[development] Summer of Code 2007 Idea - Drupal software appliance

[Robert Douglass]

Allister,

before I discuss your idea, it should be noted that you can't propose a 
GSoC project which doesn't produce code. As you describe it, your idea 
is mostly a task for a sysadmin and doesn't produce code, therefore 
wouldn't be eligible for the program.

Your idea, however, is very good. I had envisioned a similar use of 
virtual images here: http://groups.drupal.org/node/2742 The problem with 
doing my idea as GSoC is that it is more than one person could 
reasonably manage, I think, and is dependent on infrastructure that 
we're not in a position to provide.

I think what is needed is some brainstorming that combines your software 
appliance with performance, scalability and regression testing. Please 
chew on these ideas and come up with an alternate proposal. We'd love to 
have you apply to GSoC with a Drupal project.

cheers,

Robert

Allister Beharry wrote:
> Hello all,
> I'll be participating in SoC 07 and I'd appreciate it if I can get
> some feedback on my idea for a project with Drupal. Here is the
> synopsis:
>
> My project idea for SoC 2007 is a Drupal software appliance – a
> self-contained virtual image consisting of a minimal Linux
> environment, a LAMP stack, and Drupal 5.1  – which can be distributed
> as a bootable LiveCD or virtual machine image which can be run on
> virtualization software like VMware Player or MS Virtual PC.
>
> At ~50Mb or less, a Drupal appliance is a perfect way for potential
> users with no system administration experience to evaluate Drupal.
> Advocacy for Drupal can be extended by distributing the Live CD with
> magazines and in trade shows. Drupal companies and consultants can
> rapidly prototype and demonstrate a Drupal a solution to their clients
> starting with the base appliance image. Drupal admins can easily test
> module patches before deployment to live sites. The virtual machine
> image can also be part of an automated testing framework by utilizing
> the scripting capabilities of virtualization software like VMware
> Server.
>
> This project can build on existing LiveDistro images from Knoppix or
> Damn Small Linux, and virtual appliance images like those from Virtual
> Appliance (http://virtualappliances.net/products/lamp/). The main
> tasks will be:
> 1.Collecting requirements from the Drupal community;
> 2.Building the target environment;
> 3.Installing and integrating Drupal and necessary modules;
> 4.Comprehensive testing of the entire appliance;
> 5.Coding hooks in the virtualization software for use of the appliance
> by automated testing tools;
> 6.Promotion and obtaining distribution channels for the release of the
> appliance.
>
> Thanks a lot.
> Allister
>


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