F5 Networks, Inc has announced a new global Cloud licensing program developed for Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) Cloud providers. The program offers benefits for Infrastructure Cloud providers, their customers and channel partners alike. By including virtual editions of BIG-IP solutions as part of its Cloud licensing program, the vendor provides a complete enterprise-class Application Delivery Networking (ADN) solution in the Cloud.
“F5’s new Cloud licensing program brings the power of our ADN solutions to the Cloud while offering the flexibility of a pay-as-you-go billing model,” said Anil Pochiraju, Managing Director, F5 Networks India SAARC. “Cloud providers can realize significant benefits from participating in this program, including a differentiated service offering, a larger target market, and enhanced revenue opportunities.”
Enterprise IT customers transitioning to a Cloud model are faced with tradeoffs. Cloud providers offering services typically require that IT relinquish control or create a unique management environment for off-premise applications. This often causes friction between the IaaS provider and enterprise IT, with the service provider having difficulty complying with IT’s preference to retain control and ensure that applications are available. Until now, IaaS Cloud providers have had to buy the necessary infrastructure to sufficiently address these demands and support their customers. However, this creates an enormous amount of business risk for Cloud providers, due to the reluctance of enterprise customers to sign long-term contracts or employ a predictive use model.
With the introduction of its new Cloud licensing program, F5 addresses these requirements. Providing a unified architecture for both private and public Clouds with virtual editions on its BIG-IP platform, F5 now offers its advanced ADN solutions in a utility billing model. This enables enterprise customers to leverage the same enterprise-class IT infrastructure that they have in their private Clouds, while giving the IaaS Cloud provider the ability to better manage their cash flow.