Side by side
Cobbler vs iVentoy
Both stand on os deployment software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Choose Cobbler if you need a free Linux server to automate network installations and can manage its server and security requirements. Its multiple deployment methods, installation interfaces, and configuration management integrations suit varied environments. Look elsewhere if you need a supported older release or cannot keep distribution kernel and initrd sources available.
Visit CobbleriVentoy supports network deployment from ISO files, including simultaneous and unattended installations. The free edition has a 20-client ceiling and excludes commercial use; Pro costs $49, paid once.
Visit iVentoyThe facts
| Cobbler | iVentoy | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | API, Linux, Self-hosted | Linux, Self-hosted, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Pro Edition: $49, paid once |
| Plans published | 1 | 2 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | cobbler.github.io | iventoy.com |
| On os deployment software | #5 of 29 | #9 of 29 |
Cobbler: what it does well
- Free, self-hosted Linux server software.
- Supports PXE, virtualization, and Linux system reinstallation.
- Offers command line, WebUI, Python, and XML-RPC interfaces.
- Supports AutoYaST, Kickstart, and Preseed automated installs.
- Integrates with cfengine3, Puppet, bcfg2, and Chef.
What to know first
- Server setup requires Python 3 and Linux administration knowledge.
- The security policy says there is no SELinux or AppArmor profile.
- Only the current version can be supported; older listed releases are end of life.
- Imported or manually added distributions need kernel and initrd sources to remain available.
iVentoy: what it does well
- Supports more than 110 common operating system types.
- Boots ISO files directly without extracting them.
- Can install different systems on multiple clients simultaneously.
- Supports unattended installation scripts assigned to ISO files.
- Pro supports unlimited clients.
What to know first
- Free Edition is limited to 20 clients.
- Free Edition excludes commercial use.
- DHCP Proxy is not supported.
- Client Secure Boot currently works only on x86_64.
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