Cobbler vs SmartDeploy
Cobbler
cobbler.github.ioSmartDeploy
smartdeploy.comSide by side
| Figure | Cobbler | SmartDeploy |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | $91.67/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| API | Yes | — |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 1 | 3 |
| Spec score · OS Deployment Software | 8.0 (#8) | 7.7 (#13) |
| Spec score · OS Imaging & Deployment Software | 8.0 (#7) | 7.7 (#12) |
| Purpose | Cobbler is a Linux installation server for setting up and automating network installation environments. | SmartDeploy helps IT teams deploy Windows operating systems, drivers, apps, and updates to on-premises and remote devices, including without a VPN. |
| Security | The security policy says Cobbler has no SELinux or AppArmor profile and advises protecting it because it manages DHCP and TFTP and has broad network control. | SmartDeploy says cloud data is encrypted at rest and communications use HTTPS with TLS 1.2; it also says it is SOC 2 compliant. |
| Support | The project directs users to its mailing list, GitHub issues and community chat for help. | The pricing page includes technical support in all three tiers, and Starter specifically lists expert email and phone support. |
Plans
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.
SmartDeploy
SmartDeploy has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.