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Rackspace is augmenting its OpenStack open-source cloud computing initiative with a new set of services, support and training options under the "Cloud Builders" umbrella that will enable partners and customers to better leverage the open cloud technology.
Rackspace last year changed the cloud computing game with the launch of OpenStack, an open-source, community-driven cloud initiative to which Rackspace and a series of technology partners like Cisco, Dell and many more contribute.
And to accommodate the increased interest in businesses leveraging OpenStack, Rackspace has launched the new Cloud Builders business unit and a host of services around the open-source cloud play that will offer training and certification, deployment services and support to enterprises and cloud providers from OpenStack experts and industry leaders. The Cloud Builders launch comes just a week after Rackspace unveiled a new unified channel program, the Rackspace Partner Program, which combines the four disparate partner programs Rackspace once offered around cloud computing, dedicated hosting, hosted e-mail and Jungle Disk.
Rackspace Cloud Builders will comprise the foremost OpenStack experts who build and operate the Rackspace Cloud. While a separate group within Rackspace, Cloud Builders will be closely tied to Rackspace's existing cloud team. Cloud Builders will also bring aboard team members from Rackspace's recent acquisition of Anso Labs, a professional services company that helped large businesses and government bodies deploy and operate OpenStack Clouds.
First, Rackspace Cloud Builders will offer training classes and certification testing for designing, developing and administering OpenStack Clouds. And while Rackspace staffers will offer the training and certification materials at first, Jim Curry, general manager for Rackspace Cloud Builders said the San Antonio-based company also plans to bring a network of training and certification experts up to speed to offer training in their areas. Curry said beta training classes will launch in the second quarter with general availability in the second or third quarter. And by the end of the year Rackspace will train other OpenStack experts to begin training and educating others.
Curry said prices for OpenStack training and certification offerings are still in the works, but will be in line with similar training and education initiatives.
Next: Rackspace OpenStack Deployment Services And Support Will Create Opportunities
