The Cluster in a Case from Bilberry Software provides a ready to use compute environment set up with best practice in a range of compute densities and architectures. This enables you to just plug in power and use the system from minute one of day 1!
Built with best in class software and hardware including Canonical Ubuntu Server, Ubuntu Microk8s, Microceph, and using Cisco switches, the Cluster in a Case is ready for whatever workload you can throw at it.
Choose your Instance Type
We provide easy to understand Instance Types just as you get from public cloud vendors.
M- Series – Medium edge compute nodes with 4 x86-64 cores (8 threads) per node. Each 1U tray provides 3 of these nodes – giving us the m3 and m6 cluster options. The controller is provided as a single node on another 1U tray.
S- Series – Small edge compute nodes with 4 Arm64 cores (4 threads) per node. Each tray provides 20 nodes, but we reserve two in the first tray to act as cluster management nodes. This provides us with the s18a and s38a options. A smaller quarter width 1U rack option is available for development that provides an s3a option, with the fourth node in this rack acting as the controller, similar to the m3 node, but with lower power and lower weight compute in a smaller form factor
Hybrid – We also provide a hybrid option, with 1U tray from the m3 and another 1U tray from the s18a options, giving us an m21h option. By default this Kubernetes Cluster is configured to place arm and x86-64 containers on the correct nodes.
Ready for use
Each Cluster in a Case is pre-configured and set up for you, meaning you only have to provide power. No Internet connection is required to use the system, allowing air-gapped use on arrival. All system software and common packages are included in the Bilberry Inventory management nodes within the cluster.
Edge management with Bilberry Inventory
The Inventory from Bilberry Software provides full system management. This includes controlling power on/off for all compute nodes and switch security configuration.
The Inventory can remote wipe and re-install an Operating System and ‘Capabilities’. Example capabilities are acting as a Microceph node or a Microk8s Kubernetes cluster member node.
The Inventory auto detects BMC software on the management network interfaces of the compute nodes and performs remote OS installation when instructed. This is a great way to prevent Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) and other cyber attacks from persisting on your systems.
A 5-year license for Bilberry Inventory is included with every Cluster in a Case as standard – there are no hidden software or support prices!
Portable, rugged, edge compute
The compute nodes used in the m3 and m6 options are ruggedised computers that can handle a wide temperature range and austere conditions. A polycarbonate travel case encompasses the 19″ short 4U rack. The travel case includes lockable front and rear doors, and a collapsible handle for easy transport through airports.
A shared power rail in the rear of the rack allows a single power socket to be used to power the entire case of hardware.
Secure by Design
Each cluster is set up with the latest software and firmware security updates and is configured with strong Elliptic Curve security with NCSC and NIST best practices and recommendations built in. This provides peace of mind to you and your organisation.
The included Cisco switch is pre-configured with the necessary security rules. Network connection uplinks are configured for DHCP by default. Additional network ports are configured for management laptops/desktops, and ‘external’ ingress application access networks, securing traffic from day 1.