The repository server needs to meet the following specifications:
The AutoYaST repositories do not require high-performance hardware. The selected system must support an Apache 2 Web server. In many environments, a virtual instance on VMware, XEN, KVM, or other type of virtualization has been used successfully as a AutoYaST server.
A single processor and 4 GB of RAM meet all performance requirements.
A 100 Mbits-1 network adapter typically meets all bandwidth requirements. With many concurrent installations, it might be helpful to deliver the software packages via a gigabit network interface.
The disk space required for the repositories depends on the number and the diversity of the SLES/ OES versions, service packs, and add-on products that need to be supported. In recent projects, 50 GB has been sufficient.
Novell Consulting recommends that you always install the newest SLES version with the latest service pack and current patches as the basis for the repository server (SLES 11 SP2 at the time this document was written).