The configuration problem
Starting with:
- Several hundred new PCs with empty disks
- A Repository of all the necessary software packages
- A specification of the required service
Load and configure the software
- Including relationships between individual nodes
Reconfigure the machines when the required service specification changes
Reconfigure the machines to keep satisfying the specification when the fabric changes
- Hardware fails, or is replaced with different hardware
Inform the manager when the specification cannot be satisfied (monitoring)
Notes:
- Original LISA paper on LCFG started this
- Man sysadmin tasks involve supplying the policies and software for the configuration process