--- title: MicroCloud description: MicroCloud offers a lightweight, automated, and trusted open source cloud platform, integrated with the best open source cloud infrastructure components url: https://canonical.com/microcloud?format=md keywords: open source cloud platform, microcloud, cloud infrastructure --- # MicroCloud: your open source cloud platform MicroCloud is an open source cloud platform that you can build in minutes, and use to manage operations with ease. With MicroCloud, you can focus on delivering value, not navigating complexity. [Install MicroCloud](https://canonical.com/microcloud/docs/default/tutorial/single-member/) [Get in touch](https://canonical.com/microcloud/contact-us) --- ## Deploy a fully functional open source cloud platform in minutes: $ snap install mic ``` snap install microcloud lxd microceph microovn ``` ``` microcloud init ``` ``` microcloud join ``` --- ## What is a MicroCloud? [What is a MicroCloud?](https://www.youtube.com/embed/PZdJiH0bUxY?rel=0 "Play Video") Learn more about Canonical’s lightweight open source cloud platform in our video. --- ## What scale is a MicroCloud? MicroCloud starts with a single node, but at least 3 nodes are recommended for high availability. Easily extend your open source cloud platform in site size and scale from a single node to larger 50-node clusters. --- ## Fast and scalable cloud infrastructure *“Currently we have 200 students; we’re aiming to grow to 2,000 in 4 or 5 years. I think MicroCloud is a great opportunity for us, as it can scale very easily for our goals. We are only three or four guys inside the Infrastructure team. What we wanted was a single interface to manage everything, so that even one person can do this work. It was also very, very, very important for us that the solution would be compatible with the hardware we got in the past. And that’s why we moved onto MicroCloud.”* **Hugo Adjamagbo** IT Infrastructure and Security Architect Université de l’Ontario Français [Learn more in the case study ›](https://ubuntu.com/engage/university-ontario-francais-microcloud-case-study) --- ## Why choose MicroCloud? Are you looking for an open source cloud platform? MicroCloud delivers – it's scalable, security-maintained, simple, and efficient. ### Straightforward development Install MicroCloud with a few simple commands. No complex setup. No custom tooling. Turn compute, networking, and storage into a lightweight clustered infrastructure without hassle. --- ### Operate with low overhead MicroCloud was made for minimal maintenance. Snap-based packaging provides supported, isolated components and fluid updates. Keep your cloud stable without heavy operational work. --- ### Run on any environment Use MicroCloud on production-grade servers, or lightweight hardware. Run on Ubuntu Server, or Ubuntu Core. Fit the environment you have. --- ### Open source with enterprise-grade support Our cloud platform is built using the very best open source components – LXD for virtualization, MicroCeph for software-defined storage and MicroOVN for software-defined networking. Reduce vendor lock-in. Add [Ubuntu Pro](https://ubuntu.com/pro) for enterprise support when needed. [Download the MicroCloud datasheet](https://pages.ubuntu.com/rs/066-EOV-335/images/MicroCloud_Datasheet.pdf) --- ## Key features Highly available cluster deploys in minutes --- Streamlined security upgrades --- Runs virtual machines, or system containers for higher density --- Remote authentication, projects, and fine-grained access control --- Easily replicated at scale --- A fully open source cloud platform --- Commercial support available with [Ubuntu Pro](https://ubuntu.com/pro) --- ## How can you use a MicroCloud? ### Data center infrastructure When you need predictable costs for your infrastructure, control over your workloads, or full digital sovereignty, MicroCloud provides a scalable, efficient alternative to public cloud. * Predictable infrastructure spending for enterprises via cost-stable internal clouds. * Keep critical workloads on-prem and ensure data sovereignty for government and regulated industries. * Easy-to-manage open source cloud platform, even for small operational teams. * High resource efficiency without licensing overheads, ideal for AI and data-processing clusters. [Read about MicroCloud’s efficiency in this case study ›](https://ubuntu.com/engage/university-ontario-francais-microcloud-case-study) --- ### Edge computing at scale Organizations across various industries can use MicroCloud to run reliable edge services close to where data is created. * Retail store infrastructure supporting POS, analytics and inventory on small servers with minimal site maintenance. * Industrial factories hosting OT gateways, digital twins or machine-vision systems. * Telco RAN and MEC sites running low-latency network functions in compact, high-available clusters. * Branch banking systems delivering local processing for sensitive data on ATMs, authentication, and customer applications. [Learn more about MicroCloud for the edge ›](https://ubuntu.com/engage/guide-to-micro-clouds) --- ### Efficient dev environment MicroCloud is a lightweight open source cloud platform with robust multi-tenancy features. It can be used for realistic, disposable environments for rapid iteration. * Spin up lightweight and constrained disposable testing environments. * Simulate or test complex infrastructure processes. * Model how your workloads would run in production. * Safely experiment with new technologies. [Deploy your own MicroCloud following this tutorial ›](https://canonical.com/microcloud/docs/default/tutorial/single-member/) --- ## Integrate with the best hardware vendors Ubuntu works with a number of hardware vendors specialized in edge computing server equipment. [Contact us](https://canonical.com/microcloud/contact-us) to discuss working with your preferred vendors. --- ## Get Canonical MicroCloud. Self-deployed or Canonical-deployed? Choose the option that suits you best, and start your MicroCloud planning today. Self-deployed You deploy Canonical MicroCloud yourself by relying on [product documentation](https://canonical.com/microcloud/docs/default/) and [tutorials](https://canonical.com/microcloud/docs/default/tutorial/single-member/). Once deployed according to requirements outlined in documentation, you may choose to purchase and attach [Ubuntu Pro](https://ubuntu.com/pro) for enterprise support, compliance, security maintenance, and patching. [Start on your own ›](https://canonical.com/microcloud/docs/default/tutorial/single-member/) Canonical-deployed We deploy Canonical MicroCloud for you. Together, we select the design and hardware that best suits your use case and requirements. We will share our best practices and hand over the cloud to you once it’s built, tested, and validated by us. [Start with Canonical ›](https://canonical.com/microcloud/contact-us) Close ### Let's get in touch --- Fill in this form and a member of our team will be in touch shortly.