OpenStack

OpenStack
source
Name	OpenStack
Developer	NASA, Rackspace
Operating system	Linux, VMware ESXi, Microsoft Hyper-V
Language	Python
Genre	Cloud computing
License	Apache License 2.0

OpenStack is a free and open-source software cloud computing platform, primarily used for Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) and Platform as a Service (PaaS). It is widely used by companies such as Walmart, AT&T, and Cisco Systems to manage and deploy large-scale cloud infrastructure. OpenStack is also used by research institutions such as CERN and NASA to support their scientific computing needs. The platform is supported by a large community of developers, including Red Hat, IBM, and Hewlett Packard Enterprise.

Introduction

OpenStack is designed to be highly scalable and flexible, allowing users to build and manage their own cloud infrastructure using a variety of hypervisors such as KVM, Xen, and VMware vSphere. The platform provides a range of features, including compute, storage, and networking services, as well as identity and access management and dashboard tools. OpenStack is widely used in a variety of industries, including finance (e.g., Barclays), healthcare (e.g., National Institutes of Health), and education (e.g., Massachusetts Institute of Technology). The platform is also supported by a range of open-source software projects, including Linux, Apache HTTP Server, and MySQL.

History

The OpenStack project was launched in 2010 by NASA and Rackspace, with the goal of creating a highly scalable and flexible cloud computing platform. The first release of OpenStack, known as Austin, was launched in 2010 and included a range of features, including compute and storage services. Since then, the platform has undergone rapid development, with new releases and features being added regularly. OpenStack has also been adopted by a range of companies and organizations, including HP, Dell, and the US Department of Energy. The platform has also been used in a range of high-performance computing applications, including climate modeling and genomics research at institutions such as Los Alamos National Laboratory and University of California, Berkeley.

Architecture

OpenStack is designed to be highly modular and scalable, with a range of components that can be easily integrated and customized. The platform includes a range of APIs and interfaces, allowing developers to build custom applications and tools. OpenStack also includes a range of security features, including authentication and authorization tools, as well as network security and data encryption capabilities. The platform is also designed to be highly fault-tolerant, with features such as load balancing and high availability to ensure maximum uptime and reliability. OpenStack is used by companies such as Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform to provide cloud services to their customers.

Components

OpenStack includes a range of components, including Nova (compute), Swift (object storage), and Neutron (networking). The platform also includes a range of dashboard tools, including Horizon and Heat, which provide a user-friendly interface for managing and deploying cloud resources. OpenStack also includes a range of identity and access management tools, including Keystone, which provide secure authentication and authorization capabilities. The platform is also integrated with a range of third-party tools and services, including Ansible, Docker, and Kubernetes. Companies such as Intel, Oracle, and SAP also provide support for OpenStack.

Adoption and Uses

OpenStack is widely used in a range of industries and applications, including web hosting, e-commerce, and big data analytics. The platform is also used by a range of research institutions and academic organizations, including Harvard University, Stanford University, and the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN). OpenStack is also used by a range of government agencies, including the US Department of Defense and the National Security Agency (NSA). The platform is also supported by a range of industry organizations, including the OpenStack Foundation, which provides training, certification, and community support for OpenStack users. Companies such as VMware, Citrix Systems, and NetApp also provide support for OpenStack.

Releases

OpenStack releases are typically made on a six-month cycle, with new features and updates being added regularly. The platform has undergone rapid development, with major releases including Essex, Folsom, and Grizzly. More recent releases include Newton, Ocata, and Pike, which have added a range of new features and capabilities, including containerization and artificial intelligence support. The latest releases of OpenStack, such as Stein and Train, have also included a range of security enhancements and performance improvements. OpenStack is also used by companies such as Facebook, Twitter, and Netflix to provide cloud services to their customers. Category:Cloud computing platforms