Cobbler vs Macrium SiteDeploy
Cobbler
cobbler.github.ioMacrium SiteDeploy
macrium.comSide by side
| Figure | Cobbler | Macrium SiteDeploy |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | $1.67/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| API | Yes | — |
| Self-hosted | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 3 |
| Spec score · OS Deployment Software | 8.0 (#8) | 8.0 (#9) |
| Spec score · OS Imaging & Deployment Software | 8.0 (#7) | 8.0 (#8) |
| Purpose | Cobbler is a Linux installation server for setting up and automating network installation environments. | SiteDeploy is centralized OS imaging and deployment software for deploying golden images to multiple computers. |
| Support | The project directs users to its mailing list, GitHub issues and community chat for help. | Macrium lists business customer support contacts for the UK and Europe and for the United States. |
Plans
Macrium SiteDeploy
- Core$20 a year
- Flex EnterprisePriced on request
- System BuildersPriced on request
In their own words
Cobbler
Cobbler is free, self-hosted Linux server software for creating and automating network installation environments. It supports PXE deployments, virtualization with Xen, QEMU/KVM, or VMware, and reinstallation of existing Linux systems. Administrators can coordinate DNS, DHCP, package updates, power management, and configuration-management orchestration. Interfaces include a command line, WebUI, and Python and XML-RPC APIs. Automated installation formats include AutoYaST for SUSE and openSUSE, Kickstart, and Preseed for Debian and Ubuntu. Templates and reusable snippets generate installation files and manage services such as DNS and DHCP. Cobbler integrates with cfengine3, Puppet, bcfg2, and Chef, or its internal lightweight system. It can be installed from distribution packages or source; pip installation is documented but not recommended. Python 3 is required, and server setup needs Apache, certificate, and administration knowledge. Security guidance notes broad network control and no SELinux or AppArmor profile. The project describes use in small and large installations.
Macrium SiteDeploy
Macrium SiteDeploy has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.