Do we need to leave OpenStack immediately for this page to apply?
No. This page is specifically for teams that still operate OpenStack today but want the storage decision to stay compatible with a future move toward OpenShift.
Use Case OpenStack to OpenShift
OpenStack to OpenShift
Storage Modernization
Move from OpenStack-era storage assumptions to an OpenShift-ready operating model without rebuilding the storage layer twice.
Many telecom and private-cloud teams need to support OpenStack workloads now while planning for OpenShift as the target platform. Simplyblock fits that in-between state: it improves block storage for current Nova and Cinder environments, then carries forward into OpenShift storage for stateful workloads, platform services, and broader modernization programs.
OpenStack Improve the current private-cloud estate
OpenShift Build toward the target platform
CSI Native operating model for the next phase
NVMe/TCP Block-storage data path over standard Ethernet
The Challenge
Why OpenStack-to-OpenShift Programs Get Stuck
The hard part is rarely the target-platform story alone. It is how to improve the current private-cloud estate without turning storage into the next migration blocker.
Current OpenStack Workloads Still Matter
Teams still need better block storage for Nova, Cinder, and private-cloud workloads while the control-plane transition is being designed.
Continuity and Recovery Cannot Regress
Snapshots, cloning, and operational confidence matter during transition phases, especially in telecom and service-provider estates.
The Target Platform Uses a Different Storage Operating Model
OpenShift expects CSI-native workflows, Kubernetes provisioning, and cleaner platform automation than traditional OpenStack storage habits.
Mixed Estates Need Architecture Flexibility
Some programs keep OpenStack longer than expected, while others move quickly to OpenShift. The storage layer has to support both realities.
The Transition Model
How simplyblock Fits OpenStack to OpenShift Storage Modernization
Improve the current private-cloud estate while building a storage foundation that already fits the target OpenShift operating model.
Support OpenStack Estates Without Freezing the Roadmap
Simplyblock helps OpenStack teams improve block storage for Nova and Cinder workloads now, without assuming the current platform is the final destination.
- Improve block-storage behavior for current private-cloud services
- Support snapshots, cloning, and resilience for OpenStack workloads
- Avoid another heavy storage replatform inside the current estate
- Keep the storage decision aligned with platform modernization timing
Land on OpenShift with a Storage Layer That Already Fits
When the target platform becomes OpenShift, simplyblock already aligns with CSI-native provisioning, stateful platform services, and low-latency block storage for the workloads that move with the platform.
- Move toward the OpenShift operating model without changing storage products
- Fit Kubernetes-native provisioning and automation
- Support stateful workloads that do not tolerate weak storage behavior
- Keep the destination platform more coherent from day one
Use the Right Deployment Shape at Each Stage
Early phases may stay simple and closer to hyper-converged operations. Later phases may want hybrid or disaggregated growth. Simplyblock supports all three shapes, so the platform can evolve without resetting the storage narrative.
- Start with the operating shape the current estate can absorb
- Separate compute and storage only when economics justify it
- Support mixed private-cloud and OpenShift estates on one platform
- Avoid locking the migration plan to one topology too early
Key Outcomes
What Teams Gain From This Transition Model
A storage strategy that improves the current OpenStack estate while making the OpenShift destination easier to reach.
Better Continuity During Transition
Improve current workload support without turning storage into a migration bottleneck.
Clearer OpenShift Landing Zone
Build toward OpenShift with a storage layer that already fits Kubernetes-native operations.
Low-Latency Block Storage
Give both current and target platforms a stronger NVMe-first storage path over standard Ethernet.
Architecture Flexibility
Support HCI, hybrid, or disaggregated deployment choices without changing the product story.
Better Shared-Platform Control
Use multi-tenant controls and QoS to protect latency-sensitive workloads during the transition.
Lower Lock-In, Better Economics
Improve storage economics and platform choice instead of recreating another legacy storage dependency.
Questions and Answers
Why is storage such a big part of OpenStack-to-OpenShift planning?
Because the current estate still needs stable block storage while the target platform expects a more Kubernetes-native operating model. Storage ends up sitting across both worlds.
Who is this most relevant for?
It is especially relevant for telecommunications providers, private-cloud teams, and mixed OpenStack/VMware estates that are modernizing platform operations without destabilizing current workloads.
Where should we start if the destination is definitely OpenShift?
Start here for the transition model, then continue into OpenShift Storage for the target platform and Telecommunications or Private Cloud Storage when the industry context matters.
Not sure if simplyblock is right for your team?
Ask your favorite AI to compare simplyblock with Ceph, SANs, and other OpenStack-to-OpenShift storage approaches for telecom and private-cloud modernization.