Other tools and applications for Cloud Files

In addition to the REST API and its language-specific bindings, this section provides information about other ways that you can to interact with Cloud Files.

• CLI tools

• Cloud Control Panel

• Cyberduck

• Rackspace Cloud Storage App for Microsoft SharePoint

CLI tools

The following CLI tools are available for working with Cloud Files:

• The OpenStack Swift client (A CLI tool), which you can install using pip. You can find the source code at https://github.com/openstack/python-swiftclient.

• Swiftly, which you can install using pip. You can find the source code at https://github.com/gholt/swiftly.

Cloud Control Panel

The Rackspace Cloud Control Panel is one way to access Cloud Files. This tool provides a way to understand, at a high level, how Cloud Files works. It gives system administrators a view of the various containers and objects stored in Cloud Files. You can create containers in the Cloud Control Panel, and then upload, download, and delete files. It describes those files.

Figure: Rackspace Cloud Control Panel

Access this by logging in to your Cloud Control Panel at http://login.rackspace.com. In the top navigation bar, click Select a Product > Rackspace Cloud.

Cyberduck

Cyberduck is an open-source Cloud Files browser licensed under the GNU General Public License (GPL); it’s available for Mac and Windows. Cyberduck features an easy-to-use interface with easily accessible bookmarks. The browser outline view allows users to browse large folder structures efficiently and preview files with Quick Look. Cyberduck also provides seamless integration with many external editors, making it easy to change content quickly. It provides a way to upload and configure Cloud Files to distribute content over the CDN. For more information, see the Cyberduck web site at http://cyberduck.io/.

Figure: Cyberduck interface to Cloud Files

Rackspace Cloud Storage App for Microsoft SharePoint

Rackspace Cloud Storage App for Microsoft SharePoint enables you to work with files inside of Rackspace Cloud Files alongside SharePoint content. Cloud Storage App reduces costs and frees valuable space on a SharePoint deployment’s Microsoft SQL Server databases by storing data in your cloud account. The app also gives you the ability to expose Cloud Files containers and objects directly in SharePoint websites where you can download, upload, modify, and share files with others. With Cloud Storage App, you can perform the following tasks:

• Manage Cloud Files objects directly inside your SharePoint portal

• Add objects to Cloud File containers using a drag-and-drop user interface

• Delete objects from Cloud File containers one at a time or in bulk

• Collaborate with others, even users who do not have SharePoint credentials, by generating temporary URLs that expire after a certain number of days

For more information, see Install the Rackspace Cloud Storage App for Microsoft SharePoint.