OpenStack is the world's most widely used cloud platform. Its open source code makes OpenStack a flexible and adaptable environment with many possibilities, but if you are considering implementing the platform for your project, it is also important to be aware of the challenges that may arise. Here you will learn what you need to consider when it comes to security, scalability and compatibility when starting to use OpenStack, and how to avoid the most common pitfalls for a successful implementation.

Things to consider when implementing OpenStack

OpenStack is the world's most widely used open source cloud platform. Its popularity is based, among other things, on the fact that the open common standard makes it easier for users to move freely between different cloud environments. Open source also offers many customisation options.

While there are many advantages to OpenStack, it is also important to keep an eye on the challenges that may arise during implementation. To guide you towards successful use of the platform, we will go through the most common mistakes and how to avoid them so that you can enjoy a successful cloud experience.

Have the right knowledge and budget when implementing OpenStack

OpenStack is a modular solution divided into several components for specific functions and needs. For example, the Nova compute service creates and manages virtual servers, the Cinder object and block storage service, and the Horizon web interface service, to name a few. This gives you the freedom to customise OpenStack to your needs, but it can also be a lot to keep track of.

OpenStack's versatility comes with complexity that needs a lot of technical know-how. Especially when you're setting up the different modules to work together smoothly. As a user, you'll probably need to train your staff in Python (the main language in OpenStack) and open source tech, or bring in the expertise needed to plan, implement, and run things smoothly.

There are several ways to address this challenge and become well prepared for the implementation of OpenStack:

• Set aside a budget to hire the expertise you need for your project. Alternatively, you can hire consultants who specialise in this area and who can implement and manage your OpenStack environment. This saves you time and ensures that everything is right from the start.
• Train your team. There are many excellent training courses available for OpenStack. There is also a large community of users, developers, companies and organisations involved in developing OpenStack, who share their knowledge and provide support and advice.
• Select a managed OpenStack service or an on-demand provider. You'll get the support you need to implement and manage your OpenStack environment. The time and hassle you save by avoiding the learning curve and time-consuming troubleshooting quickly pays for itself. You'll get started quickly and without any problems.

Challenges with standardisation and compatibility

Open source has many advantages, but it also means that there is not much standardisation. Services and support may vary depending on the version. This can also mean that problems arise when existing hardware and software need to be integrated with OpenStack. This, in turn, can mean that you have to spend a lot of time finding the right support, or that you need to invest in new equipment and software to get it to work and be able to use all the features.

You can solve this challenge by:

• Be involved in developing OpenStack. It is open source, and if you have coding skills, you can develop what you need to get the right features and stability.
• Use a cloud management platform that helps you manage your OpenStack environment.
• Use a service provider for a managed OpenStack environment. That way, you don't have to worry about how to implement, manage and monitor your environment. You get the features and stability you need without having to manage it yourself.

Keeping up with OpenStack developments

The exciting thing about a solution based on open source code is that things are constantly happening. There is a large and active community around the platform that is constantly contributing and developing. The disadvantage of continuous development is that it can lead to unexpected problems if you are not familiar with what is happening and how it affects your particular environment.

Have a strategy for how you will handle this. For example, by:

• Conduct research and plan. Familiarise yourself with the platform, how it is developed and what this means in terms of potential risks and problems for your environment. Evaluate your infrastructure and software compatibility, find out what could potentially cause downtime and other technical difficulties in order to identify potential problems before implementation. Then develop a plan for how you will deal with any challenges such as interruptions and disruptions.
• Use a cloud management platform with resources to monitor your OpenStack environment so you can quickly identify and resolve issues. Alternatively, you can set up your own monitoring system.
• Use a managed service. The provider will manage and monitor your OpenStack environment so you can focus entirely on your project. Most services offer advanced monitoring for secure operation and a backup strategy.

Scalability and OpenStack

OpenStack is designed to be scalable. This is one of its main advantages and makes it a good solution for both smaller projects and large environments. However, scaling up does not just mean adding more resources. You also need to ensure that there is an underlying architecture that can support an increased load. This requires good planning right from the start.

Consider the following to be well prepared for future scaling:

• Be clear about defining your goals and what you plan to do with your OpenStack environment. This will make it easier to plan for high availability and scalability right from the start. For example, plan for redundancy and infrastructure design that can be easily scaled out as needs increase.
• Implement a management and monitoring solution. This will help you gain insights and plan for capacity, performance, etc. OpenStack has its own tools for measurement and monitoring, but additional, more granular tools may be needed.
• Hire a hosting service with the option to add more resources on demand. This gives you quick and easy scalability when you need it.
  

More tips and advice for a successful OpenStack implementation

• Be clear from the outset about what you will be using OpenStack for. Is it for a test environment or a production environment? What type of workloads will be running?
• Review your hardware requirements. What do you need for your needs?
• Think about security. Insecure APIs and weak passwords can lead to breaches. Follow Zero Trust principles with limited access for each service, use encryption and authentication, and utilise a logging and monitoring system to quickly detect threats. Stay up to date with updates so you don't fall behind with important security patches.
• Document thoroughly from the outset. This makes everything easier, from implementation and management to maintenance, integrations and scaling.

• Find out what is best for your specific needs. Distributing your own OpenStack environment is suitable for those who have a complex IT infrastructure with a need for high customisation and control, have large computing requirements, and have access to expertise in cloud services and open source technology. Hiring a managed OpenStack service is suitable if you have limited expertise, simpler IT resources, and if smooth and secure use is more important than control.

Binero and OpenStack

At Binero, we strongly believe in transparency and flexibility. That is why our high-performance and scalable cloud service is based on OpenStack. With open source and open APIs, you get access to a common and open standard that gives you the freedom to move between different cloud environments without being locked into a particular technology. Want to learn more about how OpenStack and open source can be used as a success factor for your digital journey, and how you can reap the benefits of the platform without having to deal with the challenges? – Please contact us and we will help you!