CMS Cloud Manager

🌟 CF Hackathon 2025 Project Results 🌟

The CMS Cloud Manager team set out to create an open-source alternative to proprietary systems enabling users to deploy content management systems to cloud servers with minimal technical knowledge. Their solution allows users to select their preferred cloud provider and CMS, answer basic questions about their needs, and automatically provision and configure a suitable server following security best practices.

The eight-member team leveraged their collective expertise in development, systems, and infrastructure to build a comprehensive solution comprising three main components: a web-based control panel for gathering user input and generating YAML configuration files; a CLI tool that connects to cloud provider APIs and provisions machines; and an implementation system using Ansible playbooks to configure services and applications.

For flexibility and scalability, the team chose to containerize CMS deployments using Docker, facilitating volume management, cross-infrastructure migration, and simplified backup procedures. The project was developed with Python as the common backend system, with a focus on security by keeping sensitive data like API keys stored locally.

Within just six hours of beginning the project, the team had several components functioning independently, demonstrating remarkable efficiency. By the final day, they had successfully integrated all components into a cohesive system ready for presentation, creating an open-source solution that democratizes access to professional-grade CMS hosting.

Pitch Video Interview

Project Description

Our project aims to simplify how users manage their CMS deployment and the platform they host them on. The idea is to make it possible for non-technical users to safely run their own server(s) without requiring advanced knowledge of common management tools like Terraform / OpenTofu and Ansible.

The manager should automatically configure the server with sane defaults that provide the user with peace of mind. Additionally, we could automatically provide features such as automated backups, instance creation, and configuration of S3-compatible object storage, all while maintaining a provider-agnostic approach. The key focus is enabling the user to easily manage the server and the environment, thereby reducing the need for experience with additional management tools.

We aim to build a CMS and hosting agnostic solution, with an initial proof of concept (PoC) using WordPress on Hetzner.

• Implement a secure solution for handling API keys used to control server infrastructure. This will be necessary to prevent malicious actors from gaining full control over the server and the CMS
• Demonstrate the feasibility of integrating hyperscaler APIs (e.g., S3 storage, backups, scaling, and staging environments) into the daily management tasks of operating a CMS
  • Reuse backup functionality and store provided by the hosting provider
  • Ability to automatically configure object storage
  • Ability to mutate the underlying infrastructure

Target Audience

If you’re passionate about streamlining CMS management, simplifying cloud hosting, and enhancing security, this project is for you! Join us to make a tangible impact on how users interact with their CMS and hosting platforms. Your expertise will be invaluable as we shape the future of CMS hosting.

This solution is aimed at developers, system administrators, and companies who are seeking a lightweight, flexible tool for managing hosting environments. It’s particularly beneficial for those familiar with CMS systems who want a simpler and streamlined approach to management tasks that would otherwise require more complex and heavyweight tools.

Hackathon Goals

At the end of the hackathon, we have two primary goals. Firstly, we aim to have a functional prototype that empowers users with an easy yet secure way to manage their servers, the environment, and the CMS. Secondly, we’re dedicated to finding a robust and innovative solution for securely storing and utilizing API keys within the context of our prototype, ensuring that user data and server infrastructure remain protected.