From dc1422fcaad9f968f0ab148e5fc0cf126ac57fed Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: tegwick Date: Wed, 11 Mar 2026 21:29:59 +0100 Subject: [PATCH] Added specification files --- wiki/OpsBridge.md | 208 ++++++++++++ wiki/OpsBridgeFrs.md | 388 +++++++++++++++++++++++ wiki/OpsBridgePrd.md | 322 +++++++++++++++++++ wiki/OpsCatalogSpecification.md | 538 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 4 files changed, 1456 insertions(+) create mode 100644 wiki/OpsBridge.md create mode 100644 wiki/OpsBridgeFrs.md create mode 100644 wiki/OpsBridgePrd.md create mode 100644 wiki/OpsCatalogSpecification.md diff --git a/wiki/OpsBridge.md b/wiki/OpsBridge.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..8acbef2 --- /dev/null +++ b/wiki/OpsBridge.md @@ -0,0 +1,208 @@ +OpsBridge + +*Operations access for humans and agents* + +# OpsBridge + +**Operations Access Bridges for Humans and Automation Agents** + +Modern IT infrastructure is automated, declarative, and continuously deployed. +But when something breaks, real systems rarely behave exactly as expected. + +Operators need to **inspect, diagnose, and repair the running system** — not the theoretical one described in infrastructure code. + +**OpsBridge** provides a lightweight way to create **controlled operational access paths** between systems so humans and automation agents can investigate and resolve issues in live environments. + +It is designed for the moment when **intent meets reality**. + +--- + +# Why OpsBridge Exists + +Infrastructure teams increasingly rely on: + +* Infrastructure as Code +* GitOps pipelines +* Kubernetes and cloud orchestration +* automated remediation +* AI-assisted diagnostics + +These systems define **how infrastructure should behave**. + +But operators deal with **how it actually behaves**. + +The gap between these two worlds creates practical problems: + +* debugging access requires ad-hoc SSH commands +* operators rely on shell history or tribal knowledge +* automation agents struggle to navigate infrastructure +* incident response becomes slow and inconsistent + +OpsBridge provides a **simple operational layer** that makes access paths explicit, observable, and reusable. + +--- + +# What OpsBridge Does + +OpsBridge manages **Access Bridges for Operations Tasks**. + +An access bridge is a temporary and controlled connectivity path between systems used for operations work. + +Example: + +``` +Remote diagnostic host + │ + │ HTTP request + ▼ +reverse SSH bridge + ▼ +local control service +``` + +OpsBridge lets operators and agents: + +* create bridges +* inspect active bridges +* reconnect bridges automatically +* associate bridges with actors +* track operational access events + +All without introducing a VPN, overlay network, or heavy access platform. + +--- + +# Built for Human Operators and AI Agents + +OpsBridge treats **humans and automation as first-class actors**. + +Modern operations increasingly involve: + +* diagnostic agents +* automated remediation +* AI-assisted debugging +* ephemeral execution environments + +OpsBridge makes it possible to safely give these systems the **temporary access they need to understand and repair infrastructure**. + +Every bridge is associated with an actor, making operational activity observable and attributable. + +--- + +# Introducing OpsCatalog + +OpsBridge works even better when paired with **OpsCatalog**, a Git-based repository that captures the operational view of infrastructure. + +Where DevOps tools describe **how infrastructure should exist**, OpsCatalog captures **how operators actually interact with it**. + +OpsCatalog defines: + +* operational domains +* infrastructure targets +* operational bridges +* debugging entry points +* operational notes and procedures + +Together, OpsBridge and OpsCatalog provide a shared operational map that helps teams navigate real infrastructure. + +--- + +# A New Layer in the Infrastructure Stack + +OpsBridge fits between infrastructure automation and real-world operations. + +``` +Infrastructure as Code + │ + │ expected state + ▼ +OpsCatalog + │ + │ operations knowledge + ▼ +OpsBridge + │ + │ access bridges + ▼ +Live Infrastructure +``` + +This layer allows operators and automation systems to work with **the infrastructure that actually exists**, not just the one defined in configuration. + +--- + +# Designed for Practical Operations + +OpsBridge focuses on simplicity. + +It is: + +* lightweight +* CLI-driven +* infrastructure-agnostic +* automation-friendly +* identity-integrated + +It integrates with existing systems such as identity providers without replacing them. + +No new network layer. +No complex access gateway. + +Just controlled operational access when you need it. + +--- + +# Example Workflow + +Start a bridge: + +``` +ob up hostA=hostB +``` + +Check active bridges: + +``` +ob status +``` + +Investigate infrastructure targets: + +``` +ob targets +``` + +Stop the bridge when finished: + +``` +ob down hostA=hostB +``` + +OpsBridge handles the lifecycle so operators can focus on solving the problem. + +--- + +# The Philosophy Behind OpsBridge + +Infrastructure teams succeed or fail based on how effectively they bridge the gaps between: + +**the declared system** +and +**the experienced system** +and +**the needed system** + +DevOps describes how systems should work. + +Operations deals with how systems actually behave. + +OpsBridge exists to make that gap manageable. + +--- + +# OpsBridge in One Sentence + +**OpsBridge is a lightweight operations access layer that helps humans and automation agents investigate, repair and improve live infrastructure.** + + +xxx diff --git a/wiki/OpsBridgeFrs.md b/wiki/OpsBridgeFrs.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..58f4adc --- /dev/null +++ b/wiki/OpsBridgeFrs.md @@ -0,0 +1,388 @@ +OpsBridgeFrs + +*Functional requirements specification for OpsBridge* + +# OpsBridge Functional Requirements Specification + +*Operations Access Bridges for Humans and Automation Agents* + +Version: **0.1** +Status: Draft +Date: **2026-03-11** + +--- + +# 1. Definition + +The **OpsBridge Functional Requirements Specification (FRS)** defines the externally observable behaviors and capabilities that the OpsBridge system must provide in order to support controlled operational access bridges between infrastructure components. + +OpsBridge enables human operators and automation agents to establish, inspect, and manage temporary infrastructure access paths, typically realized through secure connectivity mechanisms such as reverse SSH tunnels. + +This specification describes **system behavior from the perspective of users, external systems, and observable outputs**, without prescribing implementation methods or internal system design. + +The FRS provides the functional contract that guides system design, development, verification, and operational validation. + +--- + +# 2. Context + +OpsBridge operates within infrastructure environments where controlled access between systems must be established dynamically for operational purposes such as diagnostics, maintenance, and remediation. + +These environments may involve interactions between: + +* human operators +* automation agents +* remote execution environments +* infrastructure control services +* identity management systems + +The FRS translates the product intent defined in the OpsBridge PRD into **precise functional expectations** that describe how the system must behave when interacting with users, external services, and infrastructure components. + +Within the system documentation hierarchy: + +* **PRD** defines the product intent and scope +* **FRS** defines externally observable system behavior +* **design specifications** describe the internal architecture that realizes those behaviors + +--- + +# 3. Core Concepts + +## Bridge + +A **Bridge** represents a controlled operational access path between two infrastructure contexts. + +The bridge enables connectivity between: + +* a remote host environment +* a local service or endpoint + +Bridges are created, monitored, and terminated through OpsBridge system functions. + +--- + +## Actor + +An **Actor** represents an entity initiating a bridge operation. + +Actors may include: + +* human operators +* automation agents +* automated maintenance systems + +Actor identity is used for operations attribution and auditability. + +--- + +## Target + +A **Target** represents an infrastructure component that can be accessed via a bridge. + +Targets may include: + +* hosts +* services +* containers +* Kubernetes workloads +* operations control interfaces + +Targets provide a structured orientation model for infrastructure access. + +--- + +## Bridge State + +A **Bridge State** represents the externally observable operational status of a bridge. + +Examples include: + +* stopped +* starting +* connected +* degraded +* failed + +Bridge state information must be visible to users and external systems. + +--- + +## Bridge Lifecycle Event + +A **Bridge Lifecycle Event** represents a state transition or operational occurrence related to a bridge. + +Examples include: + +* bridge creation +* bridge connection established +* bridge disconnection +* health check failure + +Lifecycle events must be observable through system outputs such as logs or status queries. + +--- + +# 4. Scope and Non-Scope + +## In Scope + +This specification defines functional requirements for: + +* creation and termination of bridges +* inspection of bridge state and lifecycle +* actor attribution for bridge operations +* health monitoring of bridged services +* visibility of reachable infrastructure targets +* interaction with external identity systems +* generation of operational audit information + +The FRS focuses on **externally observable system behavior**. + +--- + +## Out of Scope + +The following aspects are intentionally excluded from this specification: + +* technical implementation details +* internal system architecture +* specific algorithms or process models +* command-line interface layout or formatting +* performance or scalability characteristics unless functionally expressed +* security mechanisms beyond observable behavior + +These aspects are defined in design and architecture specifications. + +--- + +# 5. Functional Requirements + +The following sections define the functional behavior required from the OpsBridge system. + +Requirement statements are written in a declarative form suitable for verification. + +--- + +## 5.1 Bridge Creation + +### FR-1 — Bridge Initiation + +The system shall allow an actor to initiate the creation of a bridge using a defined bridge identifier. + +### FR-2 — Bridge Configuration Retrieval + +Upon initiation of a bridge, the system shall retrieve the configuration associated with the specified bridge identifier. + +### FR-3 — Bridge Establishment + +The system shall establish an operational access bridge according to the retrieved configuration. + +### FR-4 — Bridge State Notification + +Upon successful establishment of a bridge, the system shall report the bridge state as **connected**. + +--- + +## 5.2 Bridge Termination + +### FR-5 — Bridge Termination Request + +The system shall allow an actor to terminate an active bridge. + +### FR-6 — Bridge Shutdown + +Upon termination request, the system shall stop the active bridge. + +### FR-7 — State Update After Termination + +After termination, the system shall update the bridge state to **stopped**. + +--- + +## 5.3 Bridge Restart + +### FR-8 — Bridge Restart Request + +The system shall allow an actor to request the restart of a bridge. + +### FR-9 — Restart Execution + +Upon receiving a restart request, the system shall terminate the active bridge and initiate a new bridge using the existing configuration. + +--- + +## 5.4 Bridge Status Inspection + +### FR-10 — Bridge Status Query + +The system shall allow actors to query the operational status of bridges. + +### FR-11 — Status Reporting + +For each bridge, the system shall report: + +* bridge identifier +* current bridge state +* associated actor +* remote host +* uptime or connection duration if available + +--- + +## 5.5 Bridge Lifecycle Monitoring + +### FR-12 — Disconnection Detection + +The system shall detect when an established bridge becomes disconnected. + +### FR-13 — Automatic Reconnection + +If a bridge disconnects unexpectedly, the system shall attempt to re-establish the bridge according to the bridge configuration. + +### FR-14 — State Reporting During Reconnection + +During reconnection attempts, the system shall report the bridge state as **reconnecting** or equivalent. + +--- + +## 5.6 Health Monitoring + +### FR-15 — Health Check Execution + +The system shall support optional health checks associated with a bridge. + +### FR-16 — Health Status Reporting + +The system shall report the result of health checks associated with a bridge. + +### FR-17 — Degraded State + +If a health check indicates failure while the bridge remains connected, the system shall report the bridge state as **degraded**. + +--- + +## 5.7 Actor Attribution + +### FR-18 — Actor Identification + +The system shall associate each bridge with a defined actor. + +### FR-19 — Actor Visibility + +The system shall include actor identification information in bridge status reports. + +### FR-20 — Actor Attribution in Events + +The system shall include actor identity information in operations event records. + +--- + +## 5.8 Infrastructure Target Discovery + +### FR-21 — Target Catalog Query + +The system shall allow actors to retrieve a list of defined infrastructure targets. + +### FR-22 — Target Reachability Inspection + +The system shall allow actors to inspect which bridges provide access to a given target. + +### FR-23 — Infrastructure Orientation + +The system shall provide a representation of infrastructure targets and their reachable access paths. + +--- + +## 5.9 Audit Logging + +### FR-24 — Lifecycle Event Logging + +The system shall record lifecycle events related to bridges. + +### FR-25 — Actor Attribution in Logs + +Audit records shall include actor identity information associated with bridge operations. + +### FR-26 — Operations Event Visibility + +Operations events shall be retrievable by actors for inspection. + +--- + +## 5.10 Identity Integration + +### FR-27 — Identity Provider Interaction + +The system shall support interaction with external identity systems to obtain credentials required for bridge establishment. + +### FR-28 — Credential Use + +The system shall use credentials obtained from external identity systems when establishing bridges. + +### FR-29 — Identity Attribution + +The system shall associate the identity of actors provided by external identity systems with bridge lifecycle events. + +External identity systems may include: + +* privacyIDEA + +--- + +# 6. Functional Constraints + +The following constraints influence system behavior. + +### FC-1 — Configuration Dependency + +Bridge operations depend on the existence of valid bridge configuration entries. + +### FC-2 — External Connectivity + +Bridge establishment requires network connectivity to the remote host defined in the configuration. + +### FC-3 — Credential Availability + +Bridge establishment requires valid credentials available through the configured identity integration mechanism. + +--- + +# 7. Traceability + +Each functional requirement defined in this document traces back to the product intent defined in the OpsBridge PRD. + +Primary traceability relationships include: + +| PRD Concept | FRS Requirement Group | +| -------------------------- | --------------------- | +| Operations Access Bridges | FR-1 to FR-14 | +| Actor Attribution | FR-18 to FR-20 | +| Infrastructure Orientation | FR-21 to FR-23 | +| Operations Observability | FR-10 to FR-17 | +| Identity Integration | FR-27 to FR-29 | + +This traceability enables downstream artifacts such as: + +* design specifications +* system tests +* acceptance criteria +* validation procedures + +to map back to the originating product requirements. + +--- + +# 8. Related Concepts + +The OpsBridge Functional Requirements Specification relates to several adjacent artifacts. + +* **Product Requirements Document (PRD)** – Defines product intent and scope. +* **Non-Functional Requirements (NFR)** – Define performance, reliability, and security expectations. +* **System Design Specification (SDS)** – Describes the architecture used to implement the defined functions. +* **Use Case Specifications** – Provide scenario-level interaction descriptions for system behavior. + +Together these artifacts form a layered documentation structure supporting the full system lifecycle. + + + +xxx diff --git a/wiki/OpsBridgePrd.md b/wiki/OpsBridgePrd.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..720575f --- /dev/null +++ b/wiki/OpsBridgePrd.md @@ -0,0 +1,322 @@ +OpsBridgePrd + +*Product requirements specification for OpsBridge* + +# OpsBridge Product Requirements Document + +*Operations Access Bridges for Humans and Automation Agents* + +Version: **0.1** +Status: **Draft** +Date: **2026-03-11** + +--- + +# 1. Definition + +**OpsBridge** is a lightweight IT-operations infrastructure tool that establishes **controlled access bridges between systems** in order to support human operators and automation agents performing diagnostics, maintenance, and remediation on live infrastructure. + +An access bridge typically manifests as a **temporary reverse SSH connectivity path** that allows a remote system to reach a local service or control plane component. + +OpsBridge provides a **structured and observable orchestration layer for such bridges**, enabling operators and automated agents to create, inspect, and terminate operational access paths while maintaining clear auditability and integration with external identity systems. + +The product addresses the gap between: + +* ad-hoc SSH usage +* developer tunneling utilities +* heavy enterprise infrastructure access platforms + +by providing a **minimal operations coordination layer** specifically designed for infrastructure maintenance workflows. + +--- + +# 2. Context + +Modern infrastructure environments increasingly combine **human operations with automated maintenance systems**, including AI-assisted diagnostics and remediation agents. + +These environments require **temporary and well-scoped access paths** between systems for activities such as: + +* troubleshooting live services +* inspecting runtime environments +* retrieving diagnostic data +* applying remediation commands + +Existing approaches typically rely on: + +* manual SSH commands +* ad-hoc scripts +* VPN access +* full network overlays +* enterprise access gateways + +Each of these approaches introduces trade-offs such as excessive operations scope, poor observability, or high infrastructure overhead. + +OpsBridge operates as a **boundary artifact between operational intent and infrastructure connectivity**, providing a structured layer that mediates controlled access paths while remaining compatible with existing identity systems, infrastructure platforms, and operational tooling. + +Architecturally, OpsBridge sits between: + +* operations automation environments +* identity and credential management systems +* infrastructure access mechanisms such as SSH + +The tool is intended for environments where **controlled and observable infrastructure access is required without introducing large additional platforms**. + +--- + +# 3. Core Concepts + +## Operations Access Bridge + +An **Operations Access Bridge** is a temporary and controlled connectivity path that allows one infrastructure component to access a service or control endpoint hosted by another component. + +The bridge concept focuses on **operational intent rather than networking technology**. + +In most cases the bridge is realized through a reverse SSH tunnel. + +--- + +## Actors + +An **Actor** represents an entity initiating operational access. + +Actors may include: + +* human operators +* automation agents +* AI-driven remediation systems +* scheduled maintenance processes + +Actors exist primarily for **auditability and identity integration**. + +--- + +## Targets + +A **Target** represents an infrastructure component that can be reached through a bridge. + +Targets may include: + +* physical hosts +* virtual machines +* containers +* Kubernetes pods +* service endpoints +* operations control planes + +Targets serve as an **orientation mechanism** that helps operators and automation systems understand available infrastructure access paths. + +--- + +## Bridge Lifecycle + +A bridge passes through lifecycle states including: + +* creation +* connection establishment +* operational availability +* disconnection +* termination + +Lifecycle management is central to maintaining **reliable and observable operations access paths**. + +--- + +## Identity Integration + +OpsBridge integrates with external identity systems that govern authentication, authorization, and credential issuance. + +Identity integration ensures that operations access events can be attributed to specific actors without requiring OpsBridge to act as an identity management system. + +--- + +# 4. Scope and Non-Scope + +## In Scope + +OpsBridge provides the following capabilities: + +* Creation and management of operations access bridges +* Visibility into active bridges and their operational status +* Identification of actors initiating access bridges +* Basic infrastructure orientation through reachable targets +* Structured operational audit logging +* Integration with external identity systems for authentication and credential management +* Support for progressive operational maturity from ad-hoc usage to centrally governed environments + +OpsBridge aims to enable **reliable, observable, and automation-friendly infrastructure access orchestration**. + +--- + +## Out of Scope + +OpsBridge intentionally avoids responsibilities belonging to adjacent system categories. + +OpsBridge does not: + +* implement identity management or user provisioning +* provide VPN or overlay network functionality +* replace enterprise infrastructure access gateways +* act as a bastion host platform +* manage infrastructure configuration or orchestration +* implement policy engines or access governance systems + +These capabilities remain the responsibility of external systems such as identity providers, infrastructure platforms, and security tooling. + +--- + +# 5. Practical Implications + +Adopting OpsBridge introduces a structured operations layer that replaces ad-hoc SSH workflows with a **consistent and observable access mechanism**. + +This has several implications. + +### Improved operational clarity + +Operators gain a clear overview of active infrastructure access paths and the actors responsible for initiating them. + +### Support for automation-driven operations + +Automation systems and AI diagnostic agents can interact with infrastructure using reproducible access bridges rather than custom scripts. + +### Incremental security adoption + +OpsBridge supports environments ranging from minimal ad-hoc infrastructure setups to centrally governed production systems. + +Organizations can adopt the tool without requiring immediate deployment of complex identity infrastructure. + +### Improved auditability + +Operations access events become traceable and attributable, improving incident analysis and compliance capabilities. + +However, the introduction of an additional operations tool also requires: + +* operational discipline in maintaining configuration +* integration with existing infrastructure management practices +* awareness of bridge lifecycle management in automated workflows + +--- + +# 6. External Dependencies and Assumptions + +OpsBridge assumes the existence of several external components. + +### Secure infrastructure access mechanism + +OpsBridge relies on a secure underlying access mechanism such as **SSH** to establish operations bridges. + +### Identity providers + +Identity and credential management may be provided by external systems such as: + +* privacyIDEA +* OpenSSH certificate authorities +* enterprise identity platforms + +OpsBridge interacts with these systems but does not replicate their functionality. + +### Operations environments + +OpsBridge assumes execution within infrastructure environments that support command-line tools and secure remote connectivity. + +Typical environments include: + +* Linux systems +* macOS workstations +* development environments using WSL2 + +--- + +# 7. Success Criteria + +The success of OpsBridge can be evaluated using several outcome-oriented criteria. + +## Operations effectiveness + +Operators and automation agents can establish operational access bridges quickly and reliably without requiring manual SSH command construction. + +## Observability + +Active access bridges and their actors are visible through consistent operations inspection commands and audit logs. + +## Integration capability + +OpsBridge integrates smoothly with identity systems, infrastructure platforms, and operations automation environments. + +## Adoption flexibility + +The tool can be used effectively in both: + +* small infrastructure setups with minimal governance +* larger environments with centralized identity management and auditing requirements. + +## Reduced operational friction + +Teams using OpsBridge experience reduced complexity compared to ad-hoc SSH tunneling or deploying large access platforms for operational tasks. + +--- + +# 8. Related Concepts + +OpsBridge relates to several adjacent concepts and tool categories. + +### SSH Tunnel Management + +Tools such as *autossh* maintain persistent SSH tunnels but lack operational inventory and identity integration. + +### Developer Tunneling Tools + +Tools such as *ngrok* focus on exposing local services for development workflows rather than infrastructure maintenance. + +### Infrastructure Access Platforms + +Enterprise tools such as *Teleport* provide identity-centric infrastructure access but operate at a significantly larger architectural scope. + +### Overlay Networks + +Systems such as *Tailscale* create persistent private networks rather than temporary operational bridges. + +OpsBridge occupies a distinct position focused on **temporary operations access paths for infrastructure maintenance**. + +--- + +# 9. Product Variants and Evolution + +OpsBridge supports progressive adoption through increasing operations maturity levels. + +### Level 0 — Ad-hoc infrastructure environments + +Minimal configuration with unmanaged SSH keys. + +### Level 1 — Structured operations usage + +Actors and bridges are clearly identified and logged. + +### Level 2 — Identity-integrated environments + +Authentication and credential management are handled by external identity providers. + +### Level 3 — Governed production environments + +Short-lived credentials, centralized auditing, and policy oversight are integrated through external systems. + +This progression allows organizations to adopt OpsBridge without requiring immediate infrastructure changes. + +--- + +# 10. Relationship to Downstream Artifacts + +The OpsBridge PRD acts as the **product intent anchor** for subsequent documentation. + +Derived artifacts may include: + +* Functional Requirements Specification (FRS) +* Technical Architecture Specification +* Security Integration Specifications +* Implementation design documents +* Architecture Decision Records + +These artifacts translate the product intent defined here into concrete system behavior and implementation strategies. + + + +xxx diff --git a/wiki/OpsCatalogSpecification.md b/wiki/OpsCatalogSpecification.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..80f1703 --- /dev/null +++ b/wiki/OpsCatalogSpecification.md @@ -0,0 +1,538 @@ +OpsCatalogSpecification + +*IT Operations Knowledge Repository* + +Below is a **structured OpsCatalog specification** designed as an **extension to OpsBridge**. + +It includes: + +1. **Why / How / What introduction** +2. **PRD for OpsCatalog** +3. **FRS for OpsCatalog** +4. **Schemas** +5. **Repository structure** +6. **Appendices with operational notes** + + +--- + +# OpsCatalog Specification + +*Operations Knowledge Repository for Infrastructure Operations* + +Version: **0.1** +Status: Draft +Date: 2026-03-11 + +--- + +# Introduction + +## Why + +Modern infrastructure teams operate with two complementary models of reality. + +**DevOps Model — Declared Infrastructure** + +Infrastructure-as-code systems describe the desired state of systems: + +* Terraform +* Kubernetes manifests +* Helm charts +* GitOps pipelines + +These systems encode **how infrastructure should behave**. + +However, real systems rarely match the declared state perfectly. + +Operations teams must deal with: + +* incidents +* degraded services +* bottlenecks +* debugging environments +* manual recovery actions +* temporary workarounds +* unexpected interactions + +This produces a second model. + +**Operations Model — Experienced Infrastructure** + +This model captures: + +* how operators actually access systems +* which debugging paths exist +* where bottlenecks occur +* which entry points are used for remediation +* which bridges exist between infrastructure components + +Most organizations lack a formal system for capturing this operational knowledge. + +OpsCatalog exists to address this gap. + +--- + +## How + +OpsCatalog introduces a **structured repository for operations infrastructure knowledge**. + +The repository is typically maintained in **Git** and contains structured definitions of: + +* operations domains +* infrastructure targets +* operations access bridges +* actor classes +* operations annotations + +OpsBridge consumes this catalog to: + +* resolve bridges +* orient operators +* guide automation agents +* provide operations context + +Git provides several properties that make it suitable for this purpose: + +* version history +* collaborative editing +* review workflows +* diffability for humans and agents +* narrative context through commit messages + +OpsCatalog stores **experienced operations knowledge**, not runtime state. + +--- + +## What + +OpsCatalog defines a **shared operations map of infrastructure**. + +It captures: + +*Operations Domains* + +Logical spaces representing operations infrastructure areas. + +Examples: + +* production clusters +* staging environments +* development infrastructure +* incident analysis sandboxes + +*Targets* + +Infrastructure components relevant to operations. + +Examples: + +* hosts +* services +* containers +* Kubernetes resources +* debugging entry points + +*Bridges* + +Operations access paths between systems. + +Examples: + +* SSH reverse bridges +* debugging entry tunnels +* maintenance access paths + +*Operations Notes* + +Structured annotations describing: + +* debugging procedures +* common incidents +* bottlenecks +* known workarounds +* operations entry points + +Together these elements provide a **living operations topology**. + +--- + +# Part 1 — Product Requirements Document (PRD) + +## 1. Definition + +OpsCatalog is a structured repository that defines **operations knowledge about infrastructure environments**, including domains, targets, bridges, and operations annotations. + +It provides a shared operations map used by human operators and automation agents to understand how infrastructure is accessed and maintained in practice. + +OpsCatalog complements infrastructure-as-code systems by capturing the **experienced operations topology** rather than the declared infrastructure state. + +--- + +## 2. Context + +OpsCatalog operates within environments that already use: + +* infrastructure-as-code tools +* automated deployment systems +* identity management systems +* operations monitoring platforms + +These systems define and monitor infrastructure but often fail to capture how operators interact with systems during incidents or maintenance. + +OpsCatalog fills this gap by providing a **structured operations cognition layer**. + +OpsBridge integrates with OpsCatalog to translate catalog definitions into actionable access bridges. + +--- + +## 3. Core Concepts + +### Operations Domain + +A logical operational boundary representing a group of related infrastructure systems. + +Domains help operators navigate complex environments. + +--- + +### Target + +An operationally relevant infrastructure component that may be inspected or accessed. + +Targets represent entry points for diagnostics and maintenance. + +--- + +### Bridge + +A defined operations access path enabling connectivity between infrastructure contexts. + +Bridges describe **how targets are accessed**. + +--- + +### Actor Class + +A category of operators or automation systems that may interact with infrastructure. + +Examples: + +* human operators +* remediation agents +* incident responders + +--- + +### Operations Annotation + +Structured knowledge describing operations behaviors, known issues, or debugging strategies. + +--- + +## 4. Scope and Non-Scope + +### In Scope + +OpsCatalog defines: + +* operations domains +* infrastructure targets +* operations bridges +* actor classifications +* operations annotations +* repository structure for catalog storage + +--- + +### Out of Scope + +OpsCatalog does not: + +* manage infrastructure resources +* maintain runtime infrastructure state +* replace monitoring systems +* replace configuration management systems +* enforce security policies +* store credentials or secrets + +These responsibilities remain with external systems. + +--- + +## 5. Practical Implications + +OpsCatalog provides several operations advantages. + +### Shared operations knowledge + +Teams maintain a common understanding of infrastructure access paths. + +### Improved incident response + +Operators can quickly locate operations entry points. + +### Automation enablement + +AI agents and automation systems gain structured knowledge about infrastructure navigation. + +### Organizational resilience + +Operations knowledge becomes versioned and reviewable rather than implicit. + +However, maintaining the catalog requires: + +* operations discipline +* periodic review +* integration with infrastructure evolution + +--- + +## 6. External Dependencies + +OpsCatalog assumes integration with several external systems. + +Examples include: + +* infrastructure-as-code platforms +* operations access tools such as OpsBridge +* identity systems such as privacyIDEA +* version control systems such as Git + +--- + +## 7. Success Criteria + +OpsCatalog is successful if it enables operators and automation agents to: + +* locate relevant infrastructure targets quickly +* identify operations access paths +* understand operations context during incidents +* maintain shared operations knowledge across teams + +--- + +# Part 2 — Functional Requirements Specification (FRS) + +## 1. Domain Management + +### FR-1 Domain Definition + +The system shall allow definition of operations domains. + +### FR-2 Domain Listing + +The system shall allow retrieval of all defined domains. + +### FR-3 Domain Inspection + +The system shall allow inspection of a specific domain and its associated elements. + +--- + +## 2. Target Management + +### FR-4 Target Definition + +The system shall allow definition of infrastructure targets within domains. + +### FR-5 Target Query + +The system shall allow retrieval of targets belonging to a domain. + +### FR-6 Target Inspection + +The system shall allow inspection of metadata associated with a target. + +--- + +## 3. Bridge Definition + +### FR-7 Bridge Definition + +The system shall allow definition of operations bridges connecting infrastructure contexts. + +### FR-8 Bridge Query + +The system shall allow retrieval of bridges associated with a target or domain. + +### FR-9 Bridge Inspection + +The system shall allow inspection of bridge metadata. + +--- + +## 4. Actor Classification + +### FR-10 Actor Class Definition + +The system shall allow definition of actor classes. + +### FR-11 Actor Attribution + +The system shall allow bridges to reference actor classes. + +--- + +## 5. Operational Annotations + +### FR-12 Operational Notes + +The system shall allow structured annotations associated with domains, targets, and bridges. + +### FR-13 Annotation Retrieval + +The system shall allow retrieval of annotations associated with infrastructure elements. + +--- + +## 6. Repository Interaction + +### FR-14 Catalog Retrieval + +The system shall load catalog data from a repository structure. + +### FR-15 Catalog Validation + +The system shall validate the structure of catalog definitions. + +--- + +# Schemas + +Example schemas are expressed in YAML. + +--- + +## Domain Schema + +```yaml +type: domain +id: coulombcore +name: CoulombCore Infrastructure +description: Core infrastructure domain for operational services +environment: production +``` + +--- + +## Target Schema + +```yaml +type: target +id: state-hub +domain: coulombcore +kind: service +description: Infrastructure state coordination service +reachable_via: + - state-hub-coulombcore +``` + +--- + +## Bridge Schema + +```yaml +type: bridge +id: state-hub-coulombcore +domain: coulombcore +target: state-hub +description: Operations bridge for state hub diagnostics +access_method: ssh-reverse +``` + +--- + +## Actor Schema + +```yaml +type: actor +id: agent.claude-remediator +class: automation +description: Automated remediation agent +``` + +--- + +# Repository Structure + +Recommended repository layout: + +``` +opscatalog/ + domains/ + coulombcore/ + domain.yaml + + targets/ + state-hub.yaml + api-server.yaml + + bridges/ + state-hub-coulombcore.yaml + + docs/ + overview.md + operations.md + + actors/ + human-operators.yaml + automation-agents.yaml + + schemas/ + domain.schema.yaml + target.schema.yaml + bridge.schema.yaml +``` + +This layout supports both human readability and machine parsing. + +--- + +# Appendices + +## Appendix A — Operations Notes + +Operations notes provide context about real-world infrastructure behavior. + +Examples include: + +* known debugging entry points +* typical failure modes +* operational shortcuts +* historical incidents +* recommended inspection procedures + +Operations notes may be written in structured markdown files stored alongside catalog entries. + +--- + +## Appendix B — Catalog Maintenance Guidelines + +Maintaining an effective OpsCatalog requires operational discipline. + +Recommended practices include: + +* review changes through pull requests +* annotate bridges with operational purpose +* update catalog entries after major infrastructure changes +* document common debugging procedures +* avoid storing secrets in catalog files + +--- + +## Appendix C — Relationship to OpsBridge + +OpsCatalog serves as a **knowledge source for OpsBridge**. + +OpsBridge may consume catalog data to: + +* resolve bridge identifiers +* display infrastructure orientation +* assist operators in establishing bridges +* provide contextual operational information + +The catalog does not control runtime behavior but provides **structured operations intent**. + + +xxx