Dell releases OpenStack architecture for cloud infrastructure-as-a-service

Dell is making its first foray into infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS) with new software and services designed to speed up cloud deployment.

The Dell OpenStack Cloud Solution includes a reference design using PowerEdge C servers designed for the rapid setup of public and private clouds, along with an open source tool for IT administrators called Crowbar, which the company claims will speed up cloud deployment significantly.

"Dell is an active participant in the OpenStack community because it brings our customers open APIs, capable practices for cloud operations, and affordable infrastructure," said Mark Linebaugh, vice president of next-generation computing solutions at Dell.

"Utilising and integrating the efficiencies of the PowerEdge C line with optimised software and tailored services, the Dell OpenStack Cloud Solution enables users to go from unboxing servers to running a usable OpenStack cloud in mere hours."

Linebaugh added that ability to quickly develop, deploy and deliver open source cloud services can offer lower costs and provide the flexibility to add new features to meet customer needs.

This is Dell's first move into the IaaS market using OpenStack, and the open source system will mean changes in Dell's services and software support. Additional services will be provided by Rackspace.

"Service providers and enterprises wanting to build highly scalable, flexible cloud infrastructure can now deploy OpenStack-based clouds more quickly and confidently with the Dell OpenStack Cloud Solution and services from Rackspace Cloud Builders," said Jim Curry, general manager of Rackspace Cloud Builders.

"Backed by the OpenStack experts at Dell and Rackspace, organisations will have access to tested reference architectures and ongoing support to optimise their OpenStack cloud environments."