OpenStack

OpenStack is an open source cloud-computing platform that allows users to build an “IAAS” Infrastructure as a Service cloud that runs massively on commodity hardware and scales. It controls large pools of cloud computing components all throughout a datacenter, all managed via a dashboard that provides administrators full control while providing users the ability to provision resources via a web interface.

Components of OpenStack

Dashboard codenamed “Horizon” – this object is the “GUI” graphical user interface for OpenStack services that allows you to perform tasks and operations on the cloud.

Object Store codenamed “Swift” – This component provides object storage, allowing you to store and/or retrieve files. It does not mount directories though unlike a fileserver.

Identity codenamed “Keystone” – As its name suggests, this provides authentication and authorization for all the services. It also provides a service catalog of OpenStack services within a particular cloud.

Network codenamed “Neutron” – Also known as “Quantum” in earlier releases, this OpenStack object provides network connectivity between interface devices managed by other OpenStack services (virtual servers) most likely Nova. It is in a form of a service which works by allowing you to create your own network and then attach interface devices to them.

Image codenamed “Glance” – It provides a repository for virtual images. This is where the disk images (mostly commonly used in OpenStack Compute) are sorted out or being cataloged.

Compute codenamed “Nova” – This object allows you to control the OpenStack functions and services independently via a virtual server running on a flexible virtualization layer.

Block Storage codenamed “Cinder” – This persistently block storage to guest Virtual Machines.

Cloud computing has become the ideal platform of choice by big IT companies Worldwide including Google. Why? Number one, it’s truly open, two it’s free, and lastly the fast pace growth and strong support from various organizations. No wonder it’s being dubbed as the “de facto” platform for cloud computing.

The future is bright indeed for Openstack – something very similar from the likes of Linux for PCs and Android for mobile devices.

It is an open-source project that has a lot of features, and with each release (two times a year) more features are added by the users from all over the world. This platform layer offers an (IaaS) Infrastructure-as-a-Service through a set of services that make use of an (API) application programming interface (API) to facilitate the integration. Depending on your requirements, you can install some or all the services.

To put it simply, OpenStack simplifies your IT needs and operations by moving your core infrastructure equipment onto the cloud. Companies no longer need to buy expensive systems like LMS (moodle), surveillance, or telephony systems. They also don’t need to maintain servers, firewalls, on their premises. OpenStack has all the right tools to perform all these tasks for them on virtualized infrastructure. The result is faster service delivery and, of course, an enhanced user experience. Moreover, it also features an easy to use interface (dashboard) that will allow them to manage computers, network, and storage resources on the cloud in a jiffy. This provides a huge benefit to them, but will likely result to lower requirements for IT staffing.

And since OpenStack is created in the public, at any time users or developers can check the status of the project, review/submit code, create a new feature, and provide valuable feedback into the direction of this popular open source project just like with the Totara LMS.

Softbless is your partner for Openstack implementation in Indonesia. Whether you’re looking for more answers, solutions, or would like to have a deep technical discussion about OpenStack, Iaas, or cloud computing, we can help. Contact us now.