Comparison: CloudBerry Explorer for OpenStack Storage vs. Native Tools

How to Use CloudBerry Explorer with OpenStack Storage — Step‑by‑Step

This guide walks through connecting CloudBerry Explorer (now MSP360 Explorer) to an OpenStack Storage environment, transferring files, and using key features for efficient management. Assumptions: you have a working OpenStack object storage (Swift or compatible S3 gateway), credentials (endpoint, username/project, password, tenant or S3 key/secret if using S3 API), and CloudBerry Explorer installed on Windows.

1. Determine the endpoint and API type

• OpenStack Swift: an endpoint URL for the Swift API (e.g., https://storage.example.com/v1/AUTH_project).
• S3-compatible gateway (e.g., Swift S3 API, OpenStack with RadosGW): an S3 endpoint plus Access Key and Secret Key.
  Choose the API your OpenStack environment exposes. If unsure, use the S3-compatible endpoint when available — CloudBerry Explorer’s S3 support is robust.

2. Install CloudBerry Explorer

• Download and install CloudBerry Explorer for Windows from the vendor site.
• Launch the application and choose the edition that fits your license (Free, Pro, or MSP360 with subscription).

3. Create a new storage account

1. Click the File menu → Add New Account (or the account “+” button).
2. Select the service type:
   • Choose OpenStack Swift if CloudBerry offers a Swift connector and you have Swift credentials.
   • Choose Amazon S3 / S3 Compatible if your OpenStack exposes an S3-compatible endpoint.
3. Enter connection details:
   • For Swift: Username, Password, Tenant/Project, and the Auth URL / Storage URL. Optionally set the region.
   • For S3-compatible: Service point (endpoint), Port, check SSL if using https, and enter Access Key and Secret Key.
4. Test the connection using the app’s test button. Save the account.

4. Browse containers / buckets

• After connection, CloudBerry Explorer shows local file system on one side and remote containers/buckets on the other.
• Expand the remote tree to see containers (Swift) or buckets (S3). Double-click a container to list objects.

5. Upload files and folders

1. Navigate local pane to the files/folders you want to upload.
2. Select items, then drag-and-drop to the chosen remote container or use Upload button.
3. Configure upload options (if prompted):
   • Storage class or container metadata (if supported),
   • Content-type and encryption settings,
   • Concurrency / part size for large files.
4. Monitor progress in the transfer queue. Resume failed transfers if needed.

6. Download and sync data

• To download, select remote objects and drag to local pane or press Download.
• Use Synchronize to compare local folders and remote containers:
  • Choose direction (Local → Remote, Remote → Local, or two‑way),
  • Set filters (file types, size, date),
  • Run once or schedule recurring sync jobs.

7. Manage object metadata and permissions

• Right-click an object to view/edit metadata (custom headers) and properties (content-type, cache-control).
• For S3-compatible setups, set ACLs or bucket policies if supported by the gateway. For Swift, manage container ACLs via the container properties dialog.

8. Use advanced features

• Multi-part uploads: Enable for large files to improve speed and reliability. Tune part size in Settings.
• Encryption: Use client-side encryption if you need to protect data before upload (enter a passphrase or key).
• Versioning & lifecycle rules: If supported by your OpenStack gateway, configure via the provider’s console or CloudBerry if it exposes those controls.
• Command-line/automation: Use CloudBerry Backup or the CLI options (if available) to automate transfers and scheduling.

9. Troubleshooting common issues

• Connection fails: verify endpoint URL, port, SSL, keys/credentials, and that your network allows outbound to the endpoint.
• Permission errors: check the tenant/project scope, user roles, and container ACLs.
• Slow transfers: increase concurrency/part size, test network latency, or use a closer region endpoint.
• Incompatible features: some S3 features (like certain ACLs or lifecycle rules) may not be fully supported by Swift gateways—use provider docs.

10. Security best practices

• Use HTTPS endpoints and verify SSL certificates.
• Prefer temporary credentials or scoped service accounts when possible.
• Enable client-side encryption in CloudBerry for sensitive data.
• Rotate access keys and passwords periodically.

Example: Quick upload (S3-compatible)

1. Add New Account → S3 Compatible → enter endpoint, Access Key, Secret Key → Test → Save.
2. Open container/bucket, navigate local folder, select files → Drag to remote pane → Monitor upload.

Conclusion Follow these steps to set up CloudBerry Explorer with your OpenStack storage, transfer and sync data, and use advanced options like multi-part upload and encryption. For provider-specific quirks (endpoint formats, supported features), consult your OpenStack admin or gateway documentation.