In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, managing large networks of virtual machines efficiently has become a cornerstone for enterprises and service providers alike. This is where Apache CloudStack steps in, serving as a robust open-source solution designed for creating and managing scalable cloud computing environments. This technology is not just another cloud platform; it offers a comprehensive suite of tools to facilitate Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), making it an appealing choice for managed service providers (MSPs), cloud vendors, telecommunications companies, and large enterprises.

Apache CloudStack was elevated to a top-level project by the Apache Software Foundation in March 2013. Since then, it has been deployed in thousands of organizations globally, a testament to its reliability and effectiveness. The platform boasts an intuitive user interface and a rich API, empowering users to manage compute, networking, software, and storage resources with ease. It integrates a full stack of features such as compute orchestration, Network as a Service, user and account management, and a stable API, all underpinned by a sleek user interface.

Recently, Apache CloudStack reached a significant milestone with the release of version 4.20. This new version focuses on enhancing networking capabilities, improving efficiency, optimizing resource utilization, and bolstering security measures. These enhancements are tailored to meet the growing demands of enterprises seeking long-term reliability and predictability in their cloud environments.

Audience and Adoption

Apache CloudStack primarily attracts enterprises, MSPs, and cloud providers looking for open-source alternatives to proprietary vendor solutions. Over the past year, there has been a notable increase in CloudStack adoption, reflected in the active participation on mailing lists and high attendance at related events. Global enterprises are drawn to CloudStack for its blend of rapid development, active community engagement, and comprehensive technology that scales with business growth.

Key Features of Apache CloudStack 4.20

The latest iteration of CloudStack, version 4.20, introduces a host of new features intended to enhance performance, reduce costs, and improve resource management. Here are some of the standout features:

• ARM64 Support and Multi-Architecture Zones: This feature enables organizations to leverage ARM64’s energy efficiency and lower operational costs for suitable workloads, making it an economically viable option for diverse computing needs.
• Ceph RGW Plugin for Object Storage: Integration with Ceph RGW in the Object Storage Framework provides a scalable and cost-effective solution for managing large volumes of unstructured data. This is particularly beneficial for applications like video streaming and big data analytics.
• VMware NSX 4 Support: Enhancements in networking are evident with NSX 4 support, which offers advanced security measures and seamless connectivity for hybrid clouds. Additionally, it provides new dynamic and static routing options for more efficient traffic management.
• Usage Management UI: This feature aids organizations in monitoring usage patterns, managing costs, and optimizing resource allocation, thereby enhancing overall operational efficiency.
• CloudStack Webhooks: The introduction of a webhook framework allows for real-time notifications and integrations with third-party tools, improving operational responsiveness and flexibility.
• Granular Resource Limits: This feature further enhances administrative efficiency by allowing more precise control over resource allocation.
• Implicit Hardware-Based Host Tags: This addition facilitates better resource allocation by automatically tagging hosts based on their hardware capabilities.
• NAS Backup and Recovery Plugin: With a focus on reliability and data protection, CloudStack 4.20 adds more options for backup, ensuring data integrity and availability.
• Shared File Systems: The capability to create user-defined Shared File Systems ensures high availability and redundancy, crucial for mission-critical applications.
• Dynamic & Static Routing: Enhanced routing capabilities allow for more efficient traffic management, improving network performance and reliability.
• Security Groups for Shared Networks in Advanced Zones: This feature provides enhanced security at the instance level, ensuring compliance for sensitive workloads and meeting stringent security requirements.

  Collectively, these features make CloudStack 4.20 a powerful and cost-effective solution for managing expansive cloud environments, offering enterprises a reliable platform to build upon.

  Getting Involved with CloudStack
  

  For those interested in exploring Apache CloudStack, the best starting point is the Apache CloudStack website. Here, you can find detailed information about the project and become part of the vibrant community that supports it. The source code for CloudStack 4.20 is available for download on the downloads page, allowing you to experiment with the platform and integrate it into your infrastructure.

  Contributing to CloudStack
  

  The CloudStack project thrives on community engagement and contributions. While code contributions are essential, there are numerous other ways to contribute. The community welcomes involvement from individuals with skills in documentation, marketing, content writing, and web design, among others. The Apache Way encourages collaboration and shared learning, making it accessible for anyone interested in contributing to the project.

  The Broader Apache Software Foundation Ecosystem
  

  Apache CloudStack is just one of the many successful projects within the Apache Software Foundation (ASF). The ASF supports nearly 9,000 committers who contribute to over 320 active projects, including notable names like Apache Airflow, Apache Camel, Apache Flink, Apache HTTP Server, Apache Kafka, and Apache Superset. These projects are maintained and advanced through the efforts of volunteers, developers, and sponsors, collectively creating open-source software used globally.

  The ASF community is committed to fostering innovation and collaboration, hosting events and producing code that benefits the public good. This blog aims to highlight the important work being done across the ASF ecosystem, sharing stories, use cases, and resources to ensure the contributions of ASF communities are recognized and celebrated.

  If you are involved in an ASF project and wish to be featured, consider reaching out to the ASF to share your story and achievements. By connecting with ASF, you can become part of a larger narrative that showcases the power of open-source collaboration and innovation.

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