Description: Horizon Dashboard is the web-based user interface for OpenStack, a set of open-source software tools that enable the creation and management of public and private clouds. This interface provides users with an intuitive way to interact with OpenStack services, facilitating the management of resources such as compute instances, networks, and storage. Horizon offers a modular design that allows administrators to customize the user experience according to the specific needs of their organization. Key features include user and project management, real-time resource visualization, and the ability to perform complex operations through a user-friendly graphical interface. Additionally, Horizon supports multiple languages and can be extended through plugins, making it a versatile tool for cloud management. Its relevance lies in simplifying interaction with OpenStack, enabling both technical and non-technical users to efficiently and effectively manage their cloud environments.
History: Horizon was introduced in 2012 as part of the OpenStack project, which was created by Rackspace and NASA to facilitate the creation of private clouds. Since its launch, it has significantly evolved, incorporating new functionalities and improvements in user experience. Over the years, Horizon has undergone multiple updates, adapting to the changing needs of users and emerging technologies in the cloud computing space.
Uses: Horizon is primarily used to manage OpenStack cloud environments, allowing administrators and end-users to create and manage virtual machine instances, manage networks and storage volumes, and monitor resource usage. It is also used for user and project management, facilitating permission assignments and resource organization based on organizational needs.
Examples: A practical example of using Horizon is in a company that implements a private cloud to host its internal applications. Through Horizon, administrators can create and manage virtual server instances for different departments, allocate network and storage resources, and monitor infrastructure performance in real-time. Another example is in educational environments, where institutions use Horizon to provide students access to cloud computing resources for research and development projects.
