In a previous post, we discussed how software-defined networking (SDN) enhances cloud networks by making them highly automated and programmable, resulting in greater flexibility, reliability, scalability and cost-effectiveness. SDN features and functionality such as granular programming, network-wide visibility, strict policy enforcement, orchestration and open standards are critical to a successful private cloud network.

OpenStack has quickly become a leader in helping organizations utilize SDN in their private clouds. OpenStack is a scalable cloud operating system that enables organizations to build cloud networks and centrally manage and provision compute, storage and networking resources through an online dashboard.

OpenStack is also a global community of developers and technologists who collaborate to create, improve and support open-source cloud infrastructure solutions. The goal of OpenStack is to make it easy for any organization to leverage the cloud on standard hardware and eliminate the limitations of vendor lock-in.

Because OpenStack is an open-source system, it enables much greater flexibility and agility than traditional systems. Various versions can be customized based upon specific business needs for private, public and hybrid cloud environments. Organizations can compare services and tools from multiple vendors. Cloud systems can be quickly deployed, making it possible to respond almost immediately to evolving business needs. The process of coding, testing and rolling out new services is accelerated with OpenStack, while self-service provisioning reduces management costs.

OpenStack encourages experimentation and the development of new functionality and features. This do-it-yourself mentality leads to the availability of more plugins and tools that can overcome deficiencies and enhance existing services, benefiting the OpenStack community as a whole.

OpenStack delivers networking-as-a-service with Neutron (formerly Quantum), a cloud controller and SDN networking project. Neutron was designed to ease the stress on private cloud networks, using APIs, plugins and authentication controls to allow for the orchestration of various technologies in infrastructure-as-a-service environments. OpenStack’s OpenDaylight is an open-source controller and SDN networking project that can be easily integrated with Neutron.

HP has been ahead of the curve when it comes to developing cloud solutions based upon OpenStack and SDN. HP recently introduced Virtual Cloud Networking (VCN), a new SDN application that integrates with Helion, HP’s OpenStack distribution. HP’s solution was designed to simplify the process of creating virtual networks and deploying public and private clouds. VCN runs on HP’s Virtual Application Networks (VAN) SDN controller and enhances OpenStack’s Neutron, which requests network services through the VCN application. The VAN controller then handles configurations automatically.

Let IPC show you how HP’s OpenStack solution and SDN tools can provide you with the flexibility, agility and cost-efficiency that you demand from your cloud network.