HighPoint’s Linux Auto-Compile Solution 2.0 (LACS)

HighPoint’s LACS 2.0 Solution Makes Linux Driver Updates a Seamless Experience!

HighPoint’s original Linux Auto-Compile service (LACS1.0) was designed to streamline the device driver installation process for Linux distributions. The administrator needed only install the open-source package a single time (after the product has been physically installed). Although administrators would still need to request a new open-source package if the target application or platform required a new a kernel or version of a Linux distribution, manual driver compilation was no longer required for general updates.

LACS2.0 represents a huge leap forward in terms of serviceability. As with LACS1.0, the LACS2.0 package need only be installed once. However, unlike LACS, LACS2.0 does not require that an administrator ever compile a new driver manually, nor contact a support representative for a new open-source download. In fact, it requires very little in the way of administration whatsoever. Essentially, all subsequent updates will be handled automatically, and require zero user intervention.

For the vast majority of customers, LACS2.0 experience is identical to that of an embedded solution; entirely transparent to its users. The system and Linux distribution can be updated as needed, without fear of excessive downtime, or losing access to critical storage assets. This is all made possible by the LACS2.0’s refined infrastructure.

Benefits of LACS2.0

• Driver Updates are Automated & seamless after 1st installation

• The LACS2.0 Server maintains a 24/7 Continuous and Rigorous checking system, which is combined with compatibility validation for new Linux distributions. LACS2.0 monitors the status of supported Linux distributions and the state of the Linux Kernel to ensure compatibility.

• Secure Rollback feature ensures Data and Boot Volume remains accessible: if a driver is found to be incompatible with a kernel/distribution update, the system will be rebooted to the last known working kernel to ensure everything remains up and running.

• Supports a wide variety of Linux Distributions: Centos, Debian, Fedora, RHEL, ROCKY Linux, and Ubuntu distributions

• Backport Driver Development: HighPoint can Backport driver support in just days, vs. months waiting for a Linux distribution to incorporate an embedded driver

How LACS 2.0 Works

LACS2.0 will automatically compile a new driver against the active kernel every time the host platform is rebooted.

If the system attempts to reboot into a kernel that is not supported by the current driver (following an automated update, for example), LACS2.0 will initiate the secure Rollback feature, and boot the system using the last known stable kernel in order to ensure the system remains online and accessible. The solution will then automatically connect to an LACS2.0 server and download the required update, recompile a compatible driver, then boot into the new kernel.

In the event thatLACS2.0 is unable to compile a new driver, it will also initiate the secure rollback feature to keep the system up and running, and then notify the LACS2.0 Engineering Team that an Open-Source driver update is required. Once this update has been compiled and verified, it will be uploaded to the LACS2.0 servers.

Custom Development for Project Customers

Back Port Service: The LACS2.0 Engineering team can develop open-source packages or bootable binary drivers for a specific distribution or kernel version, for Project Customers. This service can result in a fully tested, read

Incorporate Driver into ISO Image: The LACS2.0 Engineering team can incorporate device drivers directly into a custom-built ISO image, ready for installation to a bootable drive or RAID configuration hosted by HighPoint NVMe/SAS/SATA RAID controller or enclosure solution.

Learn More about LACS2.0 Engineering Services

Resources:

Click on the following links to access the LACS2.0 info page for the following Linux Distributions:

• Centos

• Debian

• Fedora

• RHEL

• ROCKY

• Ubuntu