Several companies are providing Nova as the basis of their distributions. For most people, this would be the equivalent of choosing Ubuntu or Red Hat Linux distributions instead of compiling their own Linux kernels. Distributions can provide installers, custom documentation, tested configurations, and support. For most people, distributions provide the quickest and easiest path from bare metal servers to working Nova deployments.
StackOps offers “a complete, ready-to-use OpenStack distribution verified, tested and designed to reach as many users as possible thanks to a new and simple installation process.” It is produced by a company of the same name.
The StackOps Distro installs on bare metal[3] (or virtual machine) via CD or USB drive and is based on a Ubuntu Linux Server 10.04 LTS. It features a “Smart Installer” that creates deployments with default settings in three different modes: single node, dual node, and multi node. The installer will also let you add more nodes to an existing installation.
With a focus on ease of installation and excellent documentation, this is an ideal choice for those looking to evaluate or test Nova. You can download or learn more about this distribution at http://www.stackops.com/.
Later in this book, we use StackOps to install and configure a single-system Nova deployment.
Citrix has created “Project Olympus,” which aims to provide a “tested, certified and supported version of OpenStack” along with a “cloud-optimized version of XenServer.” While this is not yet a released project, you can learn more details and sign up for the early access program at http://deliver.citrix.com/projectolympus. It is slated for general availability later in 2011.