Squirrel Servers Manager (SSM) is a powerful yet simple platform that allows you to manage servers, containers, and automate tasks without installing agents on your devices. This guide will walk you through getting started with SSM, from installation to deploying your first container.

In a Nutshell (🌰)

• Squirrel Servers Manager (SSM) is an agentless DevOps tool for managing servers
• The 10-minute onboarding process: install, create admin account, add device, deploy container
• Multiple installation options available (Docker, Proxmox, manual)
• No agents required - SSM uses SSH to securely connect to your devices
• All key features are accessible through an intuitive web interface

Welcome to Squirrel Servers Manager

I built Squirrel Servers Manager to make infrastructure management simple, secure, and accessible for everyone. I wanted a tool that could automate complex server and container operations without requiring agents or heavyweight platforms—just SSH. My goal was to empower users to manage their devices, containers, and automations with confidence, using a modern, open-source solution that’s easy to deploy, extend, and maintain. - Squirrel Dev.

SSM Architecture Overview

SSM uses an agentless architecture, which means you don't need to install any software on your target devices. Instead, SSM connects to your servers using secure SSH connections, allowing you to manage them remotely. This approach makes SSM lightweight, secure, and easy to deploy.

SSM System Architecture

Figure 1: SSM's agentless architecture

Core Features

SSM offers four main feature areas that work together to provide a comprehensive server management solution:

SSM Core Features

Figure 2: The four pillars of SSM

Quick Start Path

Follow these four steps to get up and running with SSM:

1

Installation

Install SSM using Docker or on Proxmox

Installation Guide →

2

First-Time Setup

Create admin account and log in

First Steps Guide →

3

Add a Device

Connect your first server or device

Device Setup →

4

Deploy a Container

Deploy and manage your first container

Container Guide →

System Requirements

Before you begin, make sure your environment meets these requirements:

Docker Host

✓ Docker 20.10+ or Docker Engine

✓ Docker Compose V2

✓ 2GB RAM (minimum)

✓ 10GB free disk space

✓ Linux-based OS

Target Devices

✓ SSH access (password or key)

✓ Python 3.8+ for Ansible features

✓ Sudo privileges for container management

✓ Docker for container features

Browser Support

✓ Chrome 90+

✓ Firefox 90+

✓ Safari 15+

✓ Edge 90+

Network

✓ Open port 8000 for web interface

✓ Outbound SSH access to devices

✓ Internet access for updates

Installation Methods

SSM offers multiple installation methods to fit your needs:

🐳 Docker Installation

Recommended method using Docker and Docker Compose for quick setup.

🖥️ Proxmox Installation

Optimized setup for Proxmox Virtual Environment hosts.

⚙️ Manual Installation

For advanced users wanting full control over the setup.

📦 Dockerless Setup

For environments where Docker is not available or preferred.

Key Advantages of SSM

🔐

Agentless Architecture

No need to install agents on your servers. SSM uses SSH for secure, lightweight management.

🧩

Plugin System

Extend SSM's functionality with plugins to meet your specific needs.

🔄

Container Orchestration

Easily deploy and manage Docker containers across multiple servers.

📊

Monitoring & Statistics

Track server performance and health with built-in monitoring tools.

⚙️

Automations

Create powerful automation workflows triggered by events or schedules.

📘

Ansible Playbooks

Use Ansible playbooks for sophisticated configuration management.

Where to Go Next

After completing the initial setup, explore these areas to get the most out of SSM:

📱 Device Management

Learn to manage and monitor your devices

🐳 Container Management

Deploy and manage Docker containers

🤖 Automations

Set up automated tasks and workflows

📚 Playbooks

Use Ansible playbooks for configuration