RFC - Linux Deployments

Octopus Deploy is planning to add first-class support for Linux deployments by introducing agentless machines that utilize SSH for communication, akin to its existing Windows deployment model. This approach involves setting up SSH-enabled machines in the same manner as Tentacle-running machines, with agentless machines appearing on the Environments page and undergoing typical Octopus tasks like health checks. Authentication methods will include password and key-based options, with private keys stored securely. Deployments will involve uploading compressed packages and using bash scripts for orchestration, while the tentacle command will facilitate variable access and command execution. The system will also support XML configuration transformations and enforce retention policies post-deployment. Octopus aims to remain distro-agnostic, testing mainly on Amazon Linux AMI and Ubuntu Server, and seeks feedback from users to refine its SSH deployment strategy.