---
name: ibm-cloud
description: Provides comprehensive IBM Cloud platform guidance including compute services (VPC, Virtual Servers, IKS, OpenShift, Code Engine, Cloud Functions), storage (Object Storage, Block Storage, File Storage), databases (Db2, Cloudant, PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB, Redis), IAM security (access groups, service IDs, Key Protect, Secrets Manager), networking (VPC, load balancers, Direct Link), CLI automation, Terraform/Schematics infrastructure as code, monitoring, and cost optimization. Covers infrastructure provisioning, application deployment, security configuration, multi-zone high availability, and operational best practices. Use when working with IBM Cloud services, deploying cloud infrastructure, managing cloud resources, configuring security and networking, or when users mention "IBM Cloud", "IKS", "Code Engine", "Db2", "Cloudant", "VPC", "cloud provisioning", "IBM Kubernetes", "OpenShift", "Terraform IBM", "Schematics", or "IBM cloud platform".
---

# IBM Cloud

Systematic IBM Cloud platform guidance for enterprise cloud infrastructure, covering compute, storage, databases, networking, security, and operational best practices.

## Workflow Decision Tree

Choose your path based on the task:

## 1. Service Category Selection

**Compute & Containers** → Load [compute-services.md](references/compute-services.md)

- Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) and Virtual Server Instances
- IBM Kubernetes Service (IKS) and Red Hat OpenShift
- Code Engine (serverless containers) and Cloud Functions

**Storage** → Load [storage-services.md](references/storage-services.md)

- Cloud Object Storage, Block Storage, File Storage

**Databases** → Load [database-services.md](references/database-services.md)

- Db2, Cloudant, PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB, Redis

**Security & Access** → Load [iam-security.md](references/iam-security.md)

- IAM, Resource Groups, Service IDs, Key Protect, Secrets Manager

**Networking** → Load [networking.md](references/networking.md)

- VPC Networks, Load Balancers, DNS/CDN, Direct Link

### 2. Architecture & Deployment Patterns

**High Availability** → Multi-zone deployment across 3 availability zones
**Microservices** → IKS/OpenShift with service mesh and ingress
**Serverless** → Code Engine applications with auto-scaling
**Hybrid Cloud** → Direct Link or VPN for on-premises connectivity

### 3. Common Operations

**Initial Setup** → Install CLI, authenticate, configure regions and resource groups
**Resource Provisioning** → Use CLI, Terraform, or IBM Cloud Console
**Security Configuration** → IAM policies, encryption, network security
**Monitoring** → Set up logging, monitoring, and cost tracking

## Core Concepts

### Resource Hierarchy

```
Account → Resource Groups → Services/Resources → Access Groups (IAM)
```

### Regions and Multi-Zone Architecture

- **Primary Regions**: `us-south`, `us-east`, `eu-gb`, `eu-de`, `jp-tok`, `au-syd`
- **Availability Zones**: 3 zones per region (e.g., `us-south-1`, `us-south-2`, `us-south-3`)
- **Best Practice**: Deploy across multiple zones for high availability

### Service Categories

- **IaaS**: VPC, Virtual Servers, Block/File Storage
- **PaaS**: IKS, OpenShift, Code Engine
- **SaaS**: Managed Databases, Watson AI, DevOps Tools
- **Serverless**: Code Engine, Cloud Functions

## Quick Start

### 1. Install and Configure CLI

```bash
# Install CLI (macOS/Linux)
curl -fsSL https://clis.cloud.ibm.com/install/osx | sh

# Login
ibmcloud login

# Target region and resource group
ibmcloud target -r us-south -g my-resource-group

# Install common plugins
ibmcloud plugin install container-service vpc-infrastructure
```

### 2. Basic Resource Creation Pattern

```bash
# 1. Create VPC
ibmcloud is vpc-create my-vpc

# 2. Create resources (compute, storage, network)
ibmcloud is instance-create my-vsi ...

# 3. Configure IAM
ibmcloud iam ...

# 4. Deploy application
# 5. Set up monitoring
```

## Essential Guidance

### Security Best Practices

1. **IAM**: Use Access Groups, apply least privilege, rotate API keys every 90 days
2. **Network**: Use private endpoints, configure Security Groups and ACLs
3. **Data**: Enable encryption at rest/transit, use Key Protect for key management
4. **Compliance**: Choose regions for data residency requirements

### Cost Optimization

- Right-size instances for workload requirements
- Use reserved capacity for predictable workloads
- Leverage serverless (Code Engine/Functions) for variable loads
- Select appropriate storage tiers (Standard, Vault, Cold Vault)
- Enable auto-scaling to match demand
- Set budget alerts and monitor usage

### Reference Files

Load detailed guidance based on specific needs:

- **[compute-services.md](references/compute-services.md)**: VPC, Virtual Servers, IKS, OpenShift, Code Engine, Cloud Functions
- **[storage-services.md](references/storage-services.md)**: Object Storage, Block Storage, File Storage
- **[database-services.md](references/database-services.md)**: Db2, Cloudant, PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB, Redis
- **[iam-security.md](references/iam-security.md)**: IAM, Access Groups, Service IDs, Key Protect, Secrets Manager
- **[networking.md](references/networking.md)**: VPC networking, Load Balancers, DNS/CDN, Direct Link

## Support Resources

- Documentation: <https://cloud.ibm.com/docs>
- API Reference: <https://cloud.ibm.com/apidocs>
- Terraform Provider: <https://registry.terraform.io/providers/IBM-Cloud/ibm>
- CLI Reference: <https://cloud.ibm.com/docs/cli>