F5 introduces new multi-cloud networking (MCN) appliances to easily extend application and security services across one or more public clouds, hybrid deployments, native Kubernetes environments, and edge sites.
F5 Distributed Cloud Services excels at providing connectivity and security at both the network and application layers. It allows users to easily integrate networking, application performance optimization, troubleshooting and visibility across individual cloud providers from a central console.
With the service, F5 delivers a platform-based solution that works on any cloud and is purpose-built to meet the needs of traditional and modern apps—without adding complexity or losing the granular control and visibility you need.
The specific launches are Distributed Cloud App Connect and Distributed Cloud Network Connect.
Distributed Cloud App Connect
Distributed Cloud App Connect offers an integrated stack approach from a single console to combine large app networks with full app security, faster deployment and ease of use.
This provides advanced app network services including load balancing, API gateway, ingress/egress control, and end-to-end visibility; Automated or one-click deployment of additional WAAP (web application and API protection) services such as web application firewall, DDoS, bot mitigation and API security.
Native Kubernetes integration provides fine-grained control over app-to-app and specific API-to-API communication without exposing the underlying network, greatly reducing security risks and increasing app delivery speed.
Distributed cloud network connection
Distributed Cloud Network Connect makes it safe and easy to provide connectivity across cloud locations and cloud providers. It provides automated provisioning and orchestration of connectivity services for cloud providers to reduce management complexity and increase transparency.
The service provides secure connectivity and scalability with micro-segmentation and third-party network function virtualization (NFV) service insertion; and optional fully private global F5 network to optimize app performance and provide fast private connectivity to public cloud providers.