Integrating Metalsmith with Ironic: Streamlining Bare-Metal Provisioning Workflows

Authors: Surbhi Kanthed

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15084316

Short DOI: https://doi.org/g89sbx

Country: United States

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Abstract: Bare-metal provisioning is increasingly critical for high-performance workloads, edge computing, and specialized hardware deployment scenarios, especially within private and hybrid clouds.
OpenStack Ironic has emerged as a powerful mechanism to manage bare-metal nodes, yet complexities persist when attempting to automate and coordinate large-scale deployments. Metalsmith, a command-line provisioning tool, promises to simplify node orchestration, from image selection to network configuration, reducing manual overhead. This white paper examines how integrating Metalsmith with Ironic can streamline bare-metal provisioning workflows, drawing on established best practices and published case studies. We present a thorough literature review, propose an architectural framework, highlight the synergy of both technologies, discuss relevant security and compliance considerations, and outline best practices. By consolidating academic and industry insights, this paper offers a detailed reference for cloud operators, researchers, and organizations aiming to adopt or refine their bare-metal provisioning strategies. Finally, we detail future research directions, emphasizing the significance of standardized approaches and robust tooling within rapidly evolving data center environments

Keywords: Bare-metal provisioning, OpenStack Ironic, Metalsmith, Cloud Infrastructure, Automation, Workflow Integration, Resource Management

Paper Id: 232299

Published On: 2024-03-14

Published In: Volume 12, Issue 2, March-April 2024

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