OpenStack Cloud Software

OpenStack Cloud software is a free, open-source cloud computing platform used to build and manage private and public clouds. It is usually deployed as IaaS (Infrastructure-as-a-Service). The OpenStack platform pools virtual resources to handle computing, networking, storage, identity, and image services.

OpenStack consists of multiple components with a modular architecture managed through a dashboard.

Core components with their (code names) include:

• Compute (Nova) manages pools of computers resources using virtualization technologies.

• Image Service (Glance) discovers, registers, and stores virtual machine images.

• Object Storage (Swift) creates scalable data storage.

• Dashboard (Horizon) is a graphical interface to automate cloud-based resources.

• Identity Service (Keystone) provides a central list of users mapped against the OpenStack services they are allowed to access.

• Networking (Neutron) manages networks and IP addresses.

• Block Storage (Cinder) delivers block-level storage for applications.

• Telemetry (Ceilometer) is a single point of contact for billing systems covering all OpenStack components.

• Orchestration (Heat) supports multiple composite cloud applications through the use of APIs.

OpenStack is a platform that grew from the desire to define the direction of private cloud computing and create a common, shared codebase to support it. It is a community effort with hundreds of companies contributing to its codebase.

OpenStack places emphasis on stability, security, scalability, and interoperability. It is used by telecommunication service providers, financial institutions, governments, the military, universities, and research institutions. OpenStack is one of the biggest open-source projects in the world.

Using OpenStack, developers can retool the cloud and potentially create new use-cases.

OpenStack cloud software vendors offer customized and managed cloud services and solutions based upon OpenStack.

Related categories include:

• Container Management Software

• Infrastructure-as-a-Service Solutions

• Managed Private Cloud Services

• Managed Public Cloud Infrastructure Services

• Network Function Virtualization (NFV)

• Server Virtualization Software

• Virtualization Management Tools

What is OpenStack Cloud Software?

OpenStack Cloud software is a free, open-source cloud computing platform used to build and manage private and public clouds. It is usually deployed as IaaS (Infrastructure-as-a-Service). The OpenStack platform pools virtual resources to handle computing, networking, storage, identity, and image services.

OpenStack consists of multiple components with a modular architecture managed through a dashboard.

Core components with their (code names) include:

• Compute (Nova) manages pools of computers resources using virtualization technologies.

• Image Service (Glance) discovers, registers, and stores virtual machine images.

• Object Storage (Swift) creates scalable data storage.

• Dashboard (Horizon) is a graphical interface to automate cloud-based resources.

• Identity Service (Keystone) provides a central list of users mapped against the OpenStack services they are allowed to access.

• Networking (Neutron) manages networks and IP addresses.

• Block Storage (Cinder) delivers block-level storage for applications.

• Telemetry (Ceilometer) is a single point of contact for billing systems covering all OpenStack components.

• Orchestration (Heat) supports multiple composite cloud applications through the use of APIs.

OpenStack is a platform that grew from the desire to define the direction of private cloud computing and create a common, shared codebase to support it. It is a community effort with hundreds of companies contributing to its codebase.

OpenStack places emphasis on stability, security, scalability, and interoperability. It is used by telecommunication service providers, financial institutions, governments, the military, universities, and research institutions. OpenStack is one of the biggest open-source projects in the world.

Using OpenStack, developers can retool the cloud and potentially create new use-cases.

OpenStack cloud software vendors offer customized and managed cloud services and solutions based upon OpenStack.

Related categories include:

• Container Management Software

• Infrastructure-as-a-Service Solutions

• Managed Private Cloud Services

• Managed Public Cloud Infrastructure Services

• Network Function Virtualization (NFV)

• Server Virtualization Software

• Virtualization Management Tools

OpenStack Cloud Software Features

• Builds, Manages, and Supports Private and Public Clouds

• Computer resources

• Images

• Storage

• Dashboard

• Identity Access

• Networks

• Billing

• Applications / Containers

OpenStack Cloud Software Comparison

Consider the following points when evaluating your use of OpenStack cloud software.

In-house Build or Vendor Product: OpenStack cloud software and all its components are free; however, the size and complexity of the platform can create challenges. Does your organization have the skills and expertise to build and support OpenStack-based clouds? An OpenStack vendor product will offer that expertise and support while providing additional functions and services.

Alternatives: In addition to products based upon OpenStack, explore, and compare cloud service providers such as Amazon (AWS) and Microsoft (Azure) to see what best fits your needs. Both AWS and Azure support running open-source applications on their platforms. There are also other cloud open-source product vendors such as Apache’s CloudStack.

Pricing Information

OpenStack cloud software is free. OpenStack vendors who bundle additional features, services, and tech support usually require obtaining a quote for their products.