Clear Linux: A cloud distro for Intel processors

The Clear Linux Project for Intel Architecture, or Clear Linux for short [1], is one of the latest challengers to swell the ranks of distributions for cloud computing. Some better known representatives include Ubuntu Snappy, CoreOS [2], and Red Hat Atomic Host [3]. Among the also-rans, you'll find systems such as RancherOS [4], the unikernel project MirageOS [5], and VMware Photon [6]. All these distributions are small in terms of scope and are intended to let containers run close to the kernel with as little operating system ballast as possible. The Docker-optimized RancherOS runs on a footprint of just 20MB.

When a semiconductor manufacturer such as Intel launches its own operating system, the result is naturally more than just a me-too distribution. Clear Linux is a flagship project optimized for Intel's processors (Figure 1). According to the manufacturer, Clear Linux ideally requires a fourth-generation Intel Core processor or an Intel Xeon E5 v3. In other words, all Intel CPUs since "Haswell" are ideal for Clear Linux. The distribution comes with ingredients such as OpenStack [7], but it does without a GUI and the ability to print.

Stateless

Out the box, Intel's operating system for the cloud works as a stateless system. This principle simplifies the handling of the installation, configuration, and updates for large numbers of machines. Stateless systems do not require a fixed configuration and can do without the /etc and /var directories.

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