Moobi: A Thin Server Management System Using BitTorrent

We describe a tool that provides a method for running dataless caching clients - a hybrid combination of imaging systems with traditional diskless nodes. Unlike imaging systems, it is a single boot to get to a running system; unlike diskless systems, it is more robust and scalable as it does not continuously depend on central servers.

The tool, Moobi, uses the peer-to-peer protocol bittorrent to provide efficient distribution of the image cache, and combines standard diskless tools to provide the basis for the running system. Moobi makes it possible to run large installations of "thin server" farms.