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Salt Project

Automation and Scripting

Open Source
Free Tier
E
Enterprise
Self-hosted
OpenMSP Score
38
19
Reddit Impact Score
Github Score
3B
15KStars
5KForks
126KCommits
Apache License 2.0License
Oct 3, 2026Last commit

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Salt Project is the world's fastest, most intelligent and scalable automation engine. Built on Python, Salt is an event-driven automation tool and framework to deploy, configure, and manage complex IT systems. Originally created by Thomas Hatch and SaltStack, the project was acquired by VMware in 2020, which was later acquired by Broadcom in 2023. Key Features: • Event-driven automation with real-time responsiveness • Scalable architecture supporting thousands of endpoints • Multi-platform support (Windows, Mac, Linux, cloud-native workloads) • Plugin Oriented Programming (POP) paradigm for modular development • Remote execution and complex event processing • Configuration management with state enforcement • Cloud and container orchestration capabilities • Extensive module ecosystem for various technologies Current Status: • Salt v3007.4 is the latest stable release (LTS/STS strategy) • Salt v3008 LTS estimated for release June/July 2025 • Powered by Broadcom's Tanzu Salt (commercial offering) • Used by major vendors including Juniper, Cisco, Cloudflare, Nutanix, SUSE • Active open source community with Discord support Technical Architecture: • Master-minion architecture with secure communication • YAML-based configuration with Jinja templating • REST API for integration and automation • Extensive targeting and execution modules • Built-in security with encrypted communication The Salt Project remains an open source ecosystem that Broadcom supports and contributes to, ensuring code integrity and quality. It serves as the foundation for VMware's Tanzu Salt and powers automation across hybrid and multi-cloud environments.
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Key Features

API Integration

RESTful and Python APIs for seamless integration with existing tools

Per-User Pricing

Flexible pricing model based on number of users

Free Tier

Community edition available at no cost

Configuration Management

Centralized configuration management system for infrastructure

Remote Execution

Execute commands and scripts across multiple systems simultaneously

Event-Driven Infrastructure

React to infrastructure changes and events automatically

Pros and Cons

Pros

Event-driven architecture

Reactive, event-driven architecture for automation

High scalability

Highly scalable for large infrastructure

Fast execution

Fast parallel execution of commands

Python-based

Python-based for flexibility and extensibility

Multi-master capability

Support for multi-master deployment

Cons

Complex setup

Complex initial setup and configuration

Steep learning curve

Steeper learning curve than some alternatives

Documentation challenges

Documentation can be difficult to navigate

Security considerations

Requires careful security configuration

Feature Comparison

Comments

Ayumi NakamuraCloudBridge MSP

Ayumi Nakamura • CloudBridge MSP

Jun 26, 2025

Reliable Configuration Management

Been using Salt for configuration management across multiple client environments. The scalability and reliability make it an excellent choice for MSP operations.

Hanna Novak

Hanna Novak

Jun 26, 2025

Solid Automation Platform

Salt Project has streamlined our infrastructure automation workflows. The learning curve is steep but worth it for the granular control it provides over client systems.

Benjamin LewisCloudTech MSP

Benjamin Lewis • CloudTech MSP

Jun 26, 2025

Great for Multi-Client Deployments

We use Salt to manage configurations across dozens of client networks. The remote execution capabilities make it perfect for MSP operations where we need centralized control.

Michael Johnson

Michael Johnson

Jun 26, 2025

Essential for MSP Infrastructure Management

As a Service Delivery Manager, Salt has been invaluable for automating configuration across our client environments. The event-driven automation saves us hours of manual work daily.

Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started

OpenMSP is The MSP Knowledge Hub & Community Platform designed specifically for Managed Service Providers seeking to optimize their technology stack, reduce vendor costs, and discover open-source alternatives. We combine a comprehensive vendor directory, open-source solution catalog, and integrated community discussions to help MSPs make informed decisions.
Yes, completely free. Browse vendors and tools, read comparisons, and join community discussions - no cost, no registration required. OpenMSP is community-supported and focused on empowering MSPs to reduce costs and improve operational efficiency through open-source technology.
We help MSPs identify cost-effective alternatives to expensive commercial solutions, provide transparent vendor information, and connect you with proven open-source alternatives. Our platform enables MSPs to make informed decisions about their technology investments.
No account required for browsing vendors, reading comparisons, or accessing community content. Creating a free account with SSO (Microsoft, Google, or Slack) allows you to participate in discussions and save your favorite tools.

Platform Information

OpenMSP is currently community-supported. We focus on providing value to the MSP community first. Any future monetization will keep the core platform free for MSPs while maintaining our independence and commitment to unbiased information.
We focus exclusively on MSP needs with transparent vendor information and open-source alternatives. No vendor partnerships or sponsored listings - just honest, community-driven information to help MSPs make better technology decisions. Our biggest value is our community where MSPs help each other with questions, setup guidance, and sharing real-world experiences.
Our community of MSP professionals helps verify and update information. We also maintain direct research on tools and vendors to ensure accuracy. Community members can report outdated information, and we work to keep everything current.
OpenMSP was founded by Michael Assraf, who has extensive experience in the MSP industry and product leadership. As the former CEO & Founder of Vicarius, Michael grew a startup from $0 to $9M ARR with 500+ customers and deep experience working with MSPs, partners, and fundraising. OpenMSP represents his commitment to empowering the MSP community through better technology decisions and cost optimization.

Open-Source Tools & Alternatives

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Many open-source projects offer multiple support options including community forums, commercial support from vendors, professional services, and our community discussions where experienced MSPs share implementation guidance.