Side by side
Cobbler vs xCAT
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 CobblerChoose xCAT if you need open-source automation for provisioning and managing large server or VM environments. Consider the consortium's stated recommendation of Confluent if you are planning a long-term successor or migration path.
Visit xCATThe facts
| Cobbler | xCAT | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | API, Linux, Self-hosted | API, Linux, Self-hosted |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | cobbler.github.io | xcat.org |
| On os deployment software | #5 of 29 | #12 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.
xCAT: what it does well
- Open-source toolkit with a free plan at no cost.
- Provisions physical and virtual machines using three installation methods.
- Supports remote power control, console access, and node queries.
- Runs shell commands and file copies in parallel.
- REST API and listed cloud integrations.
What to know first
- The consortium recommends Confluent as a long-term successor and migration path.
- Security notices include vulnerability notices dated March 8, 2023, and earlier TLS notices.
- Support is directed to GitHub issues or an older user email list.