3.1. Introduction

3.1.1. What is SIMP?

The System Integrity Management Platform (SIMP) is an Open Source framework designed around the concept that individuals and organizations should not need to repeat the work of automating the basic components of their operating system infrastructure.

Expanding upon this philosophy, SIMP also aims to take care of routine policy compliance to include NIST 800-53, FIPS 140-2, the DISA STIG, and the SCAP Security Guide.

By using the Puppet automation stack, SIMP is working toward the concept of a self-healing infrastructure that, when used with a consistent configuration management process, will allow users to have confidence that their systems not only start in compliance but remain in compliance over time.

Finally, SIMP has a goal of remaining flexible enough to properly maintain your operational infrastructure. To this end, where possible, the SIMP components are written to allow all security-related capabilities to be easily adjusted to meet the needs of individual applications.

3.1.2. Getting Started

Warning

Please take a look at the Frequently Asked Questions documentation prior to installing SIMP. The most relevant questions for new users will always be at the top of the list.

This document provides a quick overview of how to get started with building and setting up your SIMP environment.

Once you’re done setting up your environment, you should proceed to the SIMP User Guide for utilizing SIMP to its full potential.

If issues still remain, please drop us a line on the SIMP Development Mailing List.

Note

The fastest method for getting started with SIMP is to follow the Installing SIMP From A Repository guide.

This is the method that you want to use if you are installing on any sort of existing system.

Note

If you need to build an ISO, you should follow the Building SIMP From Tarball guide.