Sphere’s Microservice Transforms Algosec and CloudShare Integration, Boosting Efficiency and Automation

01

Challenge

Develop a microservice to bridge Algosec and CloudShare, resolving Lambda and database hurdles while ensuring robust, reliable integration for both systems.

03

Results

The microservice streamlined resource management, automating processes, enabling Algosec to efficiently integrate with CloudShare, offering error-case solutions, and promising resource and operational efficiency.

The Challenge

Sphere’s Microservice Simplifies Algosec and CloudShare Integration for Efficiency and Automation

The challenge at hand was to establish a connection between Algosec, a security platform, and CloudShare, an educational platform, by developing a new microservice. CloudShare had specific needs to harness Algosec’s capabilities for certain courses. Sphere was tasked with creating a microservice to configure CloudShare Virtual Machines for Algosec and handle Algosec user management within the CloudShare environment.

Initially, the plan involved utilizing AWS Lambdas for event handling, avoiding the use of an RDS database, and creating architectural documentation. However, Sphere found a more efficient solution by opting for AWS VMs instead of Lambdas and replacing the database with REDIS.

Another challenge was ensuring the microservice’s resilience in the event of system failures. Sphere maintained close collaboration with the client teams on a daily basis to meet project goals. These goals included tasks such as retrieving events and data from CloudShare, configuring CloudShare VMs, and effectively distributing Algosec resources across various CloudShare environments.

The microservice operates by receiving Webhooks from CloudShare, containing environment IDs. Upon receiving an “Environment Created” Webhook, Sphere initiates a call to the CloudShare API to obtain environment and VM details. Subsequently, Sphere associates an available tenant from Redis with the new VM, configures the VM, and marks the tenant as available once the environment is deleted.

The integration’s results empowered Algosec to automate the management of CloudShare resources. The microservice synchronized with CloudShare to track student enrollment numbers, dates, and times. For each student, it generated a new tenant and environment, connected them to VMs, and efficiently managed cloud assets. At the end of classes, it performed a reset. Prior to the introduction of this microservice, all these tasks were done manually, but automation significantly streamlined the entire process.

Sphere also meticulously documented error scenarios and their corresponding solutions, offering valuable assistance and guidance. In the long term, this automated microservice is expected to deliver substantial cost and operational efficiency benefits to clients. Sphere has built a successful partnership marked by consistently high-quality work and client satisfaction.

The Solution

Sphere Simplifies Algosec and CloudShare Cooperation, Paving the Way for Effortless Security and Education Integration

The solution revolved around the creation of a specialized computer program known as a “microservice.” This microservice served as a crucial link between two essential systems: Algosec (responsible for security) and CloudShare (utilized for educational purposes).

Imagine that CloudShare desired to harness Algosec’s tools for specific lessons. Sphere’s mission was to make this integration seamless. Sphere developed the microservice to facilitate the setup of CloudShare’s virtual computers, essential for Algosec’s operations, and to ensure a balanced allocation of Algosec users across different areas within CloudShare.

Initially, Sphere contemplated using AWS Lambdas, a specific type of computer program, and avoiding the use of RDS, a particular database. Additionally, comprehensive documentation was required to track the team’s progress. However, as the Sphere team delved deeper into the project, they discovered more efficient methods.

This led to a change in the plan. Instead of Lambdas, Sphere opted for a different type of computer called “AWS VMs,” and they replaced the database with “REDIS.” This adjustment significantly enhanced the solution.

Another challenge Sphere encountered was ensuring the microservice’s ability to recover in case of issues with Algosec or CloudShare. To address this, the Sphere team maintained daily communication with the Algosec and CloudShare teams and focused on several key tasks:

  1. Gathering information about activities in CloudShare.
  2. Configuring the virtual computers in CloudShare and connecting them to Algosec.
  3. Ensuring the proper distribution of Algosec’s users within CloudShare.

Here’s how the microservice operated: When CloudShare provided information about a newly created “Environment,” Sphere used this data to set up a virtual computer in CloudShare. The team also established the connection to Algosec and ensured that Algosec’s users could effectively use the computer. If there were no available users, the computer remained active until someone needed it. When CloudShare notified the Sphere team that an “Environment” had been deleted, they ensured a tidy cleanup process.

As a result, Algosec gained efficient control over the computers in CloudShare. Sphere’s microservice also facilitated Algosec in monitoring students, class schedules, and more. Every time a new lesson commenced, a dedicated computer was created for each student, linked to their designated area, and everything was configured automatically. When the lesson concluded, the Sphere team ensured a reset for the next group of students.

Prior to the introduction of the microservice, all these tasks had to be carried out manually, consuming a significant amount of time. However, with the microservice in place, everything was automated, resulting in a much quicker and more efficient process.

Sphere also developed a contingency plan to address potential issues, ensuring Algosec and CloudShare could rely on a seamless solution.

In the long run, Sphere’s automated microservice is expected to yield substantial cost savings and significantly enhance operational efficiency for Algosec and CloudShare. Sphere has established a successful partnership with these organizations, committed to delivering top-quality work and ensuring client satisfaction.

Outcomes and Results

Sphere’s Microservice Transforms Algosec and CloudShare Collaboration, Automating Teaching and Enhancing Security

Thanks to Sphere’s efforts, Algosec can now effortlessly manage and streamline their use of CloudShare for educational purposes. Sphere developed a specialized program known as a “microservice” to seamlessly connect Algosec’s security system with CloudShare’s educational platform. This microservice simplifies the process for CloudShare to leverage Algosec’s tools for their courses. It takes care of setting up virtual computers and ensures that Algosec’s users can access them with ease. Moreover, it keeps a close watch on various aspects, such as student numbers and study schedules.

Prior to the creation of this microservice by Sphere, all these tasks required manual intervention, which was time-consuming and resource-intensive. However, now everything operates automatically, saving time and ensuring smooth operations.

Sphere also ensured that the microservice is equipped to promptly address any issues that may arise. This feature helps Algosec and CloudShare collaborate seamlessly without disruptions. In the long run, this automated microservice is poised to deliver substantial cost savings for Algosec and CloudShare while simplifying their work. Sphere has also nurtured a strong partnership with them, committed to delivering consistently high-quality work and ensuring client satisfaction.

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