OpenStack
February 22, 2026
What it is
OpenStack is an open source cloud platform: compute (Nova), storage (Cinder, Swift), networking (Neutron), and more. Build AWS-like private clouds on your own hardware.
Usage
Self-service VMs, block and object storage, virtual networks; used by telcos and enterprises for private cloud.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Full IaaS stack | Complex to deploy and operate |
| Mature and widely used | Steep learning curve |
| No vendor lock-in | Many components to upgrade |
| Flexible and scalable |
Alternatives
Kubernetes (for containers), commercial private cloud. Why OpenStack: Need full VM-based private cloud (compute + storage + network).
Links
- Homepage: https://www.openstack.org/
- Documentation: https://docs.openstack.org/
- Source: https://github.com/openstack