Abstract: Grouping virtualized computing instances in cloud environments can be achieved utilizing groups of network endpoints, such as hardware devices, virtualized computing instances, etc. The network endpoint group (NEG) provides a logical grouping for providers of backend services that may be arranged on the network endpoints, and may be organized based on the backend service to be provided by the computing environments that operate as network endpoints. For example, the NEGs may be implemented for load balancing applications. The network endpoint groups, and the network endpoints included therein, may be managed using a framework of tools, libraries and application programming interfaces.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus include computer programs encoded on a computer-readable storage medium for firewall policies with improved efficiency. A policy can be defined that specifies a set of firewall rules, where the set of firewall rules provides a respective firewall rule for each layer of a plurality of layers within a hierarchical structure of a network, the network including a plurality of elements. Determining, for a first element within the network, a position within a first layer of the hierarchical structure. In response to receiving a data transmission request to or from the first element, applying the set of firewall rules in accordance with the first layer of the hierarchical structure, where applying the set of firewall rules comprises sequentially applying each respective firewall rule at each layer from an upper layer within the network to the first layer within the network.

Abstract: Establishing proxy-less connectivity from logically isolated virtual private clouds (VPC)within a cloud environment without the use of VPN or VPC peering is provided. Establishing a service attachment in one VPC, related to a service which is to be accessed, and a service endpoint in another VPC allows for private communication between the two networks without exposing the service to other VPCs in the cloud environment.