Sun Acquires Q-layer in Cloud Computing Play

In an effort to boost its refocused cloud computing initiative, Sun Microsystems (JAVA) has acquired Q-layer, a Belgian provider that automates the deployment of both public and private clouds. Sun says Q-layer's technology will help users instantly provision servers, storage, bandwidth and applications. The terms of the deal were not disclosed, as the transaction "is not material to Sun."

“Q-layer's technology and expertise will enhance Sun’s offerings, simplifying cloud management and speeding application deployment,” said David Douglas, senior vice president of Cloud Computing and chief sustainability officer, Sun Microsystems

Q-Layer is using virtualization technologies to provide a virtual private data center similar in concept to the 3Tera technology being used by Layered Technologies, among others. Q-Layer's founders worked in the managed hosting industry, and the company had been marketing its offering to hosting companies. Here's a 5-minute video overview of Q-Layer and its technology from co-founder Niko Nelissen:

Sun is in the process of shifting its strategy in the cloud computing space. Its Network.com is "in transition" and closed to new users.