9:56 a.m.
We agreed last meeting to evaluate
* ServerVM support for various hosting services
and
* Usage of SBC as a Server device
as short term goals for F39.
Here some ideas about those
Fedor's server in the virtualized environment of hosting providers
==================================================================
Why?
----
We are currently very focused on installation and operation on bare metal. There are 2
different media, successfully optimized to make the installation on different hardware as
simple and straightforward as possible. For years, the number of hosting providers that
offer Virtual Private Server (VPS) rsp. Verutal Dedicated Server (VDS) has been growing.
We do not offer comparable support for this in any way - unlike other distributions.
It is time to support the various virtualized environments as well. Thus, we can
strengthen the ddissemination and use of Fedora Server. At the same time, there are
requests from the community about installing on VPS/VDS offerings.
The target environment(s)
-------------------------
There are a large number of VPS/VDS providers.
* Some offer pre-configured distributions and custom images
* Some offer only pre-configured images, all offer Ubuntu/Debian, often also
RockyLinux/AlmaLinux, some (few) also Fedora
In a first step wie should target custom images..
Outcome
-------
The result would be additional installation images and target-specific documentation. In a
first step, a limitation to 2-3 providers would make sense, e.g. Contabo and Amazon AWS
(Lightsail).
We thus have the option to allocate different providcer among us and work on them in
parallel.
Preparatory work
----------------
We have an existing (and working) test and development system to develop additionional
Server VMs using ImageFactory and Kickstart. The resulting kickstart file can be used on
koji without any problems. We thus have the option to allocate different providcer among
us and work on them in parallel.
Ressources
----------
We need just temporary ( cost-free ) test accounts. In my experience, this is generally
not a problem. Thus, each of us could participate in it. No one would be excluded because
of a lack of resources.
Fedora Server on ARM Single Board Computers (SBC)
=================================================
Why?
----
Single board computers are currently a much discussed topic. In many cases, they are
associated with the hope of good performance adapted to the task at hand, combined with
sustainability and reasonable costs. Therefore, it is not surprising that a Fedora Server
Edition installation image has also been available for these devices for a long time,
without, however, attracting much attention so far.
Over the last years, the technology greatly evolved and differentiated into a large number
of different devices. Still, what's a solid, professional server system like Fedora
Server Edition doing on such a device? Criteria for the selection of a suitable device are
to be compiled, possible application scenarios determined, and configuration and
installation support developed for this purpose.
Outcome
-------
The result would essentially be documentation and recommendations, possibly also scripts
or Ansible support for specific configuration and installation steps. In the longer term,
better support for the use of SATA or VNMe devices, which would currently allow easier
handling of SPI modules and switching to these types of memory.
In the longer term, better support for the use of SATA or NVMe devices would be required,
which would currently mean easier handling for SPI modules and switching to the
aforementioned storage types after finishing booting from mSD or eMMC storage.
We could also revive the proposal to create an article in Fedora Magazine.
Preparatory work
----------------
We already have a draft on an article which specifies some criteria and considerations of
potential usage.
Ressources
----------
The selection of target devixces is certainly arbitrary and depends on what equipment is
available to us. However, an assessment of available devices can also be made
"theoretically" on the basis of the product description. Or we can re-assess
devices that are recommended in relevant special publications (e.g.
https://www.androidpimp.com/embedded/best-single-board-computers-2023/ or similiar).
Perhaps the possibility of gaining access to test devices will also open up.
Of course, we don’t need do decide for one over the other. We can also pursue both. That
might even be more sensible, in order to possibly have alternative options.