Data Center Designer

The Data Center Designer (DCD) is a unique tool for creating and managing Virtual Data Center (VDCs). Its graphical user interface (GUI) makes data center configuration intuitive and straightforward. You can drag and drop virtual elements from the Palette to set up and configure data center infrastructure components in the Workspace. For more information, see Palette and workspace.

Similar to a physical data center, you can use the DCD to connect various virtual elements to create a complete hosting infrastructure. For more information, see Configure a Data Center.

The same visual design approach is used to make any adjustments later. You can log in to the DCD and scale your infrastructure capacity. Alternatively, you can set defaults and create new resources when needed.

Core functionality

Using the DCD, you can both control and manage the following services provided by IONOS Cloud:

• Data Centers: Create, configure, and delete entire data centers. Cross-connect between VDCs and tailor user access across your organization.

• Compute Engine: and Cubes: Set up, pause, and restart virtual instances, such as Dedicated Core servers, vCPU servers, or Cubes, with customizable storage, CPU, and RAM capacity. Instances can be scaled based on usage. For more information about configuring a data center, see Configure a Data Center.

• Block Storage: Upload, edit, and delete your private images or use images provided by IONOS Cloud. Create or save snapshots for use with future instances.

• Networking: Reserve and manage static public IP addresses. Create and manage private and public LANs including firewall setups.

• Basic Features: Save and manage SSH keys; connect via Remote Console; launch instances via cloud-init; record networking via flow logs and monitor your instance use with monitoring software.

Compatibility

As a web application, the DCD is supported by the following browsers:

• Google Chrome™: Version 30+

• Mozilla® Firefox®: Version 28+

• Apple® Safari®: Version 5+

• Opera™: Version 12+

• Microsoft® Internet Explorer®: Version 11 & Edge

DCD elements

You can set up your data center infrastructure by using a drag-and-drop visual interface.

The DCD contains the following elements:

The square elements serve as building blocks for your VDC. Each element represents an IONOS Cloud product or service. Some elements are compatible, while others are not. For example, a Server icon can be combined with the Storage (HDD or SSD) icon. In practice, this would represent the physical act of connecting a hard drive to a server machine. For more information, see Set Up Storage.

Palette and workspace

The palette is a dynamic sidebar that contains VDC elements. You can click and drag each element from the palette into your workspace and position it as per your requirements.

All cloud products and services are compatible with each other. You may create a Server and add Storage to it. A LAN Network will interconnect your Servers.

Some elements may connect automatically via drag-and-drop. The DCD will then join the two if able. Otherwise, it will open configuration space for approval.

Right-click an element and select Delete from the drop-down menu. You can also select the element directly and hit Delete/Backspace from your keyboard.

Context menu

The context menu offers different options depending on the element. To see the context menu, right-click on any element. For example, right-click a Cube or a Server to update it.

Inspector pane

When an element is selected, the Inspector pane will appear on the right side of your screen. You can configure the element properties. For example, for a Server element, you can define its Name and Availability Zone, Preset, vCPUs and RAM.

This pane allows you to finalize the creation of your data center. Once your VDC is set up, select PROVISION CHANGES. This makes your infrastructure available for use.