Apache CloudStack vs Eucalyptus vs OpenStack: What are the differences?

Introduction

Apache CloudStack, Eucalyptus, and OpenStack are all open-source cloud computing platforms that enable the creation and management of cloud infrastructure. While they have similar functionalities, there are key differences that set them apart.

1. Architecture and Compatibility: Apache CloudStack is designed as an all-in-one solution that includes the entire stack required for setting up and managing a private or public cloud. Eucalyptus, on the other hand, is focused on providing compatibility with Amazon Web Services (AWS) APIs, making it easier to migrate applications between on-premise and AWS environments. OpenStack follows a modular architecture, allowing users to choose and implement specific components based on their requirements.

2. Community and Vendor Support: OpenStack has a large and active community of contributors, with major support from industry leaders like IBM, Intel, and HP. This extensive community support leads to frequent updates, bug fixes, and new feature development. While both Apache CloudStack and Eucalyptus have active communities, they have comparatively smaller user bases. Eucalyptus is backed by Eucalyptus Systems, and Apache CloudStack has commercial support available through third-party vendors.

3. Hypervisor Support: Apache CloudStack supports a wide range of hypervisors, including XenServer, KVM, and VMware vSphere. Eucalyptus primarily supports Xen and KVM, with limited support for VMware. OpenStack offers support for multiple hypervisors including KVM, Xen, VMware, Hyper-V, and others, providing more flexibility in terms of hypervisor choice.

4. Market Focus: Apache CloudStack is widely adopted by service providers and enterprises for creating and managing public and private clouds. Eucalyptus has gained popularity among organizations leveraging AWS APIs for hybrid cloud deployments. OpenStack is positioned as a general-purpose cloud platform, targeting both service providers and enterprises looking for flexibility and customization.

5. Ease of Installation and Configuration: Apache CloudStack has a relatively simpler installation process with a single installer script that sets up the entire CloudStack environment. Eucalyptus and OpenStack have more complex installation and configuration processes, requiring users to configure multiple components and dependencies manually.

6. Maturity and Stability: OpenStack is considered to be more mature and stable compared to Apache CloudStack and Eucalyptus. OpenStack has been adopted by many large-scale deployments and has a well-established ecosystem of vendors and solutions. Apache CloudStack and Eucalyptus are also stable platforms, but their user base and ecosystem are relatively smaller.

In summary, Apache CloudStack differentiates itself by providing an all-in-one cloud infrastructure management solution, Eucalyptus emphasizes compatibility with AWS APIs, and OpenStack offers flexibility and modularity with extensive community support and a wide range of hypervisor options.