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Python based software (Cobbler) to achieve faster network-based auto-installations/updates, builds, deployments, provisioning, configuration management orchestration etc.

by Ravi (speaking)

Section
Infrastructure
Technical level
Intermediate

Objective

We can achieve faster network-based auto-installations/updates, builds, deployments, provisioning, configuration management orchestration etc. This talk is about one Python based tool/software (Cobbler) that helps us to achieve this.

Description

We definitely like faster network-based auto installations and auto updates, builds, deployments, provisioning, configuration management orchestration etc.

Faster software auto installations and auto updates (Automation) help to complete required work within time and also help to create good quality software.

Python based "Cobbler" is a free Linux installation server that allows for rapid setup of network installation environments. We can use Cobbler to install/deploy following Linux distribution(s) (attended and/or unattended) without using any physical OS installation media (CD/DVD/Floppy/USB key). Cobbler automates the network-based installation of multiple computer operating systems from a central point using services such as HTTP, TFTP, DHCP, TFTP, and DNS.

Cobbler also uses well known industry standard "PXE/gPXE and iPXE" standard/specification.

    1) RHEL v4.x v5.x and v6.x (32bit and 64bit)
    2) SuSE 10 & 11 64bit (all Service Packs)
    3) Ubuntu
    4) Citrix XenServer v6x RCy
    5) VMware ESX & ESXi 4.x and ESXi v5.x
            6) Fedora
            7) Debian

    Note:  The software framework/tool can be updated to support Windows OS installations also.

This talk includes video(es) about "Cobbler Internals" and "Cobbler Usage Examples" (Example: 64bit ESXi v5.1 installation) to audience to know more details about Cobbler. Audience can use Cobbler with less effort post this session/talk.

Requirements

Cobbler is a Python program, so knowing Python is mandatory to understand "Cobber Internals" in depth. Basic knowledge about lab/system administration, DHCP, DNS etc. is ok attend this presentation. Knowledge about "Unix Family" distributions like Ubuntu, RedHat, VMware ESXi etc. auto-installation will be definitely a plus to attend to this presentation, even though it is not really mandatory.

Speaker bio

Ravi likes Python and open source software. He works for Dell Bangalore. He has been using Python since 2 years. He deals with multiple Linux distributions to create required "Portable" and "Reliable" software across multiple Linux distributions. He also contributes to "Dell TechCenter" posts.

Dell TechCenter Post_1: http://en.community.dell.com/techcenter/systems-management/w/wiki/4388.ipmitool-raw-commands-about-dell-poweredge-system-model-name-operating-system-name-and-dns-hostname.aspx

Dell TechCenter Post_2: http://en.community.dell.com/techcenter/b/techcenter/archive/2012/12/06/quick-steps-for-updating-system-software-bios-amp-other-firmware-along-with-linux-os-installation-using-kickstart-file.aspx

Comments


  • 1

    [-] sankarshan mukhopadhyay 587 days ago

    It would be nice if you could add detail about your expectations about the kind of activities your intended audience would already be familiar with. For example, whether they are SysAdmins who have to provision a large number of bare-metal or, virtual instances with a specific profile of applications/services and/or use different existing methods in vogue. Additionally, if they are required to read up specific aspects before attending your session, please provide those detail too.

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