Open-Source Cloud

Definition - What does Open-Source Cloud mean?

Open-source cloud is any cloud service or solution that is built using open-source software and technologies. This includes any public, private or hybrid cloud model providing SaaS, IaaS, PaaS or XaaS built and operated entirely on open-source technologies.

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Techopedia explains Open-Source Cloud

An open-source cloud is designed and developed using open-source technologies and software such as:

Open-source operating system, DBMS and software development frameworks
Open-source workflow and business applications
Virtualization stack (Hypervisor, virtualization management)
Hardware with open-source firmware

Moreover, open-source cloud may also refer to any cloud service that provides open-source software or service to end users or businesses. Businesses/cloud providers have the option to customize open-source cloud solutions to a greater extent, which is generally prohibited in closed-source cloud models. Open-source cloud solutions generally are interoperable with any back-end platform and can easily be migrated to a different IT infrastructure/environment.

Open Nebula, Open Stack and Virtual Box are common examples of open-source cloud.