How to Choose Support for OpenStack Cloud and Why It Matters

As open source cloud solutions gain traction, many organizations are turning to OpenStack to run their private clouds. In this article, we explore the potential pitfalls of managing this platform and how selecting the right support vendor can help ensure a smooth, secure, and efficient OpenStack experience.

The OpenStack service market is projected to reach $43.86 billion by 2028, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 27.4%, according to The Business Research Company. OpenStack offers a flexible, scalable, and cost-effective way for businesses to build cloud environments tailored to their needs, without the limitations of vendor lock-in.

OpenStack’s code is openly available, allowing anyone to download, customize, and use it without costly licensing fees. This is a key difference from proprietary solutions, which are closed-source and sold by vendors with restrictions on access and modification. While proprietary software may include built-in support and updates, it often lacks the flexibility, customization, and cost benefits that open source offers.

However, OpenStack’s fast development cycle and range of sub-projects can be challenging, especially for users accustomed to traditional support structures. Navigating these complexities requires strong technical skills and a strategic approach.

For companies without in-house developers to handle OpenStack’s setup and support, choosing an OpenStack-powered service or product is often the best route. With the right support team, businesses can navigate OpenStack’s complexities smoothly. A combination of community resources and dedicated support partners can make a big difference, especially in managing diverse configurations and environments.

With numerous platforms available today, FishOS stands out as a fully automated cloud management platform that seamlessly integrates OpenStack, Kubernetes, and Ceph, complemented by 11 unique components including AI-powered FishOS Workload Managerand Health Monitoring services.

Read on to discover key considerations for selecting OpenStack support to find the best fit for your organization and ensure a successful cloud journey.

1. Deep Knowledge of OpenStack

OpenStack is a robust and highly customizable cloud platform, but its architecture is intricate. With multiple components, such as Nova for computing, Neutron for networking, and Swift for storage, managing an OpenStack cloud requires deep expertise in each area.

There are two key scenarios when choosing support for OpenStack. In the first, your organization has a dedicated expert responsible for OpenStack management. In this case, you may only need external support for specialized troubleshooting or guidance on complex issues. In the second scenario, your team lacks the necessary experience with OpenStack. Here, a support provider should not only manage your system effectively but also offer training for your administrators and allow unlimited support requests to address your ongoing needs.In both cases, having a support team with deep OpenStack expertise is essential for a smooth, secure, and well-maintained cloud environment.

2. Deployment Support

Deploying a vanilla OpenStack environment can be time-consuming and complex, often requiring significant manual configuration. For many organizations, managing these complexities without dedicated in-house expertise can lead to delays, costly errors, and downtime.

In contrast, leveraging vendor support can lead to a smoother, more efficient setup that is customized to meet your organization’s specific needs. Choosing a support provider with automated deployment capabilities can be a game-changer.

Many vendors, including Sardina Systems, offer fully automated deployment frameworks that accelerate setup and ensure consistency and reliability from the start. These solutions typically include reference architectures and hardware compatibility lists to support best practices in configuration, allowing for faster, more efficient deployment than a vanilla OpenStack setup.

3. Tailored Support for Your Specific Needs

No two OpenStack environments are the same. Organizations have different needs based on their industry, size, regulatory requirements, and workloads. Choosing a support provider that can offer customized services tailored to your unique cloud setup is essential.

Your infrastructure could range from a small cloud environment to a comprehensive data center, potentially combining bare metal, virtualization, containers, and other technologies. Decide whether you need basic support for troubleshooting or comprehensive, managed services that cover everything from deployment to scaling.

4. Regular Upgrades for Security and Performance

OpenStack releases new versions every six months, each packed with features, bug fixes, and performance improvements. Ensuring your cloud is upgraded with each release can be challenging but crucial for long-term functionality and stability.

Upgrading OpenStack is a complex process that demands both technical expertise and a solid understanding of its many components and dependencies. New releases can introduce updates that conflict with existing configurations, leading to compatibility issues and inconsistencies across applications. This resource-intensive task can strain IT teams and may result in system downtime. Notably, the 2023 OpenStack User Survey revealed that only 10% of respondents deploy all intermediary and coordinated releases, underscoring the challenges organizations face in maintaining updated OpenStack environments.

This is why selecting a support partner with proven experience in OpenStack upgrades is paramount.

5. Response Time and Type of Communication

Efficient support also means timely response and clear communication. Understanding how quickly issues will be addressed and how communication will be handled can save considerable time and stress. Slow response times can lead to prolonged downtime and increased frustration among your team members.

Consider the various communication channels your support provider offers. Whether it’s through email, phone, chat, or a dedicated ticketing system, effective communication should be readily accessible and tailored to your preferences.

6. Cost-Effective Support and Transparent Pricing

Open source solutions can be more cost-effective than proprietary platforms, but support fees vary widely. Seek a provider with clear pricing and flexible options, allowing you to plan support costs without hidden fees or unexpected charges.

By ensuring that you have predictable expenses related to support, your organization can allocate resources more effectively, ultimately contributing to your long-term success.

Sardina Systems offers transparent pricing with unlimited support tickets included in our FishOS Standard Licensing. You can focus on your core business without worrying about escalating costs.

To schedule a personalized consultation with the Sardina Systems team and explore our support offerings in more detail, reach out to us today.