Programmable Infrastructure and the Cisco Intersight API

Cisco Intersight includes a RESTful API that supports the OpenAPI standard to provide full programmability and deep integrations with third-party tools and systems. Now partners and customers can begin to leverage this capability using the Intersight Python SDK.

Guest Blogger: David Soper, Technical Marketing Engineer

Transforming Through the API

Last fall Cisco introduced Cisco Intersight, our revolutionary cloud-based systems management platform. As we explained in this blog, “We wanted to provide a transformative experience for our customers with no hassles, as they adopt software as a service (SaaS) to manage their infrastructure.” One of the keys to making this possible was the extensibility of the Cisco Intersight architecture through a RESTful API.

Cisco Intersight includes an API that supports the OpenAPI specification. The OpenAPI specification (formerly known as the Swagger Specification) is a powerful definition format to describe RESTful APIs. Support for the OpenAPI specification provides users access to an interoperable REST API with tools that automate the generation of the Intersight API documentation (intersight.com/apidocs), API schemas, and SDKs (including a fully functional Python SDK).

Getting Started with the Intersight API

I wanted to make it easy to begin using the new Intersight API, so I created this demo video to provide an overview and step-by-step instructions for getting started. It shows you how to access the API documentation, how to generate keys for secure remote API usage, and information regarding the Intersight Python SDK.

Intersight Extensible Architecture

The Intersight API is part of the broader open connector framework we have established to enable the Intersight ecosystem to evolve and eventually support a wide range of Cisco and third-party software and hardware. The image below provides an overview of the Intersight open connector framework. At this point we have implemented the inventory, alerting, security, and authentication functionality in Intersight.

We will add orchestration functionality into Cisco Intersight in the future. However, it is important for us to preserve the investment our customers have made in UCS Director tasks and workflows, so it will take time to allow for a smooth transition.

Cisco Intersight currently only supports Cisco UCS and HyperFlex systems. The RESTful OpenAPI will allow us to begin working with our partners to develop support for their systems and software. We will be able to develop new connectors with our hardware partners for converged infrastructure, storage, and devices or applications. The Python SDK will enable integrations with Ansible, Chef, Puppet, and other DevOps and IT operations management tools. We intend to add support for a PowerShell and Go SDK in the future.

Key to IT and Business Transformation

As McKinsey noted in a recent article, “APIs are the connective tissue in today’s ecosystems”. The RESTful OpenAPI is essential to the cloud-based management ecosystem we are creating around Cisco Intersight. You can access portions of the API with the Base Edition and unlock full access to the API by trying Intersight Essentials today with our free 90-day trial offer.

You can learn more:

Intersight API technical blog

Access the Intersight portal at Intersight.com