Climbing into the cloud with Apache CloudStack
Cloud Cover
Everybody's talking about the OpenStack cloud, but many users prefer Apache's CloudStack – another open source cloud system with a long history and a more unified design.
A cloud management system is really just an API or a web interface that configures the underlying hypervisor infrastructure. But the devil lies in the details. Apache CloudStack helps administrators deploy and manage a cloud environment.
CloudStack was founded as a start-up and, after a stop-over at Citrix, finally ended up with the Apache Software Foundation, where it has seen several updates. CloudStack differs from its major open source competitor OpenStack in that all of the cloud system's components were developed together. (OpenStack is made up of several separately developed subprojects, which has some disadvantages in terms of deployment and operations, as well as increased complexity.) What CloudStack has going for it – in addition to its open source code and monolithic structure – is the fact that it is widespread. The management API, which is based on REST principles – helps third parties implement add-ons that extend the feature scope in many directions.
Complex System; Simple Architecture
Complex systems are easiest to understand if you look at the easiest implementation. Figure 1 shows a very simply representation of a CloudStack cluster.
[...]
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
US / Canada
UK / Australia
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
OpenMandriva Lx 6.0 Available for Installation
The latest release of OpenMandriva has arrived with a new kernel, an updated Plasma desktop, and a server edition.
-
TrueNAS 25.04 Arrives with Thousands of Changes
One of the most popular Linux-based NAS solutions has rolled out the latest edition, based on Ubuntu 25.04.
-
Fedora 42 Available with Two New Spins
The latest release from the Fedora Project includes the usual updates, a new kernel, an official KDE Plasma spin, and a new System76 spin.
-
So Long, ArcoLinux
The ArcoLinux distribution is the latest Linux distribution to shut down.
-
What Open Source Pros Look for in a Job Role
Learn what professionals in technical and non-technical roles say is most important when seeking a new position.
-
Asahi Linux Runs into Issues with M4 Support
Due to Apple Silicon changes, the Asahi Linux project is at odds with adding support for the M4 chips.
-
Plasma 6.3.4 Now Available
Although not a major release, Plasma 6.3.4 does fix some bugs and offer a subtle change for the Plasma sidebar.
-
Linux Kernel 6.15 First Release Candidate Now Available
Linux Torvalds has announced that the release candidate for the final release of the Linux 6.15 series is now available.
-
Akamai Will Host kernel.org
The organization dedicated to cloud-based solutions has agreed to host kernel.org to deliver long-term stability for the development team.
-
Linux Kernel 6.14 Released
The latest Linux kernel has arrived with extra Rust support and more.