nwu, network wide updates, initial prototype

[Yves Junqueira]

Michael Vogt has written a spec[0] for Dapper describing a system of
network wide updates for Ubuntu (and obviously Debian). The spec is
really interesting but it was not considered high priority for Dapper,
so no Canonical staff worked on it, except Vogt that wrote an early.
prototype.

Since january I've been working on a new implementation of the spec.
NWU[1] now works with a minimal set of features implemented. It is
written in Python and uses XML-RPC + SSL and privilege separation to
improve security. 

The first milestone is almost ready and we are now calling for beta
testers. Ubuntu server readers are potential users and could be
interested, I hope. Deb packages are available.

If you are on Freenode, you can reach me (nictuku) and Mário Meyer
(MarioMeyer or Meyer, a project contributor) on #ubuntu-server.

Features:

  * Manage Debian-like systems in the network using a CLI tool (PyGTK
interface under development)
      * Install packages in the remote computers
      * List pending updates
      * Roll security upgrades to computers
      * Update the remote nodes packages cache

It has been tested in a few production systems and works fine in most
cases.

Known issues:

  * It's a prototype so don't expect avionic stability :-).
  * nwu agent will trust any server certificate
  * It has not been reviewed by security experts, but written with care
  * See the project trac for current bug[2]

See [0] for more information.

[0] https://wiki.ubuntu.com/NetworkWideUpdates

[1] https://dev.ubuntubrasil.org/trac/nwu/wiki

[2] https://dev.ubuntubrasil.org/trac/nwu/report/1