- Workload portability: Workloads can move between participating locations
- Independence: Each participant maintains control of their infrastructure
- Trust model: Relationships between trusted partners
Federation in whitesky
In whitesky, the Federation enables:
For Cloud Enablers and VCOs
- Cloud Enablers offer spare capacity (vCPUs, RAM, storage) to other Cloud Enablers and resell capacity from other locations
- VCOs contract and are billed only by their own Cloud Enabler, yet can deploy in every federated location
- Everyone maintains control over own infrastructure and customers
- Unified authentication and billing across locations
- API access spanning all federated cloud locations
Technical capabilities
- Capacity metering and invoicing
- Cross-location backup and restore for disaster recovery
- Workload bursting across locations
- Multi-location deployment options
- API keys and user portals spanning the network
Business benefits
- Geographic expansion without infrastructure investment
- Resilience through distributed architecture
- Revenue from excess capacity
- Collaboration with trusted partners
Related concepts
- Cloud Enabler / VCO Model - The business model behind federation
- G8 Cloud Location - The deployment unit in federation
Learn more
Visit the Federation overview for detailed information about the whitesky Federation.