Ubicloud wants to build an open source alternative to AWS

Using the large cloud computing providers is convenient, but not exactly cheap. Ubicloud, a new startup founded by the team behind Citus Data, which Microsoft acquired in 2019, wants to change the dynamics by offering 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 a managed service and an open-source version that allows developers to build their own cloud on bare metal providers.

Currently, Ubicloud's focus is on a small set of core components: compute and a PostgreSQL database service (Citus Data also bet heavily on PostgreSQL), in addition to the prerequisite networking capabilities to create public and private virtual networks. Attribute-based access controls are also built-in by default. Over time, the team plans to add a block storage feature and a Kubernetes-based container service as well.

Image Credits: Ubicloud