An overview of OpenStack

In the simplest definition possible, OpenStack can be described as an open source cloud operating platform that can be used to control large pools of compute, storage, and networking resources throughout a data center, all managed through a single interface controlled by either an API, CLI, and/or web graphical user interface (GUI) dashboard. The power that OpenStack offers administrators is the ability to control all of those resources, while still empowering the cloud consumers to provision those very same resources through other self-service models. OpenStack was built in a modular fashion; the platform is made up of numerous components. Some of those components are considered core services and are required in order to have a function cloud, whereas the other services are optional and only required unless they fit into your personal use case.

The OpenStack Foundation

Back in early 2010, Rackspace was just a technology hosting that focused on providing service and support through an offering named Fanatical Support. The company decided to create an open source cloud platform.

The OpenStack Foundation is made up of voluntary members governed by appointed board of directors and project-based tech committees. Collaboration occurs around a six-month, time-based major code release cycle. The release names are run in the alphabetical order and reference the region encompassing the location where the OpenStack design summit will be held. Each release incorporates something called OpenStack Design Summit, which is meant to build collaboration among OpenStack operators/consumers, allowing project developers to have live working sessions and also agree on release items.

As an OpenStack Foundation member, you can take an active role in helping develop any of the OpenStack projects. There is no other cloud platform that allows for such participation.

To learn more about the OpenStack Foundation, you can go to the website, www.openstack.org.