How to mass-produce a pre-made computer image with hardware?

I've created a product running on Linux that I'd like to be able to mindlessly "image", then drop onto similar computer systems. I was hoping you guys could help me with the following:

Is there a service online that accepts a disk image and allows you to order computers with that image pre-loaded? Do they do drop shipping?
Is there a better approach for cloning most of a system that I can automate to ensure I have minimal involvement in the process? Right now I am picturing imaging, but if our hardware set changes due to factors outside our control, alternatives would be nice.

Thanks for any help.

omgz0r

Posted 2013-07-05T23:47:34.503

Reputation:

How many images are we talking about and over what period? – Jan Doggen – 2013-08-28T15:08:29.540

If you just want an easy way to create repeatable installs, I'd check out chef and/or puppet. – skarface – 2013-08-28T15:30:44.023

Dell offers this service, or at least they used to – Keltari – 2014-03-20T15:57:05.927

Answers

I don't know of an online service that would allow buying PCs pre-built with your image.

As far as an imaging solution, and to avoid physically having to use a flash drive or other removable medium, I'd look into setting yourself up a Fog server (www.fogproject.org). Using an imaging server like that would allow you to mass image large quantities of PCs/servers at a time.

Dan T.

Posted 2013-07-05T23:47:34.503

Reputation: 11

In similar suitation I just create bootable flash that contain image of Linux + plus my software. It boots, then automaticaly install Linux and my soft. Special engineer insert this flash into new machine, wait beep signal after that test basic functionaliy.

fghj

Posted 2013-07-05T23:47:34.503

Reputation: 101