Project Description

Design, build, and deliver a software application to automatically configure and continuously certify Linux and Windows systems in a hybrid cloud computing platform.

Details

The client was spending a significant amount of time manually configuring hundreds of Linux and Windows systems in their hybrid cloud computing platform. Frequent system configuration changes were required to accommodate application updates and to address cyber security concerns. Misconfigured systems were a constant problem creating significant performance / availability issues and cyber security vulnerabilities.

The client needed an automated way to continuously certify the configuration of all systems within their cloud computing platform. They wanted to automatically reconfigure (update) systems that were discovered to be out of compliance. A significant challenge was the solution needed to accommodate 30+ unique system types running various flavors of Linux and Windows.

The solution involved the development of a software application that runs on all systems in the platform. The application tests each system for configuration item compliance (settings, files, software, services, etc…). The criteria for configuration item compliance can be individually specified by platform, operating system / version, system type, physical location, or system name. Non-compliant systems can be automatically reconfigured by the application. All software was developed using Red Rake’s Real Obvious technologies.

Real Obvious Certification Kit (ROCK)

  • Configuration Items
    • Settings
    • Files / Folders
    • Software
    • Services
    • Network
  • Operating Systems
    • CentOS Linux 5/6/7
    • Debian Linux
    • Microsoft Windows 7/8/10/2008/2012
    • Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5/6/7
  • Configurations
    • All Systems
    • By Operating System / Version
    • By System Type
    • By System Name
    • By Physical Location
  • Scalable
    • Individual System Deployment
    • Enterprise / Data Center Deployment
    • Internet Cloud Deployment
    • World Wide Deployment
  • Secure
    • Trusted Application
  • Customizable
    • Easily updated by customer to accommodate constantly changing configurations

Technologies

Results

The initial release of the project was completed on time and within budget. Work continues on the project to accommodate enhancements and upgrades to the Real Obvious Configuration and Certification application.