Salt

The client manages over 400 SLES systems using SUSE Manager and Salt. However, the Salt integration in SUSE Manager lacks both Infrastructure as Code (IaC) support and a mature staging concept. I took it upon myself to address these key shortcomings by developing custom Python modules. This made it possible to implement both a functional staging concept and an IaC-based management approach using SUSE Manager and Salt.

I developed a custom Salt formula that configures the local Git client. The formula is automatically tested against the latest Salt versions using a GitHub Actions pipeline.

I developed a custom Salt formula that automates certificate issuance using acme.sh. I also developed Salt execution modules in Python. The formula is automatically tested against the latest Salt versions via a GitHub Actions pipeline.

At the time, around 40 virtual Debian servers were managed and maintained manually. I took the initiative to introduce Salt into the environment to manage the servers more efficiently and standardize their configurations. Today, the client reports that the setup is still in use and actively being developed further.

At the time, around 50 virtual Linux and Windows servers were being operated without any centralized monitoring system. Service outages and disruptions were only reported by end users, often resulting in prolonged downtimes. I introduced Icinga2 - a monitoring solution compatible with both Linux and Windows. Existing and new Linux servers managed via Salt were automatically integrated into Icinga2, with service checks applied accordingly. This enabled the team to detect and respond to outages much faster and more professionally. Today, the client reports that the setup is still in use and actively being further developed.