US web hosting and domain name giant GoDaddy has launched a global public cloud to compete alongside Amazon Web Services, specifically aimed at the small business channel.
GoDaddy made its name by providing web hosting for the small business market, with the new public cloud – branded as Cloud Servers and Cloud Applications – seen as a natural extension for the same clientele.
"With the launch of Cloud Servers, GoDaddy aims to extend our lead as the number one trusted provider of cloud hosting solutions for individual developers and technologists. We're looking to make it easy for developers to serve small businesses with the technology they want," said GoDaddy hosting and security general manager Jeff King.
"By offering a powerful, yet simple, cloud offering that integrates domains, DNS, security and backups all in one place, developers can save time and exceed their clients' expectations."
The cloud servers are built on the open source platform OpenStack, and is run by a "purpose-built kernel-based virtual machine virtualisation". All machines feature solid-state drives.
The GoDaddy website currently lists its cheapest cloud server offering at US$7.99 per month, which provides 512MB memory, single-core processor, 20GB SSD disk and 1TB transfer.
In the application layer, GoDaddy has joined forces with app-packaging vendor Bitnami to provide "one-click optimised installation" for software like content management systems, CRMs and eCommerce packages.
"We're proud to partner with GoDaddy in serving this global market of advanced SMB-focused developers," says Bitnami co-founder Erica Brescia. "We're excited for GoDaddy's international customer base to take advantage of our capabilities."
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