Remote Cloning script?

[clee]

Hi... I'm looking to clone one server to another remotely (or that's the goal). I'm looking to remotely execute commands and eventually copy files from one server to the other. Is this possible?

I'd like to automate the process as much as possible. Any help or commands that may point me in the right direction would be helpful.

[bigtomrodney]

You should have a look at rsync, it specialises in updating only files that have changed after the initial copy and can work locally or over a network. It can also be run through ssh for encrypted traffic so that it is moved safely.

[clee]

rsync is viable for doing disaster recovery type stuff, but I'm looking for an option that will allow me to copy when I want without being installed on either server. Essentially, I'd like to be able to able to clone a production server into a staging or training and development server (all remotely) at will. I believe rsync is a continuous service that syncs two servers and continues to do so?

For instance if I want to install Linux between 2 servers remotely, I can already do that. I'd like to be able to deploy software and patches remotely and totally automated (key word here). What I'm looking for would at a minimum alert me when I needed to proceed to the next step.