Case Study: Petco achieves automated stateless server redeployment with HashiCorp Packer and Terraform

Redeploying Stateless Systems in Lieu of Patching at Petco with Packer and Terraform

Petco needed a better way to keep its on-premises, stateless virtual machines updated without relying on manual patching or automated patching that could lead to configuration drift over time. Working with HashiCorp, Petco used Packer and Terraform as part of its GitLab-based DevOps workflow to manage and redeploy systems like its Sumo Logic Collectors in a more consistent, repeatable way.

HashiCorp’s solution let Petco treat VMs as fungible by rebuilding them from hardened monthly Packer images and using Terraform/Private Terraform Enterprise to taint and recreate only the VM resources while preserving dependent services such as IPs, DNS, Active Directory, monitoring, and inventory records. The redeployment framework automated prechecks, health checks, and post-deployment tasks, enabling Petco to redeploy each collector in about 20 minutes with minimal effort and higher-fidelity, up-to-date systems.

Petco

Chris Manfre

Senior DevOps Engineer