Overview: Applications¶
Applications services are created and deployed to a BIG-IP Next instance using BIG-IP Next Central Manager.
Application service definition¶
An application service is one of the crucial components of the BIG-IP Next Central Manager workflow. The application service is where virtual servers are configured, determines the protocols they use and which pool should be used as the destination for any traffic coming from that virtual server.
During virtual server configuration, you can customize the way the BIG-IP Next instance processes different types of traffic. This can be achieved by assigning certificates, policies, iRules, or other resources from the BIG-IP Next Central Manager. These configurations will determine the processing of traffic when the application service is deployed to a BIG-IP Next instance.
Application service types¶
There are two types of application services which can be created and deployed using the BIG-IP Next Central Manager. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, which are outlined below.
Application Services 3 (AS3)¶
AS3 enables configuration of application services using a JSON schema definition similar to BIG-IP AS3.
Presents a standardized structure for defining an application service when evaluating transitions from BIG-IP AS3.
Supports both per-application and declarative per-instance or per-tenant workflows.
See How to: Manage AS3 application services using BIG-IP Next Central Manager for additional details.
F5 Application Services Templates (FAST)¶
FAST offers a simple payload to create and deploy application services with support to easily modify the parameters and underlying AS3 application service that gets deployed.
Provides a parameterized view of an application service with support for lightweight customization using templates.
Supports per-application workflows where each application service is drafted and deployed to many locations.
See How to: Manage FAST application services using BIG-IP Next Central Manager for additional details.