The presentation is hosted by Alexandre Delaunay, in charge of the GLPI development team and the product owner for GLPI.
In this video he talks about roadmap and some features development team wants in GLPI for the next major version. Here is the transcription:
“To keep the presentation short, we will discuss only about:
- Major topics
- Or very graphical ones
And I would like to insist on the fact that there is no promises of time regarding the delivery.
We will try our best to add the features, but in function of how the year will go, some will be OK, others not.
Now, we have in our marketplace 2 plugins to address generic adds:
- Genericobject
- Fields
We want to add the possibility to let you customize each type of objects displayed in the Assets menu (at first).
The first part of that is to let you define your types.
We will provide a list of predefined types matching the current assets list and let you add new ones if you want. Like servers in addition to desktop or laptop computers. Or to do something completely different from IT management, e.g: cars, desks, etc.
Some of the current types will still be not removable like Software, Rack, Cable, Cartridge and Consumable. The reason is their behavior, or their presentation differs from other assets.
You will still be able to disable these if you want but deletion will be impossible.
So, GENERICITY covers the creation of new asset types.
In addition, on the same setup page, you will be able to define which capacity an asset type use.
E.g. contracts, management, etc., COMPOSITION of an asset type, with some checkboxes to select capacities.
This permits you to remove or add tabs to the object.
Or if an object can be inventoried by an agent.
Let us talk a little about features related to the GLPI inventory agent.
Remote inventory reminder.
Before talking about roadmap, let us do a quick reminder about remote inventory feature
This is a task you can set up for an agent to let it query other computers on your network to construct an inventory file for each.
The single agent will aggregate all inventory files and send them in one pass to the inventory API of GLPI.
So, the main purpose is to have only one deployed agent.
We use SSH and WinRM protocols to achieve that.
GLPI Agent - Roadmap (1/2).
The first point we want to improve is to ease the inventory process of your network.
We currently have two tasks:
- discover which "ping" addresses in an IP range
- network inventory, which takes the result of the discovery to do a full SNMP inventory for network equipment and printers.
We will change the process, by:
- adding remote inventory of COMPUTERS
- and let discovery task directly doing a FULL inventory if it knows the type of the remote device. A SNMP query for network equipment, SSH or WinRm queries for computers.
With one unified task and one setup, we aim to let you discover all your network devices.
The two last bullet points describe things required by unified discovery. The new toolbox UI will receive forms:
- to plan tasks for the agent.
- to save credentials, like SNMP community, login password couple for Windows domain or public key for a SSH connection. In summary, any information to let the agent connect to a remote device.
GLPI Agent - Roadmap (2/2)
We thought about rewriting a large part of the agents, and we shortlisted Golang for that.
The fact the agent is written with the language PERL.
Recently, finding developers comfortable with this language has been hard.
We will try a prototype within the year to measure our capacity to switch to this new language.
We plan also to enforce exchange between agents and backend by adding authentication and registration flows. This will be recommended but you will be able to do simple exchanges if you prefer.
And we still need to redo all forms to drive remotely the agent in GLPI UI.
This is still planned.
Let us talk a bit about features related to the GLPI web application.
High-level API (1/2)
Firstly, we will add a new API, again.
We observe that, despite the old one permits more usage, due to its low-level connection with the framework, it is hard to maintain its stability and avoid regression.
We maintain an interface to address depreciation for this previous API, but it is getting harder and harder to do.
So, a new API connected to a higher level with stabilized endpoints and parameters.
And we took advantage to add some comfort features:
- we have a dedicated UI based on Swagger UI to ease discovering and testing endpoints and their parameters
- we also use RSQL, a common Query language for filtering API.
High-level API (2/2)
For the second slide, you can see in action a GET request to list users in GLPI database.
We want to extend the datacenter features in the next version. Mainly about adding graphical views.
DCIM - Network equipment's panels
The first and the simpler one is graphical panel for network ports list in equipment forms.
We will take the front and rear pictures defined in the model of the equipment and display them above the ports list.
The user will get information about each port directly on the picture panel by hovering them.
A single click on a port will scroll the page to the good line to get more information.
In the model setup, you will have a new tab to draw each port's position.
DCIM - Graphical enclosures (1/2)
In the same way, slots of an enclosure can be drawn and indexed to indicate to GLPI where sub items can be placed.
DCIM - Graphical enclosures (2/2)
On a rack view where an enclosure is inserted, instead of a single blank rectangle, slots will be displayed and usual controls available, like hovering or clicking to get more information.
DCIM - Graphical connections
Finally, for DCIM part, we will try to add some representation for network or power connections.
The goal is to get links between equipment.
This is early to talk about this, we have short specifications for this, and it requires more research to find a library, for example.
Keep in mind the current screenshot does not represent any existing development.
Workflows - Processes
We have a functional prototype for this.
A new view to let GLPI administrator's set up their business processes.
With steps, transitions, conditions and actions, a full toolkit to describe a full workflow.
This aims to replace legacy rules.
And for a start, it will be available for assistance objects like tickets or change.
Nutanix inventory import
Another development currently in alpha is the connector to Nutanix API to get:
- Clusters
- Hosts
- Virtual machines
- Disks
The module parses the distant API and sends them to the native inventory API of GLPI.
The merger with existing devices is done with the rule engine as usual.
SCIM
Another connector, GLPI will serve a SCIM endpoint for your Microsoft Azure instance.
This protocol pushes changes of users from the directory to connected application.
So instead of synchronizing the whole user's database and matching everyone, any change in the directory will be immediately pushed to GLPI.
Now, a security feature, two factors authentication!
Administrators can enforce users' logins in the security setup to ask them to register an external application like Google Authenticator or Authy.
Security - 2 factors (2/2)
After a successful login, a new field will appear asking users to paste a pin code from the authentication application.
Security - Oauth Server
We will add an Oauth server to GLPI for 2 purposes:
- connect applications to GLPI to delegate the login feature and identity management
- secure our several API like inventory one or the general purpose one.
Security - misc
- Vulnerabilities management
- Scanners integration (vuls, tsunamin)
- CVE matching
Some various points:
In the management menu, a new entry to list vulnerabilities.
The goal is, with the help of external scanners, like vuls or tsnunamin, as well as some API to get CVE and match them to known software's to see if a host has some security vulnerabilities.
Some dashboard cards and alerts will also be added to enhance reporting about this subject.
Technical changes
- Web root for the application will be `/public`
- continue work on twig (removing legacy echo)
- removal of legacy auto escaping
- modularization of critical features
- e-charts lib for dashboards
Last slide to tell you we continue to improve the core of GLPI.
The most impactful for you will be the move of the web root of the application.
Now, it will be a sub-folder named /public.
Thereby, all other sub-folders (like files for example) will not be available on the web when the webserver is not well set up.
The next point is legacy codebase we need to clean.
And to finish, we moved to a new charting library called e-charts.
It is simpler to use on our side and you appreciate the new colors and its interactivity.
Timeline?
- Currently, finish stabilize 10.0 version
- End of 2023, beta of next major version
We are still working on bugfixing the 10 version. This last brought substantial changes, especially on the assistance part.
But we aim to work on the incoming yearly results fully on the latest version.
In a few weeks we will launch the first beta version of GLPI 10.
We are working on the last technical elements and preparing the release of compatible plugins on the Marketplace.
One of the biggest news of this version is a major overhaul of the interface and the user experience. The latest redesign since version 0.90 was done in October 2015.
Based on tabler, Bootstrap 5 et Twig, it brings many visual changes.
The integration of these standard libraries will make it easier to develop new interfaces and above all brings a "responsive" display mode that is easier to maintain.
Here are some screenshots to give you an overview of the upcoming changes.
Beyond the change in design, we are making a number of user experience improvements, here is the list of key points:
As you have noticed on the previous screenshots, GLPI now offers by default a layout with a vertical menu. It is still possible to switch to a layout similar to previous versions (named Horizontal) in user settings.
In the new layout it is possible to collapse the menu to have a compact display.
Available since version 9.2 the "Go to" feature which allows a quick search of a menu is now highlighted and can be discovered on top of the menu.
The park equipment now has a panel on their right side where you can click on the images attached.
The "saved search" panel now integrated into GLPI design.
You can set it floating, or pinned to pages (to be kept permanently (even after browsing)).
Pinning is done page by page, e.g. a panel pinned to "tickets" will not be pinned to computers.
Note that now you can find it in the first tab, the saved searches corresponding to the type of object: list of tickets will be displayed according to priority of saved searches.
Second tab lists all other searches concerning other types of objects.
As the panel is now contextual to the type of object presented, you can access it via an icon named "Lists" placed next to the breadcrumb trail.
It is now possible to deactivate the display of the search engine.
You can navigate in GLPI only using saved searches!
The search engine display is now launched in "AJAX" mode. A loading icon is displayed when a search is launched, page changes or sorting is in process. Once new results are available, only the content is replaced and not the entire page.
With a "ctrl" you can add several sorting modes to the columns of your search results.
Example: sort by "Name" and by "Modification date".
The main element form now displays a panel on the right displaying the images associated with the corresponding model.
These images could be previously accessed only in the display part of data center racks, now they are available everywhere.
Display and use of ITIL objects (Tickets, Problems and Changes) are thoroughly reviewed.
Many changes were made:
With the arrival of new libraries tabler et Bootstrap 5, it is now much easier to create and modify GLPI palletes.
Here is an example of one corresponding to the capture below:
2 new dark palettes:
Very soon the new major version of GLPI will be released with many new features, including a major overhaul of the interface.
Here is the quick look at automatic inventory features.
Fork of the Perl FusionInventory agent, this new agent is enhanced with several new features:
The GLPI agent can advantageously replace the FusionInventory agent because it remains fully compatible with the automatic inventory of the FusionInventory.
This new agent is already available, you can download and test it:
https://github.com/glpi-project/glpi-agent/releases
Nightly built packages are also available to get the latest developments: https://nightly.glpi-project.org/glpi-agent/
We provide the community with a documentation detailing the installation, use and configuration of this new agent. Note that there may still be a few aspects to be completed (the missing points will be filled in the coming weeks).
We also provide a perl script (see dedicated documentation) allowing you to install agent on Linux with a suitable package (rpm, deb, snap.)
Some screenshots to illustrate the ToolBox interface of new agent:
Some time ago the android agent has returned to the google play store. It supports versions 4 to 10.
For GLPI Network subscription customers, we have also added the possibility of configuring the server URL via mechanism called "Deeplink". Using QRCode agent automatically retrieves the configuration to connect to the server.
We are happy to announce we add support for automatic inventory directly to GLPI core.
New API REST (front/inventory.php) will be available to receive inventory files in historical format (OCS, fusioninventory) or via new format json.
We therefore keep compatibility with the previous agents (just it will be necessary to reconfigure the server URLs of the historical agents, or to set up a web proxy to perform a redirection to the new URL).
You can now manage with this new format most of GLPI's inventory objects, like telephones, applications, racks, etc.
This is enabled by a new rewrite of the underlying code. The interface is inspired by the community projects mentioned above, the code is new.
This code now allows you to receive partial inventories.
This consists of sending only part of the particular information related to the object, and indicating to the server - via a flag - to update only the data concerned.
Transfer, processing, insertion and update of data is done in a significantly faster way.
As seen above, GLPI now integrates the basic building block concerning automatic inventory.
However we have not yet taken over the advanced tasks allowed by previous projects.
Here are a few points about these tasks:
For these last two features several scenarios are possible:
In our roadmap it is planned to work on rewriting of these parts, but as long as version 10 being almost done (and this substantial work), we are postponing their availability for a few months.
What is GLPI cloud?
GLPI Network Cloud is a world-loved open source IT service management software offered as a SaaS. With GLPI on Cloud you can:
Our hosting service allows you to use the application anywhere: at any time and from any device.
In addition to that, it is hosted by Europe's leading web hosting providers (OVH), so your data is safe and backed up every day.
New version updates are also included, upon request in your customer area.
Technical support can be requested through a dedicated tool in your customer area.
What can you do on GLPI Network Cloud?
For who is our offer?
GLPI Network Cloud is a perfect solution for the company of any size. Unlike many ITSM software programs on the market, we do not sell the modules separately, so you can enjoy all-in-one platform for single price.
GLPI is a popular choice among retail, public, educational, manufacturing and services companies in all over the world.
On top of everything we offer the complete freedom in terms of payment: you can manage the number of users any time (decrease or increase) with no permanency obligation.
What services are included?
In the version on cLoud, backups, updates, free data migration, support L.3 unlimited are all included, unlike GLPI on-premise.
Here you can check the differences between Public Cloud, Private Basic and Private Advanced.
What plugins are included?
One of the advantages of GLPI Network Cloud is that you can try & use all exclusive plugins. Check the full list on the website: https://www.glpi-network.cloud/
Ready to try? Learn how to create an account
To create an account and enjoy GLPI Network Cloud:
This plugin offer tools to help you comply with GDPR regulation. Click here to read documentation.
The main feature of this plugin is the automated cleaning or removal of inactive users.
There is two possible way of handling inactive users: – Cleaning the user data – Deleting the user
The automated removal process can be limited to the given scopes: – All inactives users – Inactive users with no ongoing tickets – Inactive users with no tickets
The removal will be done through a standard GLPI automatic action that can be configured to run as often as you want.
How to get? If you use GLPI on premise, please subscribe to GLPI Network to get it.
Test: on GLPI Network Cloud
This plugin offers several tools related to LDAP directories declared in GLPI.
Performs various tests on all the LDAP directories declared in GLPI:
How to get? If you use GLPI on premise, please subscribe to GLPI Network to get it.
Test: on GLPI Network Cloud
Using GLPI on-premises? Do you want to try GLPI with all exclusive plugins and support package included? We offer free data migration, so you can test the platform in a production mode.
Sécurité:
All GLPI Network Cloud instances includes Support L.3 and covered by Teclib guarantee.
Speed of implementation:
You do not have to make the initial installation, GLPI Network Cloud is already setup, just create your account and start parameterization.
Service:
Updates and backups are included to our offer, no need to worry about data loss anymore!
Functionality:
Use all exclusive GLPI plugins to enhance your experience: Branding to customize your instance, AdvancedDashboards to build your own reports, Oauthsso to login via third party providers like Facebook or Azure, etc.
Scalability:
Your team is growing? With monthly payments you can add as many agents as you need. Our payment system aslo allows to end service any time you want. Consult our Privacy Policy here: https://www.glpi-network.cloud/privacy-policies.php
Start your free trial here: click
New plugin is available in GLPI Network offers: rename GLPI strings (localeoverride).
Complete modern rewrite of an old Renamer plugin, this new plugin is based on the new loading system of locals in the 9.5 version of GLPI.
The plugin brings an UI to search strings, modify them and generate the files needed by GLPI.
You can now download this plugin via integrated marketplace of GLPI 9.5 or from the plugins catalog. It is also available on GLPI Network Cloud platform!
If you wish to obtain professional support and want to secure your GLPI instance, don’t hesitate to contact us using this form or purchase it online here: GLPI Network Subscriptions
This plugin allows administrators to create new data providers for the GLPI dasboards.
It currently permits to:
Téléchargement the plugin: https://plugins.glpi-project.org/#/plugin/advanceddashboard
A while ago Microsoft et Google announced they would close basic connections for IMAP mailboxes on their services Office 365 and Google suite:
The current crisis has made them to postpone the deadlines of termination to 2021, but starting from October 2020, in particular for Azure / Office, new accounts will have the "basic" authentication disabled by default (it will be possible to re-enable it until next year).
To overcome this upcoming eol, we developed a mini plugin available for GLPI community, which allows to create an oauth connection to their services.
It lets you to declare an oauth client from a list of suppliers and then use this client in your mail collectors:
You can now download this plugin via integrated marketplace of GLPI 9.5 or from the plugins catalog.
If you wish to obtain official support and want to secure your GLPI instance, don't hesitate to contact us using this form or purchase online here: Services.
