Broadcom Further Tightens the VMware Cloud Partner Ecosystem: What This Means for Cloud Service Providers
A recent report from The Register confirms another significant step in Broadcom’s consolidation of the VMware Cloud Service Provider ecosystem. Broadcom has formally notified partners that the Broadcom Advantage Partner Program for VMware Cloud Service Providers (VCSP) has been closed and that contracts will not be renewed beyond January 26, 2026: “We are providing this […]
Integrating Canonical MAAS with Apache CloudStack Using the Extensions Framework
With the introduction of the Extensions Framework in Apache CloudStack 4.21, CloudStack gained a structured and extensible way to integrate external orchestrators into its resource lifecycle management. The framework is designed to allow CloudStack to delegate provisioning and lifecycle operations to external systems without embedding that logic into the core platform. This approach enables CloudStack […]
Customise System VMs via User Data | CloudStack Feature First Look
When supporting CloudStack environments, a recurring request from operators is the ability to customise System VMs such as Console Proxy, Secondary Storage, or Virtual Router instances. Typical requirements include installing additional packages, adjusting configuration files, applying network-specific settings, or deploying monitoring and logging agents. Until recently, these customisations required manual changes after the System VMs […]
Creating Instance from Backup | CloudStack Feature Deep Dive
The Create Instance from Backup feature enhances backup flexibility and disaster recovery capabilities in CloudStack. Backup Offering Flexibility Instances with existing Backups can now have their Backup Offering removed or changed without losing Backup data. Instance Creation from Backups Users can deploy new Instances directly from a Backup. All metadata (Template, Compute Offering, Volumes, Network, […]
Integrating Proxmox VE with Apache CloudStack using the Extensions Framework
Apache CloudStack 4.21 introduces the Extensions Framework, a lightweight and flexible mechanism that allows operators and developers to integrate external systems into CloudStack’s resource lifecycle management. The Extensions Framework also ships with a built-in orchestrator for Proxmox VE, written entirely in Shell script. This script handles instance lifecycle operations such as Deploy, Start, Stop, Restart, […]
Extending Apache CloudStack with the Extensions Framework | CloudStack Feature Deep Dive
Apache CloudStack 4.21 introduces the Extensions Framework, a lightweight and flexible mechanism that allows operators and developers to integrate external systems into CloudStack’s resource lifecycle management. Traditionally, adding support for a new hypervisor, network plugin, or any other external system required deep changes to CloudStack’s core codebase. With the Extensions Framework, this complexity is reduced: […]
Apache CloudStack Netris Integration
About Netris Switch Fabric Netris Switch Fabric provides an intent-based approach to network management. Instead of configuring switches, routers, and firewalls manually, administrators define the desired network outcomes, Netris then translates those intents into the necessary configurations across the infrastructure. Its controller includes a REST API and graphical dashboard for visibility, automation, and lifecycle management […]
Instance Lease in Apache CloudStack | CloudStack Feature First Look
Starting with the 4.21 release, Apache CloudStack introduces Instance Lease, a lifecycle control mechanism that allows cloud operators to define how long an Instance can exist and what should happen when that time is reached. In day-to-day cloud operations, it is common for Instances to remain running long after their original purpose is gone. Temporary […]
ShapeBlue Supporting the CloudStack European User Group 2026 in The Hague
This year’s spring edition of the CSEUG will be taking place in The Hague, Netherlands on May 21st and will be hosted by CBS (Centraal Bureau voor de Statistiek). As always, ShapeBlue will be supporting the CloudStack Community at the event. CSEUG is one of the most valuable CloudStack events in the year because it […]
VMware to KVM Migration Improvements | CloudStack Feature Deep Dive
The VMware to KVM migration tool was introduced in CloudStack 4.19.0 to help CloudStack Administrators move existing VMware-based workloads into KVM-based environments in a controlled and automated way. This is particularly relevant for operators looking to reduce dependency on proprietary hypervisors, consolidate infrastructure, or modernize their virtualization stack using open-source technologies. While the initial implementation […]
