What is StackStorm?
StackStorm is an open-source automation platform designed to simplify DevOps and IT operations. It allows teams to automate workflows, manage incidents, and enforce compliance across various environments. With StackStorm, users can create custom automation workflows using a visual interface, leveraging a wide range of integrations with popular tools and services.
Main Features
StackStorm’s core features include:
- Automated workflows: Create custom workflows using a visual interface or write custom Python code.
- Incident management: Automate incident response and remediation using StackStorm’s incident management capabilities.
- Compliance enforcement: Enforce compliance policies across environments using StackStorm’s compliance features.
Installation Guide
Prerequisites
Before installing StackStorm, ensure you have the following:
- Python 3.6 or later
- Docker 18.09 or later (optional)
- Linux or macOS (Windows is not officially supported)
Installation Steps
Follow these steps to install StackStorm:
- Clone the StackStorm repository from GitHub.
- Run the installation script using the command `sudo./install.sh`.
- Configure StackStorm by editing the `st2.conf` file.
Technical Specifications
Ports Used by StackStorm
StackStorm uses the following ports:
| Port | Description |
|---|---|
| 9101 | Web UI |
| 9102 | API |
| 9103 | Stream |
Hardening Checklist for Admins and IT Teams
Security Best Practices
Follow these security best practices to harden your StackStorm installation:
- Use a secure password for the admin user.
- Limit access to the StackStorm UI and API.
- Regularly update StackStorm and its dependencies.
Pros and Cons
Advantages
StackStorm offers the following advantages:
- Easy-to-use visual interface for creating automation workflows.
- Support for a wide range of integrations with popular tools and services.
- Robust incident management and compliance enforcement capabilities.
Disadvantages
StackStorm has the following disadvantages:
- Steep learning curve for advanced features.
- Resource-intensive, requiring significant CPU and memory resources.
- Support for Windows is not officially supported.
FAQ
What is the difference between StackStorm and open-source options?
StackStorm is an open-source automation platform, but it offers more features and support compared to other open-source options. However, other open-source options may offer more flexibility and customization options.
Can I download StackStorm for free?
Yes, StackStorm is open-source and can be downloaded for free from the official GitHub repository.
What is the recommended way to backup and rollback StackStorm?
StackStorm provides a built-in backup and rollback feature. Regularly back up your StackStorm configuration and data to ensure safe recovery in case of an issue.