Side by side

Apache CloudStack vs Canonical OpenStack

Both stand on cloud management software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.

Apache CloudStack

Free plan Open source APILinuxSelf-hosted+1

Apache CloudStack combines cloud deployment and management with broad hypervisor, storage, and access options. Its self-hosted model and operator security responsibilities are important considerations.

Visit Apache CloudStack

Canonical OpenStack

Free plan Open source APILinuxSelf-hosted+1

Canonical OpenStack provides an open-source, self-hosted cloud stack with automation, storage, and operational tools. Organizations should account for the physical-machine setup requirements and the beta status of on-demand Kubernetes.

Visit Canonical OpenStack

The facts

	Apache CloudStack	Canonical OpenStack
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Open source	Yes	Yes
Runs on	API, Linux, Self-hosted, Web	API, Linux, Self-hosted, Web
Lowest paid plan	Free or on request	Private Cloud Build: $75,000, paid once
Plans published	1	3
Maker	Not published	Not published
Website	cloudstack.apache.org	canonical.com
On cloud management software	#1 of 35	#2 of 35

Apache CloudStack: what it does well

Free, open-source software
Supports public, private, and hybrid clouds
Offers web, command-line, and API management
Supports multiple hypervisors
LTS releases receive 18 months of fixes

What to know first

Operators are responsible for key security protections
LTS fix period is 18 months

Canonical OpenStack: what it does well

No license or subscription cost
Automates bare-metal provisioning through applications
Canonical Ceph included by default
Offers customer-led or Canonical-led deployment
Support includes 24/7 phone and ticket coverage

What to know first

Commercial support and consulting cost extra
On-demand Kubernetes is in beta
Getting-started tutorial requires a dedicated physical machine

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