Apache CloudStack GPU Support | CloudStack Feature Deep Dive
The 4.21 release adds native GPU support on KVM, making GPU-enabled Instance deployment straightforward. • Setup: Enable IOMMU, disable Nouveau, install tools, and optionally NVIDIA vGPU Manager. • CloudStack: Auto-discovers GPUs, supports passthrough and vGPU, and lets you attach GPUs through Service Offerings. • Extras: Works with Kubernetes GPU plugins, supports display (with video.hardware=none), and […]
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 […]
Automatic Seeding for ARM SystemVM Templates
One of the key additions in 4.20.1 is improved logic for SystemVM template seeding. When a zone contains aarch64 (ARM) hosts, CloudStack now automatically downloads and registers the appropriate aarch64 SystemVM template—reducing the need for manual intervention. Unlike x86_64 templates, the aarch64 version is not bundled with installation packages (RPM/DEB) and is downloaded on demand. […]
Fine-Grained Storage Connectivity with Storage Access Groups in Apache CloudStack | CloudStack Feature First Look
Storage Access Groups (SAGs), introduced in Apache CloudStack 4.21, allow operators to restrict which Hosts connect to a specific Primary Storage. This feature replaces the default behaviour of connecting the Primary Storage to all Hosts within its scope, optimising resource utilisation, reducing load, and enforcing isolation policies in large-scale environments. The Challenge of Broad Connectivity […]
A Guide on Choosing GPUs for Your Cloud
Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) are no longer just for gaming or graphics rendering. In today’s cloud environments, GPUs power artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), high-performance computing (HPC), and even virtual desktops. For cloud service providers (CSPs), system integrators, and enterprises, choosing the right GPUs can directly influence performance, scalability, and cost-efficiency. This guide will […]
Auto‑Seed SystemVM Template for Multi‑Arch Zones
Apache CloudStack 4.20.1 introduces automatic SystemVM template seeding for ARM64 Hosts. When the first ARM64 host is added to a zone, CloudStack downloads and registers the aarch64 template automatically. Combined with the new system.vm.preferred.architecture setting and architecture-aware filters in the UI/API, this feature streamlines mixed-architecture deployments and removes the need for manual template management. Automatic […]
CloudStack Multi-Architecture Zones | CloudStack Feature First Look
Apache CloudStack 4.20 marks a significant milestone with the introduction of ARM64 support, reflecting the growing adoption of ARM64 architecture for its power efficiency and cost-effectiveness. This new feature enables CloudStack Zones to support both ARM64 and x86_64 (AMD64) Hosts and Clusters, introducing the concept of Multi-Architecture Zones. Multi-Architecture Zones allow the deployment of both […]
ShapeBlue and Ampere Reference Architecture for IaaS Cloud on ARM64 Architecture
As organizations increasingly build on-premises clouds or enter the Service Provider market with public cloud offerings, the need for the right set of tools to launch, manage and scale the Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) platform has never been greater. However, selecting the appropriate technology stack can be a challenging decision. From hardware to hypervisor, […]
Storage Plugin for Dell EMC PowerFlex – Improvements Since 4.16.0.0
The Dell EMC PowerFlex storage plugin in Apache CloudStack has seen significant enhancements since version 4.16.0.0, bringing new functionality and improvements to better support modern infrastructure needs. Below is a summary of the key improvements introduced across various CloudStack versions: Separate Storage Network Support on KVM Hosts In version 4.17.1.0, the plugin was enhanced […]
Hardware Specific Resource Limits | CloudStack Feature First Look
In Apache CloudStack, Resource Limits allow administrators to enforce restrictions on key cloud resources such as Instances, public IPs, Volumes, Snapshots, and Storage. These limits help manage resource consumption across Domains and Accounts, promoting efficient use of infrastructure. Global default limits can be set or customized for specific Projects, Accounts, or Domains. Additionally, tags can […]
