How does the hosting companies automates OS Installation on Proxmox?

[Helposoft Staff]

When hosting providers deliver VPS instances quickly with a pre-configured operating system like AlmaLinux, they often use automated provisioning systems that streamline the process. These systems are designed to deploy VMs rapidly and with minimal manual intervention. Here’s how they generally achieve this:

1. Automated Provisioning Systems​

Hosting providers typically use automated provisioning systems to deploy VMs. These systems integrate with their infrastructure to manage VM creation, operating system installation, and configuration. Key components of these systems include:

• Cloud Management Platforms (CMPs): Tools like Proxmox VE, OpenStack, or VMware vSphere manage the virtual infrastructure and automate deployment tasks.
• Automation Tools: Scripts or configuration management tools (like Ansible, Puppet, or Chef) are used to automate the setup and configuration of VMs.

2. Pre-Built VM Templates​

Instead of installing an operating system from scratch for each new VM, providers use pre-built VM templates:

• VM Templates: These are base images of VMs that include a pre-installed and pre-configured operating system. When a new VPS is ordered, the provider clones or deploys a new VM from one of these templates. This significantly reduces the deployment time.
• Snapshot-Based Templates: Some providers use snapshots of VM states. For example, they might take a snapshot of a VM after the OS is installed and configured. When a new VPS is requested, they deploy from this snapshot.

3. Automated Deployment with Kickstart/Preseed Files​

For more customization, automated deployment uses kickstart (for Red Hat-based systems) or preseed (for Debian-based systems) files:

• Kickstart/Preseed Files: These files automate the OS installation process by providing installation instructions, partitioning details, and other configuration options. Providers configure these files to suit their deployment needs and integrate them into their provisioning system.

4. Cloud Infrastructure Automation​

Cloud providers use orchestration and automation tools to manage their infrastructure:

• Provisioning Software: Platforms like Ansible or Terraform can automate the creation and configuration of VMs. They can integrate with the cloud infrastructure to deploy, configure, and manage VMs automatically.
• API Integration: Providers often use APIs provided by their cloud management platform to automate VM deployment and configuration tasks.

5. Fast Deployment Mechanisms​

Providers use various techniques to ensure fast deployment:

• Efficient Storage Solutions: They use storage technologies like thin provisioning, SSDs, and high-performance storage arrays to speed up disk operations.
• Resource Pooling: Providers often pool resources (e.g., compute, storage) to allow rapid allocation to new VMs.

Example Process for Automated VPS Deployment​

1. Order Received: A customer places an order for a VPS.
2. Template Selection: The system selects the appropriate pre-built VM template.
3. Configuration Application: Any custom configurations are applied (e.g., network settings, additional software).
4. Deployment: The system clones the template or uses a snapshot to create a new VM instance.
5. Initialization: The VM is booted, and any final configuration tasks are performed (e.g., running scripts, applying updates).
6. Ready for Use: The VPS is now ready and can be accessed by the customer.

Summary​

In essence, the rapid delivery of VPS instances is achieved through a combination of pre-configured templates, automated installation scripts (like kickstart), efficient infrastructure management, and sophisticated provisioning systems. This automation allows providers to quickly spin up new instances with consistent configurations, ensuring both speed and reliability in delivering services.
If you have more specific questions or need detailed instructions on any part of the process, feel free to ask!