Rackspace Launches OpenStack-based Private Cloud Software

Today, Rackspace Hosting announced the release of Rackspace Private Cloud Software, powered by OpenStack – making it simple and easy for companies to install, test and run a multi-node OpenStack based private cloud environment. The software, code named “Alamo,” uses the same OpenStack compute platform, Nova, used to run Rackspace clouds and is available as a free download from the Rackspace website. This software is based upon Rackspace’s experience in deploying and operating OpenStack-based public and private clouds in a variety of environments including in Rackspace’s own datacenters as well as in external datacenters. The Rackspace Private Cloud is backed by an optional support offering.

The Rackspace Private Cloud Software combines the capabilities of public cloud with the customization, reliability and control advantages of a dedicated environment. Customers now have a simple way to install an OpenStack-based private cloud in their own datacenter, at Rackspace, or in a colocation facility.

“We believe that the majority of our customers and cloud users will be running hybrid cloud environments for a long time,” said Jim Curry, general manager of Private Cloud business at Rackspace. “Today’s announcement allows businesses to utilize their existing investment in their own datacenter resources to run an open cloud solution for additional control and customization and also take advantage of Rackspace’s datacenter options.”

Key Benefits of Rackspace Private Cloud, Powered by OpenStack include:

  • Deploy in minutes To download, customers can go to www.rackspace.com/cloud/private
    and run a simple installer to deploy OpenStack components and
    configuration for private clouds.
  • Integrated and tested configuration – Based on customer
    feedback, Rackspace selected a proven configuration, which initially
    includes Ubuntu 12.04 LTS host operating system and KVM hypervisor. It
    is 100% open source OpenStack Essex with Compute, Image Service,
    Identity Service and Dashboard. Rackspace is working with partners
    like Red Hat and others to offer its customers choice of host
    operating systems and OpenStack distributions in the future.
  • Backed by Rackspace Fanatical Support® – Organizations running
    the software can utilize free support forums or can purchase
    Escalation Support services from Rackspace. Escalation Support
    includes 24x7x365 ticket and phone support for Rackspace Private Cloud
    powered by OpenStack from the experts at Rackspace.

“Since the founding of OpenStack, we have had requests from the marketplace and our customers for a private cloud software offering based on OpenStack that makes it easy to get up and running. We are making that solution available through Rackspace’s Private Cloud Software allowing organizations of any size to take advantage of open cloud technology that conforms 100% to the open source code base. Rackspace is making it easy for every IT decision maker, IT pro, and system administrator to install, test and run OpenStack clouds anywhere within minutes – you don’t need to be an OpenStack expert,” said Lew Moorman, president at Rackspace. “This is built, packaged and tested by the OpenStack experts at Rackspace, providing customers access to a proven configuration and to Rackspace’s expert Fanatical Support team.”

This software is the newest addition to the Rackspace Private Cloud suite along with OpenStack Training and Support services. For more information go to: www.rackspace.com/cloud/private