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 can arise. Here you learn what you need to consider regarding security, scalability and compatibility when you start using 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 used open source cloud platform. Its popularity is partly due to the open common standard that 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 can arise during implementation. To guide you towards successful use of the platform, we 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, Nova compute service creates and manages virtual servers, Cinder is the object and block storage service, and Horizon is the web interface service, to name a few. This gives you the freedom to customise OpenStack according to your needs, but it can also be a lot to keep track of.

OpenStack’s versatility entails complexity that requires a lot of technical knowledge. Especially when you set up the different modules to work smoothly together. As a user, you probably need to train your staff in Python (OpenStack's main language) and open source technology, or hire the expertise required to plan, implement and operate everything smoothly.

There are several ways to tackle this challenge and be well prepared for implementing OpenStack:

  • Allocate a budget to hire the expertise you need for your project. Alternatively, engage consultants specialising in the field who can implement and manage your OpenStack environment. This saves time and ensures everything is correct from the start.
  • Train your team. There are many excellent trainings for OpenStack. There is also a large community of users, developers, companies and organisations involved in OpenStack's development who share their knowledge and provide support and advice.
  • Choose a managed OpenStack service or an on-demand provider. You get the support you need to implement and manage your OpenStack environment. The time and trouble you save by avoiding the learning curve and time-consuming troubleshooting pays off quickly. You get started quickly and smoothly.

Challenges with standardisation and compatibility

Open source has many advantages, but it also means there is not much standardisation. Services and support can 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 you have to spend a lot of time finding the right support, or you must invest in new equipment and software to make it work and be able to use all features.

You can solve this challenge by:

  • Getting involved in OpenStack development. It is open source, and if you have coding skills you can develop what you need to get the right functions and stability.
  • Using a cloud management platform that helps you manage your OpenStack environment.
  • Using 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 functions and stability you need without having to manage it yourself.

Keeping up to date with OpenStack's development

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 continuously contributing and developing. The downside of constant development is that it can lead to unexpected problems if you are not familiar with what is happening and how it affects your environment.

Have a strategy for how to handle this. For example by:

  • Researching and planning. Get familiar with the platform, how it is developing and what this means in terms of potential risks and issues for your environment. Evaluate your infrastructure and software compatibility, find out what could potentially cause downtime and other technical difficulties to identify potential problems before implementation. Then develop a plan for how to handle any challenges like interruptions and disruptions.
  • Using a cloud management platform with resources to monitor your OpenStack environment so you can quickly identify and resolve issues. Alternatively, set up your own monitoring system.
  • Using 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 operations 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. Scaling up, however, does not only mean adding more resources. You must also ensure that there is an underlying architecture that can support an increased load. This requires good planning from the start.

Consider the following to be well prepared for future scaling:

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

More tips and advice for a successful OpenStack implementation

  • Be clear from the beginning about what you will use OpenStack for. Is it for a test environment or a production environment? What kind of workloads will run?
  • Review your hardware requirements. What do you need for your needs?
  • Consider 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 take advantage of a logging and monitoring system to quickly detect threats. Stay up to date with updates so you do not fall behind on important security patches.
  • Document carefully from the start. This makes everything easier, from implementation and management to maintenance, integrations and scaling.
  • Find out what is best for your specific needs. Deploying your own OpenStack environment suits those with a complex IT infrastructure needing high customisation and control, having high computational demands and access to expertise in cloud services and open source technology. Hiring a managed OpenStack service suits if you have limited expertise, simpler IT resources and if smooth and secure usage 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 to 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 benefit from the platform without having to handle the challenges? Contact us and we will help you!