What is Openstack?

Openstack is the start of open source cloud computing standards being driven by Rackspace and NASA with help from Zenoss and 23 other organizations.

OpenStack will feature several cloud infrastructure components including a fully distributed object store based on Rackspace Cloud Files, available today at OpenStack.org.  The next component planned for release is a scalable compute-provisioning engine based on the NASA Nebula cloud technology and Rackspace Cloud Servers technology. It is expected to be available later this year.  Using these components, organizations would be able to turn physical hardware into scalable and extensible cloud environments using the same code currently in production serving tens of thousands of customers and large government projects.

Why should you care?

This is big since it help eliminates one of the concerns with Cloud Computing, vendor lock-in (see Robert Scoble’s post on the subject here).  Enterprises will be able to enable internal cloud computing and leverage service provides without having to depend on different APIs and standards.

This removes a barrier to the adoption of cloud computing that we think it is going to drive some serious innovation when it comes to building large-scale cloud platforms.  Check out what NASA has been doing with their Nebula cloud computing platform as an example.

Where does Zenoss fit?

The need for on-demand infrastructure, based on open standards, has never been higher and here at Zenoss, we can’t be more excited to be a part of the effort.  From Bill Karpovich, co-founder and CEO of Zenoss,

OpenStack adds a compelling new alternative in the cloud infrastructure market. We see significant interest among enterprises and service providers for scalable, open and proven platforms to deploy private and public clouds. OpenStack hits the mark.  As a longtime partner of Rackspace, we are happy to support the initiative and look forward to helping organizations monitor and assure service delivery for OpenStack-based clouds.        

Next generation IT organizations need next generation tools to guarantee services whether they are being provided locally or through external partners (IT Operations 2.0).  Zenoss is working today to deliver the needs of the emerging cloud computing space while at the same time helping bridge from the cloud back to physical and virtual infrastructures.

Want to learn more about OpenStack?

Check out OpenStack.org and also on the official Twitter account for OpenStack.  Also, you can also watch Rick Clark, chief architect of OpenStack, talk about the project and its goals.