Open19 is an open source hardware initiative launched by LinkedIn with the goal of creating an open standard for servers, storage, and other data center gear.

The Open19 standard works in any EIA 19-inch rack, thus the name Open19. Having a common standard allows suppliers to produce servers that will interoperate and be interchangeable in any rack environment, allowing for faster rack integration.

“Open19 defines the form factor, power distribution, and networking connectivity to servers, storage, and other elements in the data center that can fit within a 2RU size or smaller,” according to a LinkedIn blog post.

“When the Open19 project started, LinkedIn had a specific set of goals for its data centers. The plan was to deploy this kind of standardized server design in its facilities to deliver efficiencies and cost savings,” said an Open19 spokesperson.

The hardware platform is based on the following:

  • 19-inch rack
  • Brick cage
  • Bricks
  • Power shelf
  • Optional battery backup unit
  • Optional networking switch
  • Snap-on power cables
  • Snap-on data cables
  • Provides linear growth on power and bandwidth based on brick size

By focusing on these standard elements, Open19 claims its designs will be more modular, efficient to install, and have components that are easier to source than custom server solutions.

“The Open19 platform enables a high level of adoption by our peers and suppliers since it is simple, fits to any environment, and enables the full reuse of existing server and data center technology,” according to a LinkedIn blog.

Launched in July 2016, Open19 will soon have multiple hardware and software partners contributing to the initiative, but most have not gone public yet, said the Open19 spokesperson.

Cumulus Contributes to Open19

However, Cumulus announced today that it would be among the first contributors. “The Open19 project will benefit from having Cumulus Linux as the first and only network operating system to support the Open19 switch,” said Cumulus CTO JR Rivers. “That means bringing all the flexibility and functionality of the most mature Linux-based network OS to Open19 users.”

At first glance, Open19 sounds a lot like the Open Compute Project (OCP), which is also an open source organization that shares data center products. While both initiatives address similar use cases, they cater to a different set of end users, the spokesperson explained.

OCP's goal is to eliminate the need for proprietary network switches and instead use an open network stack. Open19 focuses more on the interchangeable products that are easily integrated while also including the open source factor.

“Every company has unique needs and a unique data center environment. One size does not fit all. Accordingly, we believe that Open19 can coexist alongside OCP,” said the spokesperson.

Photo source: www.Open19.org