Getting servers up and running with an OpenStack cloud requires both hardware and software. Now two leading IT vendors are teaming up to deliver both.

Linux vendor SUSE is working with Dell on an offering known as the Dell SUSE Cloud Solution, Powered by OpenStack. The solution leverages Dell PowerEdge servers as the underlying server architecture for a cloud deployment. Running on top of the servers is an OpenStack solution based on the SUSE Cloud as its reference platform.

SUSE Cloud was launched in August of 2012 as an OpenStack-based technology that can be used for either private or public clouds. SUSE Cloud is already aligned with Dell in that the effort utilizes the Dell Crowbar system for provisioning and installation.

Dell is an active member of the OpenStack ecosystem, and the company also has a previous partnership around OpenStack with Ubuntu Linux that was announced back in 2011.

"The Dell SUSE Cloud Solution is targeted at enterprise customers that want to build OpenStack-based private clouds," Peter Chadwick, senior product manager of SUSE's cloud products, told ServerWatch. "The existing solution has been and will continue to be more focused on service providers."

Chadwick added that the Dell SUSE Cloud Solution, Powered by OpenStack is a private cloud solution targeted at enterprise customers.

From a "go to market" perspective, Chadwick noted that the Dell sales force will resell the entire Dell SUSE Cloud solution, which includes SUSE Cloud, Dell hardware, services and joint support.

The initial Dell SUSE Cloud Solution, Powered by OpenStack is based on SUSE Cloud 1.0, which is OpenStack Essex based. The OpenStack Essex release first debuted in April of 2012. Since the Essex release, Folsom and Grizzly releases have debuted as the OpenStack project has an every-six-months release cycle.

Moving forward, the plan is for the Dell SUSE Cloud Solution, Powered by OpenStack to move to SUSE Cloud 2.0, which will be Grizzly based. The beta of SUSE Cloud 2.0 will be available in summer of 2013.

Sean Michael Kerner is a senior editor at InternetNews.com, the news service of the IT Business Edge Network, the network for technology professionals. Follow him on Twitter @TechJournalist.

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