Best of 2025: Mirantis Rockoon: Simplifying OpenStack on Kubernetes

December 25, 2025December 22, 2025 Tom Smith cloud, cloud solutions, open source, tool

In a move that couldn’t be more timely, Mirantis has released Rockoon, an open-source project that makes OpenStack management on Kubernetes remarkably straightforward. The launch comes as organizations worldwide search for cost-effective alternatives to proprietary cloud solutions, particularly after Broadcom’s VMware acquisition.

Why Rockoon Matters Now

Let’s be honest — managing OpenStack on Kubernetes hasn’t always been simple. Many organizations have cobbled together various tools and services, leading to complex operational challenges. Rockoon changes this approach by offering a unified system that brings enterprise-grade capabilities to the open-source community.

The project’s name draws inspiration from an interesting piece of aerospace history — rocket probes launched with the help of balloons. Like its namesake, Rockoon lifts the heavy burden of infrastructure management while maintaining precise control

Beyond Basic Integration

What sets Rockoon apart is its foundation. The project brings the battle-tested capabilities of Mirantis OpenStack for Kubernetes (MOSK) to the broader community. This isn’t just another tool —i t’s backed by four years of real-world use among Mirantis’ most significant clients.

Some key capabilities include:

A unified enterprise API that works seamlessly with Kubernetes
A stable abstraction layer over OpenStack Helm APIs that protects users from upstream changes
Automated setup scripts that work even in lightweight environments
Built-in lifecycle management that handles upgrades and scaling

The Timing is Perfect

According to Thierry Carrez, general manager of the OpenInfra Foundation, more than two-thirds of OpenStack deployments already combine OpenStack and Kubernetes. Using this infrastructure pattern, we’re talking about tens of millions of cores globally.

“You know what’s interesting?” Randy Bias, VP of open-source strategy at Mirantis points out, “This is just the beginning of our renewed dedication to the open-source community.” The company maintains involvement in over 50 open-source projects, with plans to release additional OpenStack components.

Real-World Benefits

Here’s what makes Rockoon practical for everyday use:

The system consolidates OpenStack management into one coherent platform, eliminating the need to juggle multiple tools. Rockoon’s abstraction layer is a buffer when changes happen upstream, keeping your production environment stable.

For teams getting started, Rockoon includes deployment scripts that automate cluster setup. This works whether you’re testing on a laptop or setting up virtual machines for development.

Looking Ahead

The release of Rockoon as open-source software marks a meaningful shift in how organizations can approach cloud infrastructure. By combining the cost benefits of OpenStack with the orchestration capabilities of Kubernetes, Mirantis has created a practical solution for modern infrastructure needs.

Organizations interested in exploring Rockoon can find everything they need in the project’s GitHub repository. The deployment process has been simplified for development and evaluation purposes, with all updates thoroughly tested for reliability.

This release is crucial when many organizations are reconsidering their infrastructure strategies. With Rockoon, Mirantis isn’t just offering another tool — they’re providing a practical path forward for organizations looking to build reliable, cost-effective cloud infrastructure.