SoftLayer Launches First Open API in Dedicated Hosting Industry

May 23, 2007; 08:13 AM

Dallas, TX – Today, on-demand hosting provider SoftLayer Technologies announced the launch of the industry’s first Open API designed to control all facets of the dedicated hosting environment. “SoftLayer’s fundamental business model is predicated on maximum control in the IT environment by the end user,” said Nathan Day, Chief Technology Officer of SoftLayer. “This is a first-of-its-kind extension of that control.”

According to Mr. Day, the initial beta release of the API will include the six most used features found in the current customer portal with an easy-to-use SOAP interface. These features include control over; remote reboot power strips, remote server management card, bandwidth graphing, hardware configuration, invoicing, and emergency notification system.

"Over the next 60 to 90 days, SoftLayer developers will focus on defining the current API features and begin to add all features at a rate of five to ten per month,” said Mr. Day.  “By the end of year, over 100 features currently found inside our management portal will be available through the API."

Due to the wide range of uses for the SoftLayer Open API, the company’s developers have created several plug-ins for use with server control panels like cPanel, Plesk, and Helm. This integration of features allows for end users to control their most popular features from inside the dedicated server. Customers utilizing virtualization software such as Virtuozzo and VMWare will be able to integrate features into the third-party applications allowing both physical control and virtual control.

Additionally, users can physically and virtually reboot servers from the same interface with easy-to-install plug-ins. Resellers may seek to incorporate features into their portals while corporations will integrate features into their own intranets. 

To support the API integration, the company has launched the SoftLayer Developer Network (SLDN). The site is dedicated to assisting developers and distributing information and documentation for the API. The SoftLayer development team will lead blogs and forums dedicated to helping developers integrate the API.

“This is a momentous day for the dedicated hosting industry,” said Lance Crosby, President and Chief Executive Officer of SoftLayer. “We are an industry driven by innovation and today, with the launch of Open API, SoftLayer is putting the end user in the driver seat.”

About SoftLayer Technologies
Located in the INFOMART in Dallas, Texas, SoftLayer was formed in June 2005 by a team of industry executives seeking to deliver low cost next generation on-demand hosting services for the small to medium enterprise (SME). Utilizing proprietary software, coupled with the industry’s first network-within-a-network topology, the company delivers unprecedented power and control to securely manage IT environments while providing unparalleled scalability. For more information please visit www.softlayer.com or call 866.398.7638.

Contact: Shawna Furr, 214.442.0584, press@softlayer.com