Instalosh

Instalosh is a protocol and software platform designed for secure installation, update, and lifecycle management of software on distributed devices, particularly edge devices and embedded systems. It combines a package format, a signed manifest system, and an update delivery mechanism to enable atomic, auditable deployments with rollback capabilities.

Instalosh originated in the early 2020s as a collaborative effort among researchers and practitioners in IoT and edge computing. A reference specification was published in 2022 by the Instalosh Consortium, followed by vendor-specific implementations and open-source projects.

Key components include an installer agent running on devices, a centralized registry of signed packages, and an update server that serves delta and full updates. Instalosh uses cryptographic signing, content-addressable storage, and atomic installations to ensure integrity and consistency. It supports multi-arch and various package types, and provides rollback to a known good state in case of failure.

Applications include industrial automation, smart buildings, and automotive software. It emphasizes traceability, with audit logs and device attestation. It aims to minimize downtime through staged deployments and can operate in constrained networks via delta updates and offline packaging.

Reception and challenges: widely viewed as promising for scalable OTA updates, but adoption varies; concerns include PKI management, supply chain risk, and the need for coordination among stakeholders. Some critics point to potential complexity and vendor lock-in. Standards bodies and industry groups continue to refine best practices.