Akamai launches platform for building distributed apps

Akamai has launched a cloud-agnostic application platform that aims to make it easy to deploy, manage and scale highly distributed applications.

The Akamai App Platform is built on top of cloud-native Kubernetes technology Otomi to simplify Kubernetes deployment. Akamai acquired Otomi from Red Kubes earlier this year. The application platform provides ready-to-run templates for addressing common challenges in deploying, managing and scaling Kubernetes clusters, by automating the provisioning process to enable developers to build and deploy distributed applications in a few clicks.

Akamai VP of Product Marketing Ari Weil said the platform can cut deployment time for distributed applications from months to less than an hour through the use of customisable templates. Applications can also be rapidly scaled as production workloads grow.

“Over the past decade, developers have been forced to choose between two evils: either accept complexity, vendor lock-in and spiralling cloud costs if they build with hyperscaler solutions, or grapple with skills gaps, longer time to value, and perceived increased risk if they build on open source solutions,” he said. “We’re giving them a better way by harnessing the power and potential of the open source ecosystem to strike a balance between the ease-of-use of the one-size-fits-all hyperscale world and the flexibility and control afforded by open source.”

The Akamai App Platform is also designed to provide developers with a framework for integrating preconfigured open source projects with production workloads, and a self-service environment for engineering teams to build, deploy, secure and maintain applications. By simplifying operational complexity and standardising deployments and tools, the platform can help DevOps teams address some of the most common pain points associated with Kubernetes deployments.

Weil said Akamai has also chosen to embrace open solutions to promote portability for workloads and the ability to more easily move applications between cloud environments.

The platform can also support capabilities including real-time threat detection and enhanced observability features to strengthen developed applications.

The Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF) estimates that more than 60% of enterprises have adopted Kubernetes. Akamai is a Gold Sponsor of the CNCF, and has recently pledged $1 million towards the foundation’s projects.

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