opsi – Client Management

opsi (Open System Integration) is the central tool for managing Windows, Linux, and macOS client computers. The core component is a Linux server, taking care of the following tasks:
 

• Automatic OS installation (Windows and Linux only)
• Distribution of software, for example updates and patches
• Inventory of hardware and software

opsi manages clients at multiple locations in one single administration interface. The configuration is stored in a central location, the repositories for the clients' software packages can be located in different places.

Extensions/additional Modules
 
opsi is open source software; all core components are published under the AGPLv3 license. The version provided in the Univention App Center comes without any license fees. In addition, the manufacturer uib gmbh, offers extensions for which a fee is charged—one-time or as a subscription.
Among others, there are the following modules which extend the functionality:
 

• Directory Connector: Synchronizes data between clients and an LDAP-enabled directory service (e.g. Active Directory or Samba 4)
• License Management: Manages licenses in a central place, in the opsi configuration editor
• UEFI/Secureboot: Support fpr UEFI/GPT partitions and Secureboot
• Scalability: Performance enhancement for very large environments; starts the opsi service with multiple worker processes and/or runs the service in parallel on multiple servers
• WIM-capture: captures an entire Windows installation (including configuration, installed software, and hotfixes), stores everything in the Windows Imaging Format (WIM), and allows you to install this on other clients

Additionally, the company uib gmbh provides affordable subscriptions which include ready-made packages for installadion, MS hotfixes, or special software. The manufacturer also offers support services for a fee, e.g. opsi maintenance contracts, workshops, and trainings.

About Client Synchronization
 
For UCS and UCS@school users the opsi extension Director Connector is of particular interest. It synchronizes data between the opsi clients and the UCS directory service. You can simply transfer the data from the UCS directory service to the opsi environment, avoiding the handling of duplicate data. It doesn't matter whether it's an Active Directory or Samba 4 domain. The Director Connector also allows opsi users to authenticate via the domain.
For more information please contact the vendor: info@uib.de

About Upgrades
 
If you want to upgrade an existing opsi installation, we recommend the opsi documentation, especially the Getting Started guide.