Wednesday, June 8, 2011

SoftLayer Launches Public Cloud Image Repository

Dallas-based SoftLayer Technologies has opened up a public, database of server images, the firm said Tuesday, which allows customers to share templates for their cloud servers with anyone. Those images are used to easily deploy server images without having to individually install and configure operating systems and applications. The firm previously allows users to save private copies of those images, but did not allow sharing between users. SoftLayer said the move will allow customers to create special purpose servers and appliances for such things as VoIP, load balancing, and application hosting functionality. SoftLayer's new sharing capabilities give users similar functionality to the public virtual appliance marketplace run by VMware.