Sun expands cloud computing with Q-layer

Sun Microsystems has acquired Q-layer, a cloud computing company.

The Q-layer organisation, based in Belgium, will become part of Sun's Cloud Computing business unit which develops and integrates cloud computing technologies, architectures and services.

The Q-layer technology simplifies cloud management and allows users to provision and deploy applications, a key component in Sun’s strategy to enable building public and private clouds.

The Q-layer software supports instant provisioning of services such as servers, storage, bandwidth and applications, enabling users to scale their own environments to meet their specific requirements.

The terms of the deal were not disclosed as the transaction is ‘not material’ to Sun.

“Sun's open, network-centric approach coupled with optimised systems, software and services provides the critical building blocks for private and public cloud offerings,” said David Douglas, senior vice president of Cloud Computing and chief sustainability officer, Sun Microsystems.

“Q-layer's technology and expertise will enhance Sun’s offerings, simplifying cloud management and speeding application deployment,” he added.

Cloud computing brings compute and data resources onto the Web and offers higher efficiency, massive scalability and faster and easier software development.