What Is Openstack Block Storage?

Posted by Sarah Wayne on January 27th, 2017

When it comes to company virtualization, it's all systems go. There various tools emerging to help ease the transition, among them is OpenStack Block Storage. You may have heard the term 'block level storage' banded around, but what does that mean? And where does OpenStack come into it?

What is block level storage?

Block storage is vital to virtualization. It is the basis for virtual machine (VM) storage and the related data. Expandable file systems, optimised performance, and integration with a number of other storage services and programs all depend on block storage.

Prior to its introduction, organisations used a much more transient method of storage that saw all of the VM's contents disappear once it was closed down. Block-based storage has filled the need for a system that provides persistent retention of VM data beyond what was possible before.

What about OpenStack Block Storage (Cinder)?

Openstack distributes the software needed to successfully utilise block storage systems. The project name for their block-based system is 'Cinder'. With openstack, block storage sees the holding of files and applications take place in the form of block devices, or 'Cinder volumes'. These volumes offer lasting storage to virtual machines and come with a variety of different tools ranging from basic to advance.

The methods employed by Cinder enable the exposure and connection of devices, thus managing their interaction with servers. It also supports snapshot management which means volumes of block storage will be backed up, just in case.

While some of the ever evolving features can appear to be complex, openstack supplies enough support for Cinder to be merged seamlessly with any current storage architecture already in place. This is good news considering we have already mentioned that block level storage is key in any organisation's plans for virtualization.

Block level storage, on the whole, can offer some attractive features.

• It offers high-quality performance, quickly and reliably in comparison to other storage systems.
• It is possible to customise the file system format of each block to suit individual applications, as well as run them as independent disk drives.
• It can be used to hold both files and more specialised programs such as databases or Virtual Machine File Systems. This makes them versatile and able to satisfy more of your organisation's needs.

One downside to openstack block storage cinder is that it can be tricky to get to grips with. In order to get the most out of your investment, you will first need to put a great deal of time and effort into understanding the system and learning how to properly utilise its functions.

Openstack offers a competitive block storage system and affords companies a valuable route to the sought after modern day virtualized set-up, which is growing increasingly critical to business survival today. Although not a perfect solution, it is a great option for a flexible, efficient block storage solution.