Ubicloud Aims to Develop Open-Source Alternative to Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Cloud Computing Services Made Affordable Again
Using large cloud providers can be convenient, but it’s often not the most cost-effective option.
The convenience of using large cloud computing providers is undeniable. However, their costs can be prohibitive for many organizations and developers. Ubicloud, a new startup founded by the team behind Citus Data, which was acquired by Microsoft in 2019, aims to change this dynamic.
A Layer of Core Cloud Computing Services on Top of Affordable Bare-Metal Servers
Ubicloud offers a layer of core cloud computing services on top of affordable bare-metal servers from providers like Hetzner, OVH Cloud, Leaseweb, and AWS. This includes:
- Managed Service: A managed service that allows developers to build their own cloud on bare-metal providers.
- Open Source Version: An open source version that enables developers to create their own cloud infrastructure.
Current Focus
Currently, Ubicloud’s focus is on a small set of core components:
- Compute: A compute service that allows developers to run their applications on bare-metal servers.
- PostgreSQL Database Service: A PostgreSQL database service that provides a managed database experience for developers.
- Networking Capabilities: Networking capabilities that enable the creation of public and private virtual networks.
Attribute-Based Access Controls
Ubicloud also includes attribute-based access controls, which provide an additional layer of security for developers.
Expansion Plans
Over time, the team plans to add a block storage feature and a Kubernetes-based container service to their offerings.
Meet the Founders
The Ubicloud team is led by co-founders Ozgun Erdogan and Umur Cubukcu, who previously built Citus Data. During his time at Microsoft, Cubukcu worked on several core Azure services. He also met Daniel Farina, a former Heroku PostgreSQL engineer, while working at Citus Data.
"We obviously built our careers and what we have on the cloud itself," Cubukcu said in an interview. "Citus Data wouldn’t have been possible without it. We are absolutely big fans of the cloud. At the same time […], we’ve been in it for such a long time and we see where there’s actually ways to do it better, or do it simpler."
The Problem with Hyperscalers
Cubukcu acknowledged that hyperscalers like AWS have made significant improvements in recent years. However, he also pointed out the limitations of their offerings.
"AWS follows Google in announcing unrestricted free data transfers to other cloud providers"
"The costs can be prohibitive for many organizations and developers," Cubukcu said. "We aim to change this dynamic by providing a more affordable alternative."
A $16 Million Seed Round
Ubicloud has raised a $16 million seed round, which closed in early January. The investors include Y Combinator, 500 Emerging Europe, and several angel investors.
"We are excited about the future of Ubicloud," said Erdogan. "We believe that our platform will revolutionize the way developers build and deploy applications."
The Future of Cloud Computing
Ubicloud’s launch highlights the evolving landscape of cloud computing. As more organizations seek affordable and flexible cloud solutions, startups like Ubicloud are well-positioned to capitalize on this trend.
"Cloud computing is becoming increasingly important for businesses," said Frederic Lardinois, Editor at TechCrunch. "We expect to see many more innovative startups in the space."
