In the realm of deploying instances within the IBM Cloud VPC, the significance of image selection cannot be overstated. It unfolds an array of choices, encompassing stock images, custom images, and catalog images, each presenting a distinct avenue for users to traverse. Delving into the intricacies of these image types becomes paramount, as it equips users with the discernment needed to craft decisions attuned to the specificity of their requirements.
Stock Images: Streamlining Deployment
Stock images are pre-configured operating systems designed for IBM Cloud VPC environments, facilitating quick and easy instance deployment. With options like Red Hat Enterprise Linux, Windows Server, SUSE Linux Enterprise Server, and more, users can choose from a variety of supported operating systems.
IBM employs a lifecycle management system for stock images, categorizing them as “available,” “deprecated,” or “obsolete” based on vendor support status. While instances can be deployed using available and deprecated images, it’s crucial to avoid using obsolete stock images for new deployments. This ensures alignment with vendor end-of-support dates.
Deploying Instances with Stock Images
- On the instance creation page, navigate to the image and profile section and select “Change image.”
- A side panel displays available stock images categorized by architecture, allowing users to filter and choose the desired operating system.
- After selection, the chosen stock image is visible in the UI, enabling seamless instance deployment.
Custom Images: Tailoring Configurations
Custom images offer personalized configurations, allowing users to create virtual servers with specific settings and additional software. Unlike stock images, users are responsible for managing and setting the lifecycle status of custom images, emphasizing the need for proactive lifecycle planning.
Creating a Custom Image
- Access the VPC menu, select Images, and click on Create.
- Provide a name for the custom image and choose from various creation options, including using an existing instance, selecting a boot volume, or importing from Cloud Object Storage.
3. You can create a custom image from an existing instance. The instance must be stopped before creating the custom image:
4. You can also create a custom image by selecting the boot volume of an existing instance. Just like in the previous step, the instance must be stopped before creating the custom image:
5. You can also import an image from Cloud Object Storage (COS). The image must be stored in a COS bucket—then you select the location and provide the information about the base operating system that you are importing:
6. Another way to import from COS is by providing the image file URL and then specifying the base OS:
7. Select the encryption type:
Deploying Instances with Custom Images
- Under the Image and profile section, click on “Change image.”
- Choose the custom image from the Custom images tab and save the selection, enabling the deployment of instances with personalized configurations.
Catalog Images: Streamlining Access and Sharing
Catalog images, also known as marketplace images, are custom images placed in private or public catalogs for streamlined access and sharing. These images are categorized as “available,” “deprecated,” or “obsolete” at the catalog level, offering enhanced management capabilities.
Deploying Instances with Catalog Images
- Access the Image and profile section and select “Change image.”
- Under the Catalog images tab, choose from available catalog images.
- Save the selection to create the instance seamlessly.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Image for Your Needs
IBM Cloud VPC provides diverse image options catering to different business needs. Stock images are ideal for quick deployments, custom images offer configuration flexibility, and catalog images streamline access and sharing. Understanding the strengths of each image type empowers users to optimize their IBM Cloud VPC experience.
For more detailed guidance on IBM Cloud VPC images and their deployment, refer to the official IBM documentation.
Discover more about IBM Cloud VPC and its image deployment options to enhance your cloud computing experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What distinguishes stock images from custom images in IBM Cloud VPC?
A: Stock images are pre-configured operating systems provided by IBM for swift instance deployment, while custom images allow users to craft instances with personalized configurations and additional software.
Q2: How does IBM manage the lifecycle of stock images?
A: IBM categorizes stock images into “available,” “deprecated,” and “obsolete” based on vendor support. Users are advised to avoid deploying instances with obsolete stock images.
Q3: Can custom images be used to replicate configurations across different regions?
A: Yes, custom images empower users to replicate configurations and deploy instances in the same region or different zones. Export and import functionalities facilitate this seamless process.
Q4: What is the significance of lifecycle management for custom images?
A: Users are responsible for managing and setting the lifecycle status of custom images, providing flexibility in planning and ensuring alignment with end-of-support considerations.
Q5: Are catalog images available for bare metal servers in IBM Cloud VPC?
A: No, catalog images are currently supported only on virtual servers within IBM Cloud VPC, and bare metal servers are not included in this support.
Q6: How does the status of catalog images impact their usage within an enterprise account?
A: Catalog image statuses, such as “available,” “deprecated,” and “obsolete,” are managed at the catalog level, impacting their visibility and usability within an enterprise account.
Q7: Can IBM partners share chargeable catalog images on IBM Cloud VPC?
A: As of now, IBM partners can only onboard free products in public catalogs. Future developments may enable them to share chargeable images and receive compensation based on consumption.
Q8: Where can users find more detailed information about IBM Cloud VPC images and their deployment?
A: For comprehensive insights and official documentation on IBM Cloud VPC images, refer to the official IBM documentation.
Q9: What benefits do custom images offer in terms of settings and configurations?
A: Custom images enable users to save personalized settings and configurations, facilitating consistent deployments and providing a foundation for continuous innovation.
Q10: How does IBM Cloud VPC ensure security when using custom images?
A: IBM Cloud VPC incorporates encryption options for custom images, allowing users to select the desired encryption type, enhancing security in deployment scenarios.