--- title: "Cloud-native storage solutions with OpenStack - Fairbanks" description: "This blog explores how OpenStack contributes to cloud-native storage, highlighting projects that integrate OpenStack with storage solutions." url: "https://fairbanks-upgrade.ubo-dev.nl/openstack-cloud-native-storage-solutions/" language: "en" --- Blog # Cloud-native storage solutions with OpenStack Technology May 16, 2024 Author: Elvira Dautović Share this post OpenStack has been a cornerstone for opensource solutions, providing a flexible foundation for public and private clouds. One of the critical areas where OpenStack has made significant advancements is in cloud-native storage solutions. This blog explores how OpenStack contributes to cloud-native storage, highlighting specific projects that integrate OpenStack with other storage solutions, facilitating a seamless bridge between traditional and modern storage needs. ### Understanding cloud-native storage Cloud-native storage is designed to support scalable and flexible applications that are built in a cloud-native environment. It typically supports dynamic provisioning, scalability, resilience, and accessibility across multiple environments. These attributes make cloud-native storage ideal for modern applications that rely on rapid scaling and high availability. ### OpenStack’s role in cloud-native storage OpenStack provides a robust platform that supports the deployment and management of a wide range of storage options that cater to cloud-native applications. The architecture of OpenStack is inherently flexible, allowing it to integrate seamlessly with other cloud technologies, which is critical for building hybrid and multi-cloud environments. ### Key projects and contributions 1\. Cinder – Block storage service Cinder is OpenStack’s block storage service, which allows users to offer and manage high-performance block storage devices. Cinder can integrate with traditional SAN (Storage Area Network) solutions as well as newer distributed storage systems, such as Ceph. It supports features like snapshot management and volume cloning, which are essential for stateful applications in cloud-native environments. 2\. Manila – Shared file systems Manila provides a shared file system service that is essential for applications that require shared access to files from multiple instances. This service is similar to managed file storage services offered by other cloud providers and supports various backends, including NFS and SMB. Manila can be integrated with software-defined storage solutions to enhance flexibility and performance. 3\. Swift – Object storage Swift is OpenStack’s scalable object storage system. It is designed to store and retrieve large amounts of data with a simple API. It’s highly durable and available, making it suitable for cloud-native applications that need to manage vast amounts of unstructured data efficiently. ### Bridging OpenStack with other storage solutions The integration of OpenStack with other storage technologies is very important for organizations that operate on diverse technological platforms. Here are a few examples of how OpenStack bridges with other systems. 1. Integration with Kubernetes through Cinder and Manila As Kubernetes has become the go-to orchestrator for containerized applications, OpenStack’s Cinder and Manila can be used to provide persistent storage for Kubernetes clusters. This integration helps in managing stateful applications that require persistent storage across container reboots. 2. Use of Ceph as a backend Ceph is a highly scalable and flexible storage solution that integrates well with OpenStack. It can be used as a backend for Cinder, Manila, and Swift, providing a unified storage solution that simplifies management and increases efficiency. 3. Support for multi-cloud environments By integrating with other cloud storage solutions, such as AWS S3 or Azure Blob Storage, OpenStack can facilitate a multi-cloud strategy. This is particularly useful for enterprises looking to avoid vendor lock-in and enhance their disaster recovery strategies. ### Conclusion OpenStack continues to be a powerful tool for developing cloud-native storage solutions, offering extensive flexibility, scalability, and integration capabilities. As cloud-native applications become the norm, the ability of OpenStack to integrate seamlessly with both traditional and modern storage solutions will be crucial for businesses looking to leverage the full potential of their cloud infrastructure. By supporting a wide range of storage backends and providing integration capabilities with popular tools like Kubernetes, OpenStack not only serves the current needs but also paves the way for future innovations in cloud storage. ![Michiel](https://fairbanks-upgrade.ubo-dev.nl/media/uploads/2025/06/Michiel.jpeg?width=500 "Michiel") ## Want to know more about open source private cloud Let’s talk with Michiel Manten [Let's talk](https://fairbanks-upgrade.ubo-dev.nl/contact/?subject=Cloud-native%20storage%20solutions%20with%20OpenStack) Insights & resources ## Latest blogs & news [Insights & resources](https://fairbanks-upgrade.ubo-dev.nl/insights-resources/) [KeynoteSustainable private cloud: how to balance energy, performance and business impact![Post background](https://fairbanks-upgrade.ubo-dev.nl/static/background_column.jpg)Sustainable private cloud: how to balance energy, performance and business impactEvent](https://fairbanks-upgrade.ubo-dev.nl/sustainable-private-cloud/) [BlogOpenStack Hibiscus is here: What’s new in the latest release![Post background](https://fairbanks-upgrade.ubo-dev.nl/static/background_column.jpg)October 20, 2026OpenStack Hibiscus is here: What’s new in the latest releaseTechnology](https://fairbanks-upgrade.ubo-dev.nl/openstack-hibiscus-is-here-whats-new-in-the-latest-release/) [KeynoteHow Kubernetes and Talos make OpenStack easier to upgrade, manage and scale![Post background](https://fairbanks-upgrade.ubo-dev.nl/static/background_column.jpg)How Kubernetes and Talos make OpenStack easier to upgrade, manage and scaleEvent](https://fairbanks-upgrade.ubo-dev.nl/how-kubernetes-and-talos-make-openstack-easier-to-upgrade-manage-and-scale/) [KeynoteFrom infrastructure complexity to cloud control: how to orchestrate your datacenter with software![Post background](https://fairbanks-upgrade.ubo-dev.nl/static/background_column.jpg)From infrastructure complexity to cloud control: how to orchestrate your datacenter with softwareEvent](https://fairbanks-upgrade.ubo-dev.nl/from-infrastructure-complexity-to-cloud-control-how-to-orchestrate-your-datacenter-with-software/) [BlogDigital autonomy: looking beyond the cloud![Post background](https://fairbanks-upgrade.ubo-dev.nl/static/background_column.jpg)September 9, 2026Digital autonomy: looking beyond the cloudTechnology](https://fairbanks-upgrade.ubo-dev.nl/digital-autonomy-looking-beyond-the-cloud/) [BlogUpgrading OpenStack: why containerization and Kubernetes are the answer![Post background](https://fairbanks-upgrade.ubo-dev.nl/static/background_column.jpg)August 26, 2026Upgrading OpenStack: why containerization and Kubernetes are the answerTechnology](https://fairbanks-upgrade.ubo-dev.nl/upgrading-openstack-containerization-kubernetes/) [BlogCloud infrastructure migration: what are your options and where do you start?![Post background](https://fairbanks-upgrade.ubo-dev.nl/static/background_column.jpg)July 24, 2026Cloud infrastructure migration: what are your options and where do you start?Technology](https://fairbanks-upgrade.ubo-dev.nl/cloud-infrastructure-migration-what-are-your-options-and-where-do-you-start/) [BlogFairbanks named as a representative vendor in the 2026 Gartner® Market Guide![Post background](https://fairbanks-upgrade.ubo-dev.nl/static/background_column.jpg)July 21, 2026Fairbanks named as a representative vendor in the 2026 Gartner® Market Guide for cloud infrastructure sovereign solutionsTechnology](https://fairbanks-upgrade.ubo-dev.nl/fairbanks-named-as-a-representative-vendor-in-the-2026-gartner-market-guide-for-cloud-infrastructure-sovereign-solutions/) [BlogMutable vs. immutable infrastructure![Post background](https://fairbanks-upgrade.ubo-dev.nl/static/background_column.jpg)June 18, 2026Mutable vs. immutable infrastructure: What it means for your datacenterTechnology](https://fairbanks-upgrade.ubo-dev.nl/mutable-vs-immutable-infrastructure-what-it-means-for-your-datacenter/) [BlogPress release![Post background](https://fairbanks-upgrade.ubo-dev.nl/static/background_column.jpg)June 10, 2026Press releaseEvent](https://fairbanks-upgrade.ubo-dev.nl/press-release/) Newsletter