Mirantis MOSK 24.3: Transforming Enterprise Cloud Management

Mirantis has introduced Mirantis OpenStack for Kubernetes (MOSK) 24.3, an enterprise-ready platform delivering OpenStack Caracal, designed with a specific focus on supporting AI, machine learning (ML), and high-performance computing (HPC) workloads. This release brings enhancements tailored to enterprises requiring robust, automated, and flexible infrastructure management for on-premises cloud solutions.

Key Innovations and Capabilities

MOSK 24.3 introduces advanced lifecycle management features that redefine infrastructure operations by consolidating all essential management tasks within a single API. This comprehensive API enables end-to-end updates for MOSK clusters, giving cloud operators a seamless experience in managing complex updates and changes without requiring multiple interfaces or tools. One of the most impactful enhancements in MOSK 24.3 is its new system for managing host operating system (OS) configurations, which allows centralized management through a GitOps-style approach. By enabling direct configuration management of the OS within MOSK, without needing external tools like Ansible or Salt, operations teams can achieve high levels of automation and efficiency. This means substantial time savings for large cloud environments, as teams no longer need to spend weeks manually configuring each system.

The platform’s enhanced flexibility for storage integration expands capabilities by allowing seamless integration of MOSK block storage (OpenStack Cinder) with a range of enterprise storage appliances. This feature empowers cloud operators to select solutions that best suit their operational requirements, providing greater control over storage resources. By supporting integration with specialized enterprise storage systems, MOSK 24.3 caters to diverse storage needs, particularly in data-intensive applications where efficient, reliable storage performance is critical.

Operational efficiency and cost reduction remain focal points in MOSK 24.3’s design. The unified API and in-house OS configuration management enable predictable maintenance windows and reduce the operational complexities associated with large-scale updates. The updated group functionality further supports efficiency by organizing infrastructure components into manageable units. This helps minimize disruptions and ensures that essential functions—such as connectivity and virtual machine (VM) stability—remain unaffected. This design is particularly advantageous in extensive cloud environments where maintaining service continuity during updates is essential.

Regarding security and performance, MOSK 24.3 undergoes rigorous testing and refinement, integrating over 300 patches and passing more than 3,000 tests to meet the demands of enterprise-grade reliability. This extensive validation ensures that MOSK 24.3 can deliver robust performance while adhering to stringent security standards, making it an ideal solution for high-stakes workloads requiring resilience and efficiency. By combining these innovations, MOSK 24.3 addresses the complex needs of modern enterprises, providing a scalable, reliable, and cost-effective cloud infrastructure solution.

Advanced Lifecycle Management:
- MOSK 24.3 simplifies infrastructure management by consolidating tasks under a single API for end-to-end updates of the MOSK cluster.
- A new system for managing host operating system (OS) configurations enables centralized configuration management without needing external tools like Ansible or Salt. This GitOps-style approach enables automation and efficiency, saving operations teams significant time (weeks for large cloud environments).
Enhanced Flexibility for Storage Integration:
- The platform integrates MOSK block storage (OpenStack Cinder) with enterprise storage appliances, offering cloud operators more control and flexibility over their storage resources.
Operational Efficiency and Cost Reduction:
- The unified API and the ability to manage OS configurations in-house facilitate predictable maintenance windows and reduce the operational complexities of large-scale updates.
- This update to group functionality limits disruptions, maintaining connectivity and virtual machine (VM) stability, which are critical for complex, large cloud infrastructures.
Enterprise-Grade Security and Performance:
- Mirantis has integrated over 300 patches and conducted over 3,000 tests to ensure enterprise-grade reliability, performance, and security for MOSK 24.3.

Market Context and Demand for OpenStack

The adoption of OpenStack is driven by its open-source and cost-effective alternative to proprietary solutions like VMware, especially as enterprises seek flexible and scalable solutions for AI, ML, and HPC workloads. According to Mordor Intelligence, the OpenStack market is projected to grow from $22.81 billion in 2024 to $91.44 billion by 2029, reflecting a 32% CAGR. This trajectory aligns with the increasing demand for open-source infrastructure in a market progressively shifting towards hybrid and private cloud deployments.

Competitive Edge of MOSK

Mirantis differentiates its MOSK solution by:

Offering a fully supported, enterprise-ready OpenStack Caracal, targeting applications in high-demand, high-growth sectors.
Combining OpenStack’s virtualization power with Kubernetes’ container orchestration making MOSK uniquely positioned for cloud-native and traditional application deployment.
Providing a scalable, flexible infrastructure that mitigates risks associated with vendor lock-in and costly licensing which appeals to enterprises looking for long-term cost efficiencies.

Strategic Implications for Enterprises

MOSK 24.3 enables enterprises to build and manage on-premises private cloud environments tailored for specialized workloads, such as AI and HPC, with increased reliability and control over data sovereignty. These advancements support the broader trend towards centralized infrastructure control and more customizable cloud operations in both traditional and cloud-native environments, paving the way for scalable, modern IT infrastructures with low operational overhead.

In conclusion, Mirantis’ MOSK 24.3 release solidifies the company’s commitment to delivering enterprise-grade OpenStack solutions that meet the evolving needs of industries focused on high-computational demands and cost-effective IT infrastructure management. This positions Mirantis as a valuable choice for enterprises looking to optimize private cloud environments in a market demanding performance, security, and flexibility.

With Mirantis OpenStack for Kubernetes (MOSK) 24.3, developers gain several key advantages that streamline development workflows, reduce infrastructure dependencies, and enhance the capacity to handle complex, high-performance applications. Here’s a breakdown of the primary impacts:

1. Enhanced Developer Productivity and Automation

Centralized OS Configuration Management: MOSK 24.3’s ability to manage host OS configurations directly from its lifecycle management API allows developers to define infrastructure settings in code. This GitOps-style configuration reduces dependency on external tools and simplifies workflows, allowing developers to focus on building applications rather than configuring infrastructure.
Streamlined Infrastructure Updates: The single API for end-to-end updates provides developers with predictable, automated infrastructure maintenance. It allows for smoother workflows during upgrades, minimizing disruption and enabling faster iteration cycles.

2. Increased Flexibility for Data-Intensive Applications

Integration with Enterprise Storage: By supporting custom integration with enterprise storage appliances through OpenStack Cinder, MOSK 24.3 provides developers more control over how they manage data storage. This is particularly beneficial for AI, ML, and HPC applications that demand high data throughput and reliable storage options, allowing developers to optimize storage for specific application requirements.

3. Improved Efficiency in Testing and Development Environments

Automated Infrastructure Management: MOSK automates several aspects of infrastructure provisioning, configuration, and logging, which helps developers quickly deploy test environments that mirror production. This ensures more accurate testing and faster deployment of updates, contributing to a more efficient DevOps cycle.
Stable Development Environments: With the improved lifecycle management and update capabilities, developers can work in stable environments without concerns over VM or network disruptions. This supports uninterrupted development and testing for both cloud-native and traditional applications.

4. Optimized Performance for High-Computational Workloads

Enterprise-Grade Reliability: With the 3,000 tests and 300 patches applied, MOSK 24.3 is designed for robust performance, providing developers a more stable environment for handling high-computational workloads. This gives developers the ability to build, test, and deploy AI and ML models, HPC workloads, and other intensive applications with confidence in performance stability and scalability.

5. Cost and Time Savings

Reduced Dependencies on External Tools: By eliminating the need for separate configuration management tools like Ansible or Salt, developers can work within a simplified infrastructure setup. This lowers the overhead of managing multiple tools and reduces licensing costs, allowing more resources to be directed toward innovation and development rather than maintenance.

Summary

For developers, MOSK 24.3 enhances productivity, flexibility, and reliability in a single platform. By supporting AI, ML, and HPC workloads with tailored tools and robust automation, Mirantis provides developers with a solution that can handle the evolving needs of modern application development, allowing them to accelerate their workflows while delivering applications at a high level of performance and efficiency.

Paul Nashawaty

Paul Nashawaty, Practice Leader and Lead Principal Analyst, specializes in application modernization across build, release and operations. With a wealth of expertise in digital transformation initiatives spanning front-end and back-end systems, he also possesses comprehensive knowledge of the underlying infrastructure ecosystem crucial for supporting modernization endeavors. With over 25 years of experience, Paul has a proven track record in implementing effective go-to-market strategies, including the identification of new market channels, the growth and cultivation of partner ecosystems, and the successful execution of strategic plans resulting in positive business outcomes for his clients.
View all posts