OpenStack Epoxy Release Boosts AI and VMware Migration Capabilities

The OpenInfra Foundation has announced the release of OpenStack 2025.1 Epoxy, marking the 31st release of the widely used open-source cloud infrastructure software. In a press release, the foundation highlighted the new version's enhanced support for AI workloads and improved capabilities for VMware migration.

OpenStack Epoxy introduces several key features aimed at strengthening its position as a VMware alternative. Notably, the integration of Prometheus into OpenStack via Watcher allows for efficient monitoring of VMware infrastructure during migration. This release also includes updates to Cinder storage drivers, facilitating smoother transitions for workloads reliant on specific storage solutions.

Security enhancements in Epoxy include new features for Manila users, such as the ability to modify access levels of share access rules and set share server characteristics. These improvements aim to provide better control over shared resources and enhance network isolation.

Additionally, the release supports AI workloads with updates like Nova's PCI pass-through feature, which now accommodates new kernel vfio-PCI variant drivers, including Nvidia GRID on Ubuntu 24.04. This allows operators to create instances using specific PCI devices and live-migrate them, enhancing OpenStack's AI capabilities.