AWS Lambda Functionality Expands to Other Clouds

Amazon Web Services Inc. (AWS), was the first major cloud provider to offer serverless event-driven computing with Lambda. However, two of its main competitors have since caught up and another company has announced a project that will provide Lambda functionality on other clouds.
IBM today announced OpenWhisk as a Bluemix cloud service. It’s described by IBM as “a new event-driven platform that allows developers to quickly and easily create feature-rich apps that automatically trigger events.” Lambda.
IBM claimed that the service is available for developers of mobile, web and Internet of Things (IoT). The company stated that, “it can enable mobile development teams to interface with backend logic running in the cloud without having to install server-side infrastructure or middleware.”
IBM stated that OpenWhisk is a service that provides Web developers access to cognitive and other services. It provides IoT developers access to analytical services that help them correctly react to sensor data. It can also be used to automate DevOps tasks like initiating the appropriate action when a build system indicates that a failed build has occurred.
Google Cloud Functions, another major competitor in AWS’ public cloud space, is now available in an alpha preview.
It is described by the search giant as “a lightweight event-based, asynchronous computing solution that allows you create single-purpose functions that respond directly to cloud events without having to manage a server or runtime environment.” In other words, Lambda.
Iron.io also announced Project Kratos earlier this month. “This will allow enterprises to run AWS Lambda functionality on any cloud provider as well as on premise, eliminating vendor lock in.”
The San Francisco-based company, which has been in existence for six years, is now seeking developers to join the project. Those who apply will be eligible to become beta users. Iron.io’s microservices approach to the project is a good fit.
Software development is a time-consuming and complex process that requires a variety of skills. According to the company, Al Hilwa, an IDC analyst, stated that enterprises are moving to microservices. This allows them to create small, specialized teams that work independently on evolvable software systems. “This microservices approach combined with cloud services — whether it’s a hybrid, public, or private approach — is key to fostering greater developer productivity, innovation, and enabling enterprises to stand apart in highly competitive markets.”