FastDeploy is an open source tool to automate the process of installing operating
systems like RedHat Enterprise Linux, CentOS, Fedora Core, Debian, Ubuntu, and Windows.
It's developed actively by Serverminds, an IT technology
consulting firm. Click here to learn more about Serverminds.
In the purest sense FastDeploy fancies itself an abstraction layer between the multitudes of
automated / scripted installer mechanisms available with most modern operating systems. This enables
the user to take advantage of a common interface (Web) to automate the deployment of operating systems
without involving themselves in the complexity of the underlying automation script semantics.
A video demonstrating the Fastdeploy web interface.
FastDeploy focuses most of its efforts at supporting the automation capabilities inherent with
the installer mechanisms available with each operating system. This means we support Kickstart,
Preseeding, and the unattended features of Windows. It's highly probable just about any other
automated scripting can be supported.
Using a Web-based interface you can choose the options you want to automatically
install (e.g., hostname, domain, IP address, server software to install/configure, etc.) then you
PXE boot off your network card and the installation process occurs automatically, without user
intervention.
What do I need to use it?
Just a few basic requirements:
Generally you need a UNIX-like operating system (Linux, FreeBSD, Solaris, etc.) however it's
highly probable Windows can support FastDeploy.
A Web server that supports PHP4 of 5 (Apache is often a good candidate here).
A configurable DHCP server like ISC DHCP or Windows DHCP server.
A database server like MySQL.
There is no requirement that any of these pieces run on the same or on different servers. In other words,
you are welcome to use any existing infrastructure you may have. Unless you are installing thousands of
operating systems a month it's highly unlikely you'll need a dedicated FastDeploy server.
What if I need help installing and/or using FastDeploy?
Keep in mind that FastDeploy is at present very much a beta product. It does not have a true installer
script yet so the setup and configuration of FastDeploy must be done manually.
The best way to troubleshoot, ask questions, propose enhancements and improvements, and even
report a bug (What? FastDeploy has bugs? ;-)) is to use our User community
forums. Chances are you'll find answers to a great many questions in these forums. If you don't find
your answers in there, feel free to pose your questions there so the entire user community can share in a
common knowledge base. Please use them liberally.
But what if you still need help?
We offer a variety of FastDeploy-related training, installation, consulting, and development services if
you need them. Please see the Products and Services sidebar above for additional information on
these services.
Please do not hesistate to take advantage of our online forums as well.
Products and services
Interested in learning more about using Fastdeploy in your IT infrastructure?
Contact us: AIM/Yahoo IM: serverminds
MSN: sales@serverminds.com
Would you like to schedule an online demo of Fastdeploy?Click here to use our email contact form and we'll schedule an appropriate time to do an online Web-based demo.
