In recent years, using automated, unattended installation methods for server installations and configurations have proven their value.
By enhancing SUSE's automatic installation method through AutoYaST and combining it with Novell ZENworks Configuration Management, we developed a way to easily implement standardized installation, configuration, and updates of SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES) as well as Open Enterprise Server (OES).
Section I, Using AutoYaST to Install Open Enterprise Server 11 or Later describes the Novell Consulting Installation Framework, which is based on AutoYaST. It explains how AutoYaST works and what is required to set up an installation server. Most of this section focuses on the customization of AutoYaST that has been developed and used by Novell Consulting.
Section II, Using ZENworks 11 to Manage Open Enterprise Server 11 or Later presents a methodology that uses ZENworks Configuration Management to provide centralized patch management and configuration management for SLES and OES servers.
In addition to the management of well-defined (frozen) patch levels for different staging areas such as development, test and production, this solution focuses on the management of configuration settings across many servers.