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EBC Core Functionalities

Various functions are available on the web portal to set up the EBC platform according to your choice. Many of these functions work via self-service. Owing to multiple possibilities, these functionalities have been broken into generic and network functionalities. The self-service web portal integrates functionalities for managing compute, storage and network resources. This allows the EBC components and functionalities to be managed from a single web portal, even if they are available at various Equinix data center locations. EBC Core is based on a set of standard products and offers many functions through self-service. Due to its open nature, you can also access functions that may not be needed. However, incorrect use can have a negative impact on the platform. Equinix assumes shared responsibility for use of all functions that are offered.

Access​

Access to the self-service web portal of the EBC Core platform is obtained through VPN by the following methods. In both cases, a personal management account issued by Equinix is required:

  • Client–to–site (C2S) VPN – C2S VPN is the best access solution from a personal laptop at any location. This is a standard part of the EBC platform. VPN software is available for the most common desktop operating systems. Access to the portal is offered through a personal account in combination with a second authentication method (2FA). You can then log in with the personal account.
  • Site–to–site (S2S) VPN – The S2S VPN solution is suitable for permanent access to the EBC platform management layer from the corporate network. The VPN connection provides direct and secure access to the EBC self-service web portal.

Direct platform access​

For some applications, it may be necessary to access the EBC Core platform management layer from software within the platform. Use cases for this are:

  • Integration of VDI management software with the EBC platform management layer.
  • Integration of automation tooling with the EBC platform management layer for Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery (CI/CD) pipelines and Infrastructure as Code (IaC) applications.

To gain controlled access to the EBC Core platform management layer for each of the above use cases, a combination of a management account issued by Equinix and the Managed Firewall service is required.

Automation & scripting​

The EBC environment is managed via the web portal or the API. The API is ideal for applying automation and scripting. To make this more accessible, libraries are available for common automation and scripting tools, such as PowerShell, Python, Ansible or Terraform.

Platform functions​

Platform function management is possible via the EBC self-service web portal, automation tooling, and the API. The functions in the web portal are available through an HTML5-based GUI. The portal can be accessed from browsers like Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox for MacOS or Windows. You can access the portal’s functions via VPN and/or Direct platform access.

Functions available in the portal include:

  • Management of EBC compute clusters within one or more Equinix data centers

  • Creation, import and management of VMs

    • Scaling VM resources up and down
    • VM Snapshots
    • VM Console access
    • VM Performance statistics

  • Central management of installation media and templates (ISO and OVA files) through content libraries

  • Starting VMs from ISO files

  • Deployment of VMs based on (OVA) templates

  • Secure access to the VM console

  • Extensive options for automation and scripting

Content libraries​

In the desired data store, you can create one or more content libraries where common files like ISO or OVA can be included. The files in a content library are not included in the EBC Back-up service.

Templates​

If the client regularly uses VMs, you can use the VM Customization Specification function that is a part of the EBC platform management layer. This feature allows you to deploy VMs with common settings for Linux and Windows based on VM templates. VM templates created by you are included in the EBC Back-up service.

Snapshots​

VM snapshots can be created in the EBC portal. Equinix recommends removing snapshots within a day as they can have a negative impact on the performance of the VMs and the storage capacity that you purchased.