Side by side
FAI (Fully Automatic Installation) vs OPSI
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.
Free plan APILinuxSelf-hosted
FAI covers unattended Linux deployment across physical and virtual machines, with configuration hooks, storage setup and cloud-image support. Its free software model and FAI.me media builder are useful options for teams planning repeatable Linux installations.
Visit FAI (Fully Automatic Installation)
Free plan Open source APILinuxMac+3
OPSI covers deployment, inventory, patching, and configuration in a single client-management system. Check the license limits and minimum device purchase against the size of your setup.
Visit OPSIThe facts
| FAI (Fully Automatic Installation) | OPSI | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Yes |
| Runs on | API, Linux, Self-hosted | API, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | See the plans |
| Plans published | 1 | 5 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | fai-project.org | opsi.org |
| On os deployment software | #7 of 29 | #3 of 29 |
FAI (Fully Automatic Installation): what it does well
- Free software under GNU GPL version 2 or later.
- Supports multiple Linux distributions.
- Offers PXE and unattended CD installation methods.
- Can configure RAID, LVM and disk partitions.
- FAI.me builds custom media without local installation.
What to know first
- Some distributions fetch remaining packages over the network.
- Questions and bug reports use mailing list and Debian BTS.
OPSI: what it does well
- Automates software distribution and operating-system installation.
- Inventory can collect hardware details without an installed OS.
- Centralizes administration across multiple sites.
- Browser-based web interface needs no client-side installation.
What to know first
- Basic is limited to 30 devices per user.
- Basic is limited to one setup per user.
- Professional and Enterprise require at least 100 devices.
Alternatives to FAI (Fully Automatic Installation) Alternatives to OPSI The whole list