Installing Canfigure CMDB on a Linux VM

Linux Command Linu in Ubuntu

Implementing a Configuration Management Database (CMDB) with Canfigure is a strategic step towards efficient IT asset management and service delivery. To begin your Canfigure journey, you need a reliable and scalable infrastructure. This guide walks you through the crucial initial steps: provisioning a virtual machine (VM) on AWS or Azure, selecting optimal resources, and installing Ubuntu Linux as your base operating system. Following these foundational steps will help ensure a smooth installation and operation of Canfigure CMDB.

Step 1: Provision a New Virtual Machine (VM)

1.1 Choose Your Cloud Provider: AWS or Azure

Both Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure offer robust cloud platforms suitable for hosting Canfigure CMDB. Your choice may depend on your organizational standards, specific compliance requirements, or existing subscriptions. This guide will provide parallel instructions for both platforms.

1.2 Define VM Specifications

For reliable Canfigure CMDB deployment, start with the following virtual machine specifications:

• CPU: 2 vCPU (virtual CPUs)

• Memory: 4 GB RAM

• Storage: 256 GB to 512 GB SSD (Solid State Drive) storage

• Operating System: Ubuntu Linux (latest LTS release recommended)

These resources provide a solid baseline for testing, proof-of-concept, or small production environments. For larger deployments, consider scaling these resources based on expected usage.

1.3 Launching a VM on AWS EC2

Login to AWS Console: Navigate to the EC2 Dashboard within the AWS Management Console.

Launch Instance: Click “Launch Instance” and provide a name (e.g., “Canfigure-CMDB”).

1. Choose AMI: Select the latest Ubuntu Server LTS image from the available Amazon Machine Images (AMI).

2. Choose Instance Type: Select a type that matches 2 vCPUs and 4 GB RAM, such as t3.medium or t2.medium.

3. Configure Storage: Set root volume to SSD, and adjust the size to 256 GB or 512 GB depending on requirements.

4. Configure Security Group: Allow inbound SSH (port 22) from trusted IPs, and prepare to add HTTP/HTTPS access later.

   1. Key Pair: Create or select an SSH key pair for secure remote access.

   2. Launch: Click “Launch Instance” and monitor its status until it’s running.

1.4 Launching a VM on Microsoft Azure

1. Login to Azure Portal: Access the Azure Portal and navigate to “Virtual Machines.”

2. Create Virtual Machine: Click “Create” > “Virtual Machine.”

3. Basics: Enter a VM name (e.g., “Canfigure-CMDB”), select the subscription, resource group, and region.

4. Image: Select Ubuntu Server LTS as the base image.

5. Size: Choose a size such as Standard B2ms (2 vCPUs, 8 GB RAM) or Standard B1ms (2 vCPUs, 4 GB RAM). Adjust as close as possible to 2 vCPUs and 4 GB RAM.

6. Administrator Account: Choose SSH public key authentication for enhanced security.

7. Disks: Select Premium SSD, set the OS disk to at least 256 GB, or increase to 512 GB as needed.

8. Networking: Default settings are typically sufficient, but ensure SSH (port 22) is open from trusted IPs.

9. Review + Create: Review configuration, confirm validation, and click “Create.”

Step 2: Install Ubuntu Linux

Once your VM is running, you’ll need to access it using SSH and set up Ubuntu Linux. Most cloud providers allow you to provision Ubuntu directly, but you might occasionally install it manually.

2.1 Connecting to Your VM via SSH

• Locate Public IP: Find your VM’s public IP address in the AWS EC2 or Azure VM dashboard.

• Open Terminal: On your local machine, open a terminal (Linux/macOS) or PowerShell (Windows with SSH).

• Connect: Use the SSH key downloaded/generated during setup.

Example command:

AWS: ssh -i /path/to/key.pem ubuntu@[Your-VM-IP]
Azure: ssh -i /path/to/key.pem azureuser@[Your-VM-IP]

2.2 Update Ubuntu Packages

Upon connection, it’s good practice to update the system before installing further software.

• Update the package list:

sudo apt update

• Upgrade installed packages:

sudo apt upgrade -y

Step 3: Acquire and Prepare Canfigure for Installation

1. Obtain the Setup Files and License Key:

2. Download the Canfigure Linux setup tar file and license key from your provider or portal. Save them to your local machine.

   
   

3. Copy Setup Tar File to /opt Directory:

4. Transfer the setup tar file to your VM (use scp, rsync, or other secure copy mechanism from your local machine):

5. Alternatively, if already on the VM, move the downloaded tar file to /opt:

6. Extract the Setup File:

cd /opt 
sudo tar -xzvf canfigure-setup.tar.gz

7. Create Canfigure Group and User:

8. Create the group:

sudo groupadd Canfigure

9. Create the user canfigure and set its password to canfigure:

sudo useradd -m -g Canfigure canfigure

echo "canfigure:canfigure" | sudo chpasswd

Assign Proper Permissions (if required).

10. Run the Installation Script:

cd /opt/canfigure/scripts

./installer

Note: Do not modify the default usernames or passwords, as these are required by the installation scripts.

After this the Canfigure will install you will be prompted for mySQL password:

Note: there are instances where Apache may fail to start and the setup will abort. If that happens install the package unixodbc. This should sort out the problem.

Step 4: Login and setup database

Now you should be able to login to the admin interface. It should be

http://[your ip address]/admin

canfigure admin login

Use the default credentials and login, you will be asked to enter your license key, after that the mySQL password that you were prompted to create in step 3 and you will be prompted into the admin panel, create your database and setup a new password for your admin user and if possible Multi Factor Authentication (MFA). After that you can login to the CMDB via:

http://[your ip address]/

and you can do the needed changes. Make sure you setup an SSL certificate and https access for secure access. There, you’re good to go!