Source URL: https://www.theregister.com/2024/10/03/openstack_dalmatian/
Source: The Register
Title: OpenStack Dalmatian debuts with a new dashboard, better security and GPU-wrangling
Feedly Summary: If you think VMware has gone to the dogs, maybe check it out?
OpenStack Dalmatian, the 30th edition of the open source cloud stack, has bounded out of the kennel.…
AI Summary and Description: Yes
Summary: OpenStack Dalmatian, the latest iteration of the open-source cloud infrastructure, showcases enhancements particularly beneficial for AI, ML, and HPC workloads, such as GPU reservation and improved security features. This update also targets VMware users, making it more accessible through a new user-friendly dashboard.
Detailed Description: OpenStack Dalmatian is a significant release in the context of cloud computing and carries multiple enhancements aimed at improving usability and security, particularly for AI, ML, and high-performance computing (HPC) workloads. Here are the key points:
– **Increased Adoption:** The Open InfraFoundation highlights a surge in OpenStack’s adoption, especially as an alternative to VMware, which indicates its growing acceptance in enterprise environments.
– **Enhanced User Experience:**
– Introduction of **Skyline Dashboard:** A refined and intuitive dashboard designed to simplify management for users transitioning from VMware, promoting accessibility for new users.
– **GPU-Powered Instances:**
– New capabilities in Dalmatian allow for the reservation of GPU-powered instances specifically suited for AI and ML workloads, preventing resource contention during critical training and inferencing tasks.
– **Security Enhancements in Nova Module:**
– Automatic detection of virtual Trusted Platform Module (vTPM) support and ensuring compatibility with specific software versions strengthen the security infrastructure.
– Newly integrated functionalities aim to automate the management of trusted hardware, enhancing control over security policies.
– **Improvements in Ironic Module:**
– Introduction of *runbooks* offers a self-service option for maintenance, easing the workload on IT staff.
– Security measures include:
– Hashed rescue passwords to bolster security against unauthorized access.
– Reduced logged information to minimize exposure of sensitive data during node cleaning processes.
– Mandatory HTTPS for all communications, adding a layer of security to interactions between services.
– **Cinder Block Storage Service Upgrades:**
– New drivers have been added to support storage hardware from prominent vendors like Dell, NetApp, HPE, Fujitsu, and Hitachi, enhancing compatibility and performance.
– **Project Structure and Future Releases:**
– OpenStack encompasses 33 sub-projects, illustrating its broad capabilities, with 21 having release notes available.
– The Dalmatian release is categorized as a *non-SLURP* release, intended to fill the gap between major releases, with the next expected version named Epoxy due in April 2025.
**Implications for Security and Compliance Professionals:**
– The emphasis on building security features directly into the Nova and Ironic modules reflects a proactive approach to managing cloud risks.
– Organizations adopting OpenStack Dalmatian can improve their compliance posture by leveraging the updated security features to protect sensitive data and workloads.
– Professionals in the cloud infrastructure space should consider evaluating the new functionalities to assess their applicability within their current security frameworks and operations.