OPSI

OPSI, or Open PC Server Integration, is an open-source client-management system designed to automate administration of Windows and Linux computers in organizations such as schools and small to medium-sized enterprises. It centralizes tasks including operating system deployment, software distribution, inventory collection, and configuration management, enabling centralized control over multiple endpoints.

The software uses a server–agent architecture. A central OPSI server hosts configuration data, software packages, and deployment images, while lightweight agents run on managed clients and regularly communicate with the server to receive tasks and report inventory. The server provides a web-based interface and an API for administration. Deployment workflows often involve PXE boot or bootable media to install or refresh operating systems from images stored on the server. OPSI supports provisioning for Windows and Linux clients and can integrate with existing directory services and inventory systems.

OPSI is used in academic, public, and small-to-medium enterprise environments to standardize PC provisioning, software deployment, and ongoing maintenance. It is community-driven and distributed as free and open-source software, with source code and contributions available in public repositories.

History and licensing: The project originated in Germany as a collaborative effort to offer an open alternative to proprietary client-management solutions and has evolved through community involvement since the mid- to late 2000s. OPSI is released under open-source licenses, with ongoing development maintained by the community and contributors.