Overview

OpenStack controls large pools of compute, storage, and networking resources through APIs or a dashboard. It supports virtual machines, bare metal, and containers, with additional components for orchestration, fault management, and service management to ensure high availability.

Updated Oct 20, 2026.

What OpenStack has

For developers

Programmatic access to the product's data and features for developers.
Source code is publicly available for anyone to inspect, modify, or self-host.
Run the software on your own servers instead of the vendor's cloud.
A command-line interface that lets you run the tool from a terminal or scripts.
A toolkit that lets developers build on the product using their preferred programming language.

Extras

An online space where users can connect, share tips, and help each other.

Key Features

Infrastructure services

Beyond standard infrastructure-as-a-service functionality, additional components provide orchestration, fault management and service management amongst other services to ensure high availability of user applications.

Pros

Open source and widely adopted with a large community and ecosystem.
Supports multiple types of compute resources including VMs, bare metal, and containers.
Provides comprehensive management of compute, storage, and networking in a unified platform.
Offers APIs and dashboard for flexible and centralized control.
Supports deployment in various environments: on-premises, public cloud, and edge.

Cons

Complex setup and management requiring technical expertise.
No explicit pricing or commercial support detailed on the site.
May require integration with additional tools for complete cloud management.
Steep learning curve for new users unfamiliar with cloud infrastructure.
Limited direct customer support as it is an open source project.