When it comes to driving innovation in next generation data center architectures, open source is clearly at the forefront. A perfect example is OpenStack, which is defining the future of cloud computing across private, public and hybrid clouds. This innovation is being driven by a strong and vibrant community that is taking place in Paris this week for the OpenStack Summit. I'm looking forwarding to reconnecting with friends in the OpenStack community and discussing the recently announced Cisco and Red Hat solution for OpenStack.

Interest in OpenStack as a cloud platform is clearly on the rise. At the recent Cisco Unified Computing System (UCS) launch event in New York City, Cisco and Red Hat introduced the UCS Integrated Infrastructure for Red Hat Enterprise Linux OpenStack Platform (UCSO).  The pre-integrated and validated solution is a major step forward in providing an enterprise ready private cloud solution based on OpenStack.

UCSO dramatically simplifies and accelerates OpenStack deployments to enable the rapid delivery of cloud services and applications. With UCSO, enterprise customers will be able to lower the risk associated with their OpenStack deployments while retaining control and choice over their cloud environments.

Cisco is the industry leader in integrated infrastructure systems and cloud infrastructure. Red Hat is the recognized leader in open source. We also have a common vision for the open hybrid cloud. It was only natural that we would expand our long-standing partnership to develop and deliver UCSO.

UCSO, Starter Edition provides simplified deployment for enterprise private clouds and provides a flexible and documented platform for supporting 300-500 KVM virtual machines. UCSO components include:

• Cisco UCS Integrated Infrastructure (UCS servers, Nexus switches, UCS management, storage access)
• Red Hat Enterprise Linux OpenStack Platform
• Cisco and Red Hat Validated Design and bill of materials
• Coordinated 24