11 Golden images

A golden image is a combination of a golden archive (an archive with files set to the newconfig state) and a configuration file describing a system’s disk layout and file system. A golden image is used as a common configuration to install systems. The compressed golden archive format can

be tar, cpio, or pax. (To use the pax format with 11i v2, you must have the PAX-Enh™ product installed. The pax format is not available for 11i v1.)

Ignite-UX does not require the creation of golden images, but they are a very powerful tool for system administrators.

Golden images allow:

•Increased installation speed versus using swinstall, the command used by Ignite-UX when installing software from SD depots.

•Exact replication of a customized system configuration to clients.

•Mass deployment of a customized system configuration to clients.

•Disaster recovery at the newconfig level.

This chapter assumes you are creating a golden image to be stored on the Ignite-UX server via the network. If you wish to create golden image media, see Chapter 14 (page 180).

Advantages of golden images

In addition to supporting the standard software installations from an SD depot, Ignite-UX supports installing from known-good local system images, called golden images. This method recognizes that many clients in a network might be almost identical. You can take advantage of this fact by building an image that contains all of the software you want installed, plus configuration files, and then using Ignite-UX to install it.

This approach can have several advantages:

•Because the compressed system image is unpacked directly to disk over the network, the installation process can be much faster than an equivalent process using SD. The time savings depends on the size of the installation and the capacity of the network, but a typical golden image can be extracted in about 20 minutes compared to about an hour for an SD install.

•Instead of troubleshooting a client, it is often more cost-effective to completely reinstall the operating system with a golden image.

•When coupled with dataless nodes (all volatile data is on a separate file server), system replacement or move time is drastically reduced.

•Once a golden image has been created, it is simple to apply it to multiple clients. Very little or no user interaction is required during subsequent installs, reducing the chance of error.

Building a golden image is done by setting up a single system the way you want all of your systems to look, and then creating an image of that system. Follow the instructions below to set up the first system.

Creating a golden image

In general, the golden image is created from a golden system configured with all the software and customizations needed to distribute it to a group of clients. The golden image can be saved to media and installed on individual systems, or the golden image can be stored on another system and installed remotely over the network.

If a golden system already exists, proceed to “Configuring the Ignite-UX server to recognize the golden image” (page 154).

Advantages of golden images 151

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UX System Management Software specifications

HP-UX System Management Software is a robust suite of tools designed to facilitate the administration and management of HP's Unix-based operating system, HP-UX. As organizations increasingly rely on mission-critical applications, the need for a reliable and efficient management solution becomes paramount. HP-UX provides a comprehensive understanding of system performance, resource utilization, and enterprise-wide configuration, all while maintaining high availability and security.

One of the key features of HP-UX System Management Software is its Advanced System Administrator Toolkit. This toolkit includes a wide array of utilities that streamline daily administrative tasks such as monitoring system performance, managing user accounts, and configuring system settings. Tools such as Glance provide real-time monitoring of system resources, enabling administrators to identify bottlenecks and optimize performance.

The software also boasts an advanced security framework, including features such as Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) and Secure Shell (SSH) for secure data transmission. Security patches and updates can be managed through HP’s Service Pack for HP-UX, which provides a streamlined method for maintaining system integrity and compliance with various regulatory standards.

Another notable aspect is the extensive support for virtualization technologies. HP-UX supports HP’s Integrity Virtual Machines (IVMs) and vPars, allowing administrators to create multiple isolated environments on a single physical server. This not only enhances resource utilization but also improves disaster recovery planning by enabling easier backup and restore processes.

For storage management, HP-UX offers tools that enable easy setup and management of Logical Volume Managers (LVM). This allows simplified disk space allocation and management, ensuring that critical applications have the necessary resources without manual intervention.

Furthermore, HP-UX is designed with compatibility in mind, supporting a wide range of third-party applications and frameworks. Integration with management platforms like HP System Insight Manager enhances the ability to monitor and manage systems from a centralized perspective, providing alerts and reports that help in proactive decision-making.

In summary, HP-UX System Management Software delivers a streamlined approach to system administration, focusing on performance, security, and ease of management. Its advanced features, combined with an emphasis on virtualization and storage management, make it a powerful tool for organizations seeking reliability and efficiency in their Unix-based environments. As businesses continue to evolve, tools like HP-UX will remain crucial for ensuring consistent performance and operational excellence.
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