Packer is an infrastructure automation tool that enables organizations to create and manage machine images for multiple cloud providers and private datacenters from a single source configuration. It provides a standardized workflow for building, customizing, and updating images throughout their lifecycle, enhancing security, reducing deployment time, and ensuring consistency across different environments.

Key Features

Multi-Cloud Image Creation Build images for various cloud providers and private data centers

• Support for major cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud
• On-premises image creation capabilities

Infrastructure as Code Define image configurations using HashiCorp Configuration Language (HCL)

• Version-controlled image definitions
• Reusable templates and components

Security and Compliance Embed security and compliance requirements directly into images

• Codify organizational security policies
• Set up end-of-life workflows for image revocation

Integration with Terraform Seamless integration with HashiCorp's Terraform for complete infrastructure management

• Reference Packer-built images in Terraform configurations
• Streamline provisioning workflows

Benefits

Standardization Ensure consistency across different environments

• Single workflow for cloud and on-premises images
• Reduce configuration drift and environment discrepancies

Efficiency Accelerate deployment processes and reduce manual work

• Automate image creation and updates
• Reuse configurations across multiple platforms

Enhanced Security Improve overall security posture through standardized images

• Quickly deploy security patches across all environments
• Maintain compliance with automated image lifecycle management