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 MSPs and partners 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 MSPs and partners
- Offer excess capacity (VCPUs, RAM, storage) to peers
- Buy remote capacity to serve clients in new regions
- Maintain 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 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.