How To Get Started On OpenStack

How Does OpenStack Work?

OpenStack is a platform composed of several independent components often referred to as projects. These components interoperate with each other through Application Programming Interface (API). These components are complementary, but do not depend on all other components to function properly. This grants you the ability to build your cloud with only the components you need.

This feature is what attracts so many users to OpenStack. You can build your cloud with the components you need for your workload and not waste hardware resources on additional components which are not necessary for the functionality you require in your cloud. This is something you cannot get with public clouds that do not give you access to configuration at the root level. Let’s dig deeper into the benefits of choosing OpenStack for your cloud needs.

Please note OpenMetal’s On-Demand OpenStack clouds provided by OpenMetal have been tweaked and applied to a variety of common use cases.

But before we commit to OpenStack, let’s explore the pros and cons of using OpenStack.

• Easy Scalability: With OpenStack, you can scale your cloud up or down at a bare metal level. This is beneficial if you are in an industry that has peaks or downtimes. You will have access to additional resources when you need them and you only pay for them when you use them. This allows you to keep up with your customers’ demands without exceeding your budget.
• Affordable: Because OpenStack is open source, the source code is available freely for public use. It was released as open source under the Apache 2.0 license. However, you will still have hardware costs unless you use an OpenStack vendor.
• Easy Automation: OpenStack has tools that can make cloud management easier. OpenStack also has its own API which allows other programs to tap into it. Developers can create their own solutions to automate tasks and share them with the OpenStack community. With more than a decade of contributions from the open source community, there are various automation tools available.
• Reliable: The OpenStack software has been improved over for over a decade. It gives you a tried and true approach. Any use you can think of for OpenStack has probably been thought of, tried, and tested.
• Fast Development: If a new OpenStack feature is being developed, it can be quickly worked on by a team of expert developers from around the world. This allows OpenStack to keep up with the fast-paced tech world.
• Vendor-neutral: With OpenStack, you will never have to deal with vendor lock-in because it is open source! If you do opt to use an OpenStack provider, it is easy to switch between vendors.

Now, you may have a clear understanding of why so many organizations turn to OpenStack. But before jumping headfirst into OpenStack, let’s consider some of the cons.

What Are The Cons Of Using OpenStack?

• Manual Installation: OpenStack is a suite of projects and each of those applications needs to be configured to your needs. You will need an OpenStack expert or team of experts depending on the size of your project. Additionally, you will need expensive hardware and your engineers’ time will be allocated to setting up your cloud for weeks. This is usually the deal breaker for many small to medium sized businesses that need all hands on deck. But notice I specified manual installation, there are ways to get OpenStack installed without doing it yourself that I will address later on in this post.
• Consistency: As the open source community continues to contribute, the OpenStack component suite is always in flux as new components are added and others are depreciated.
• Support: OpenStack is not owned or directed by any one vendor or team. So, no one is responsible for providing support on your uniquely configured cloud.

You can avoid many of these cons by opting to use an OpenStack vendor such as OpenMetal.  OpenMetal has a team of experts with a range of complementary skills. Our team can set up and configure your cloud so it’s optimized for your use case. And with OpenMetal, you also have support from our team of skilled engineers. OpenMetal can provide you with a cloud and manage the hardware in our data centers – often referred to as managed private cloud. To learn more about these options, you can inquire with an OpenMetal Consultant.

How To Get Started On OpenStack?

Ready to get started on OpenStack? Luckily for you, I’m not a fan of cliffhangers so I won’t make you wait until my next blog post to know what’s the next step. I’m a big believer in learning by doing and OpenMetal provides you with all the resources you need to get started on OpenStack now. Request a trial and follow along with our Operator’s Manual.

You can also access our complete library of OpenStack training resources here. It includes: guides, tutorial videos by FreeCodeCamp and LearnLinuxTv, and Blogs. 

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