The Register: VMware prepping unified SDK for its core hybrid cloud products

Source URL: https://www.theregister.com/2024/08/26/vmware_vcf_unified_sdk/
Source: The Register
Title: VMware prepping unified SDK for its core hybrid cloud products

Feedly Summary: Also working to clean up inconsistent APIs and lack of SSO across vSphere, vSAN, NSX, SDDC Manager, vRealize and more
VMware Explore VMware by Broadcom is working on a unified SDK for its core products and will deliver it before the major release of its flagship Cloud Foundation (VCF) suite that the virtualization giant has previously said will express its strategy of offering a unified hybrid cloud suite.…

AI Summary and Description: Yes

Summary: VMware is developing a unified SDK for its core products, aiming to enhance automation and integration across its virtualization stack. This effort is a strategic move to unify its hybrid cloud solutions under the Cloud Foundation suite and streamline authentication and API access.

Detailed Description:

The announcement of a unified SDK by VMware, part of Broadcom’s vision, addresses several significant challenges faced by developers working within the VMware ecosystem. The prior fragmentation of SDKs and APIs across different products—such as vSphere, vSAN, and NSX—has hindered effective automation and integration, which are essential for modern IT operations. The new SDK aims to provide a cohesive approach to cloud management, which is crucial for security and operational efficiency.

Key Points:

– **Unified SDK Development**:
– Aimed at integrating VMware’s core products (vSphere, vSAN, NSX) which previously lacked a consistent SDK or shared API structure.
– Will offer language bindings for Python and Java, enabling developers to create cross-platform automations.

– **Improved Automation and Integration**:
– Integration with popular automation tools like PowerCLI, Terraform, and Ansible is in the pipeline.
– Developers faced difficulties due to the different APIs (SOAP and REST) and the absence of single sign-on across products.

– **Unified Authentication**:
– Plans to implement single sign-on across the various APIs will alleviate the burden on developers who currently manage multiple sign-ons for interrelated components.

– **VI/JSON API**:
– Introduction of a new REST-like API aimed at providing easier access to existing SOAP API endpoints, facilitating the longevity of current automation tools.

– **Strategic Direction**:
– This effort is seen as a prerequisite for the unified Cloud Foundation suite, which is pivotal for Broadcom’s strategy to streamline offerings and encourage customers to adopt a more integrated cloud solution.

– **Timeline for Releases**:
– Initial release of the new unified SDK is expected between two major updates of the Cloud Foundation suite, with VCF 5.2 already released in July 2024, and the next aimed for early 2025.

In conclusion, this initiative has significant implications for cloud computing professionals, particularly in enhancing security and operational efficiency through improved SDKs and unified services. It underscores the ongoing trend towards consolidation in cloud infrastructure, providing insights into how companies can better prepare their architectures for automation and security compliance.