About Lokahi

What is Lokahi?

Lokahi is a web-based framework for the management of application servers. It is comprised of a core set of functionality and a set of modules which can be added or removed as needed. Each module enables management of an application server or the connection between two application servers. Certain modules, including modules for Apache, Tomcat, and mod_jk, are provided as part of the initial release, and documentation and an API will be provided for developers to create their own. This modularity allows Lokahi to be extensible to accommodate growing and changing infrastructures.

In many ways, Lokahi can be thought of, in ITIL terms, to be a Configuration Management Database.

Lokahi is an effort undergoing incubation at the Apache Software Foundation (ASF), sponsored by the Incubator PMC. Incubation is required of all newly accepted projects until a further review indicates that the infrastructure, communications, and decision making process have stabilized in a manner consistent with other successful ASF projects. While incubation status is not necessarily a reflection of the completeness or stability of the code, it does indicate that the project has yet to be fully endorsed by the ASF.

Why Lokahi?

As enterprise moves more and more business functions to the web, the infrastructure supporting the resultant applications grows larger and more complex. Today's open source web applications, such as Apache and Tomcat, are capable and reliable platforms providing robust performance and scalability; however, the management layer of this infrastructure is lacking.

Most application server management is performed manually, requiring large commitments of time and staff size. Manual server management also requires an in-depth knowledge of the infrastructure and creates a significant opportunity for human error. In addition, there is very little process in place to manage applications. Application owners often do not have the ability to manage their applications and configurations.

These shortcomings in the management of web and application middle tier services demonstratrate that a true enterprise means of management does not exist.

Lokahi provides a centralized and more automated way of managing application servers. This lessens the strain on support staff and decreases the window for human error in infrastructure management. Lastly, it decreases the amount of time needed to perform routine operational tasks.

Lokahi also allows application owners and developers to manage their own applications. This further reduces workload on support staff, as well as shifts responsibility for applications fully to application owners, including many operational tasks and management of permissions. Making application owners responsible for permissions to edit and manage their applications can aid in regulatory compliance.