OpenStack: A Gentle Hands-on Intro
Details
OpenStack is free software for building clouds. It runs much of the world’s real cloud: CERN, NSF JetStream, NASA, etc. Because it’s libre,
you can add and drop cloud providers without rewriting your infrastructure code. Keep your code, just change some values. Where the hyperscalers (AWS, Azure, GCP) lock you in, OpenStack frees you. That’s buyer mobility, and it’s the thesis of this class.
In four hands-on hours we’ll prove the thesis, thereby learning why to choose OpenStack. And, we’ll learn how to use OpenStack by building a stack with three servers and a private network on a real public OpenStack cloud — first with the OpenStack CLI, then again with OpenTofu HCL.
We’ll deploy a working 3-tier web app on the infrastructure with Ansible. Then, we’ll move it and its data to another provider.
If time allows, we’ll schedule backups to Swift.
## Objectives
We will:
- Explain what OpenStack is and why libre clouds mean buyer mobility
- Build the stack with the OpenStack CLI, then rebuild it with OpenTofu
- Deploy a 3-tier app (PostgreSQL, Flask, Caddy) with Ansible
- Back up, tear down, redeploy on a different provider, and restore
- Stretch: automate scheduled backups to Swift
- Pay what we ask: 1 LTC, 512 μBTC, 64 mXMR, or 64 USD
- Or, pay what you choose: [pwyc@sofree.us](mailto:pwyc@sofree.us)
- Our classes are always free-libre and never free-gratis.
## Bring
- A laptop with a browser and an SSH client
- Your GitLab.com account with an SSH key uploaded (we pull your public key from it)
- Basic Linux comfort — command line and a text editor
- Your questions and curiosity
Doors open at 8:30, class begins at 9:00
* Chat in Mattermost - https://mm.sofree.us - sign in with GitLab
* Email the Captains - Captains@SoFree.Us
* Call David - 720-333-LANS (5267)
Plans change? Change your RSVP — we prep for you and we flag no-shows.