OpenStack needs to be simplified
We heard a lot of comments about the barrier of entry for OpenStack being high because, being open source software, it can be a steep learning curve by nature. Users can download and operate OpenStack themselves, but OpenStack managing services such as those operated by firms like Rackspace are doing well because customers, whilst seeing the benefits of OpenStack, do not know how to properly deploy it.
It’s still maturing, and bowing to the needs of the customers
There are thousands of different ways OpenStack can be deployed for customers. It can meet any IT enterprise needs, but a lot of customer do not yet understand which ways OpenStack could help them. As demand for varying OpenStack models grow in different customer verticals, so does the need for OpenStack distributors and managers to adapt the platform for specific customer demands.
It’s grown massively in the past four years
Demand for OpenStack engineers is currently outpacing supply, and there are over 4000 attendees here at OpenStack Summit 2014 in Paris. OpenStack has always had a very strong community, but as these latest OpenStack survey results show, actual deployment is finally catching up.
But still, analysts cannot pin exact deployment figures
An IDC analyst told CBR that measuring actual OpenStack deployment figures is near impossible, considering there is no way to track and follow up on all of the open source downloads. Moreover, the survey results will only be representing users who are actively engaged in OpenStack debate, and even then, users who actually took the time to fill out a survey.
Big players are interested, teaming up on Amazon?
Walking around the show here, there really has been an explosion of big players in the OpenStack space. HP is in show with its HP Helion offering, and other names such as EMC, IBM, and even BMW, are at the Summit.
