Appliance distro broadens Linux options

By Eric Brown
2008-12-18

Article Rating:

/ 0

Rate This Article:

Add This Article To:

rPath announced that its rBuilder "build and release" customizaton and management system for ISVs (software vendors) building hardware appliances and/or virtual appliances is adding support for Ubuntu and CentOS Linux. rPath previously supported Novell SUSE Linux Enterprise, as well as its own rPath Linux "software appliance" distribution.

rPath says rBuilder reflects the company's motto of "Just Enough OS" (JeOS). The tool creates minimal filesystem images particularly suitable for deployment in virtualized environments, the company suggests. The new Ubuntu and CentOS options work with rPath's Lifecycle Management Platform, a part of rBuilder aimed at managing application images in virtualized environments, via a web interface.

rPath Linux and Conary

In May, rPath announced version 2.0 of its rPath Linux distribution, which is use by ISVs (independent software vendors) to deliver their products as pre-installed hardware-appliances, or as "software appliances" -- pre-configured Linux server stacks suitable for installation by users on real or virtual commodity hardware. For example, ISV Digium tapped rPath for its AsteriskNow software appliance, an open-source IP PBX (private branch exchange) system. Version 2.0 of rPath Linux reduced footprint, while adding a brandable boot splash, new security features, and an "appliance installer."

rPath was founded in 2006, by Eric Troan, former Red Hat CTO, and Michael K. Johnson and Matt Wilson. The three are known for inventing Conary, the flexible package management system used in both rPath Linux and rBuilder.

Stated Al Gillen, program VP, System Software at IDC, "By expanding the list of Linux deployment options, rPath opens up new market opportunities both for itself and for its customers."

Stated rPath CTO Troan, "We're committed to an open and independent approach to the operating system."

Availability

rPath did not provide availability information for the Ubuntu and CentOS versions of rBuilder. More information on rBuilder may be found here, and more on the rPath Lifecycle Management Platform should be here.

Related Stories:

	Discuss Appliance distro broadens Linux options

	>>> Be the FIRST to comment on this article!



	>>> More News Articles >>> More By Eric Brown

Email Article To Friend ♦ Print Version Of Article ♦ PDF Version Of Article

FUEL Database on MontaVista Linux
Whether building a mobile handset, a car navigation system, a package tracking device, or a home entertainment console, developers need capable software systems, including an operating system, development tools, and supporting libraries, to gain maximum benefit from their hardware platform and to meet aggressive time-to-market goals.

Breaking New Ground: The Evolution of Linux Clustering
With a platform comprising a complete Linux distribution, enhanced for clustering, and tailored for HPC, Penguin Computing¿s Scyld Software provides the building blocks for organizations from enterprises to workgroups to deploy, manage, and maintain Linux clusters, regardless of their size.

Data Monitoring with NightStar LX
Unlike ordinary debuggers, NightStar LX doesn¿t leave you stranded in the dark. It¿s more than just a debugger, it¿s a whole suite of integrated diagnostic tools designed for time-critical Linux applications to reduce test time, increase productivity and lower costs. You can debug, monitor, analyze and tune with minimal intrusion, so you see real execution behavior. And that¿s positively illuminating.

Virtualizing Service Provider Networks with Vyatta
This paper highlights Vyatta's unique ability to virtualize networking functions using Vyatta's secure routing software in service provider environments.

High Availability Messaging Solution Using AXIGEN, Heartbeat and DRBD
This white paper discusses a high-availability messaging solution relying on the AXIGEN Mail Server, Heartbeat and DRBD. Solution architecture and implementation, as well as benefits of using AXIGEN for this setup are all presented in detail.

Understanding the Financial Benefits of Open Source
Will open source pay off? Open source is becoming standard within enterprises, often because of cost savings. Find out how much of a financial impact it can have on your organization. Get this methodology and calculator now, compliments of JBoss.

Embedded Hardware and OS Technology Empower PC-Based Platforms
The modern embedded computer is the jack of all trades appearing in many forms.

Data Management for Real-Time Distributed Systems
This paper provides an overview of the network-centric computing model, data distribution services, and distributed data management. It then describes how the SkyBoard integration and synchronization service, coupled with an implementation of the OMG¿s Data Distribution Service (DDS) standard, can be used to create an efficient data distribution, storage, and retrieval system.

7 Advantages of D2D Backup
For decades, tape has been the backup medium of choice. But, now, disk-to-disk (D2D) backup is gaining in favor. Learn why you should make the move in this whitepaper.