Patent Publication Number: US-2023161915-A1

Title: Data bundle generation and deployment

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/840,339 filed Jun. 14, 2022, entitled “DATA BUNDLE GENERATION AND DEPLOYMENT” (Attorney Docket No. JFRG.P0001US.C2), which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/399,905 filed Apr. 30, 2019, and issued Jul. 12, 2022, as U.S. Pat. No. 11,386,233, entitled “DATA BUNDLE GENERATION AND DEPLOYMENT” (Attorney Docket No. JFRG.P0001US); and is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/399,915 filed Apr. 30, 2019, entitled “ACTIVE-ACTIVE ENVIRONMENT CONTROL” (Attorney Docket No. JFRG.P0002US), U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/399,938 filed Apr. 30, 2019 entitled “DATA FILE PARTITION AND REPLICATION” (Attorney Docket No. JFRG.P0003US.A), and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/399,953 filed Apr. 30, 2019 entitled “DATA FILE PARTITION AND REPLICATION” (Attorney Docket No. JFRG.P0003US.B), the contents of each of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present application is generally related to the technical field of software deployment, and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to techniques for software distribution. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Computer systems and software have become an integral part of modern society and affect a variety of aspects of daily life. Software can be developed as a monolith, such as one piece of software, or as a service-oriented architecture where each piece of software provides a specific service and multiple pieces of software operate together. Software can be updated to add or remove functionality, to correct bugs (e.g., critical/functional issues), and/or to address security issues. To update a piece of software, a new version is developed and deployed to a device, such as a software consumable device that stores and executes the new version of the software. 
     To deploy a new version of software, a memory device including the new version of the software can be physically connected and uploaded to a target device. Deploying software in such a manner can be time consuming, resource (e.g., personnel) intensive, and is impractical for software to be deployed to multiple locations or for service-oriented architecture that may require multiple updates for different pieces of software at different times. Alternatively, the new version of the software can be deployed via one or more networks. However, deployment of software via a network presents its own challenges. For example, a device to receive the software needs to be connected to the network and maintain a sufficient network connection to receive the entire version of the software. As another example, the network itself must have sufficient bandwidth and acceptable latencies to enable the software to be deployed. Additionally, software needs to be deployed in a secure manner so that unauthorized updates and/or deployments are avoided. Thus, deploying software efficiently, consistently, and securely poses many difficult challenges. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media that provide for distributing a software release. For example, a server (e.g., deployment system/application) may identify one or more files for distribution as a software release and generate a release bundle that includes release bundle information. To illustrate, the release bundle information may include, for each file of the one or more files, a checksum, meta data, or both. In some implementations, a signature may be attached to the release bundle to make the release bundle immutable. The server is configured to send the release bundle to a node device. After sending the release bundle, the server may send at least one file of the one or more files (of the software release) to the node device. Responsive to receiving the release bundle, the node device may identify a transaction directory and store the received at least one file at the transaction directory. In some implementations, the transaction directory may be a temporary transaction directory from which the bundle files are available for download via an API. The node device may further verify that each of the one or more files is present/available at the node device prior to providing the one or more files to a memory of a node device and applying meta data (included in the release bundle information) to the one or more files transferred to the memory. Thus, the server/application described herein enables generation and/or use of a release bundle to efficiently, consistently, and securely distribute software. Additionally, the release bundle provided to a node device may advantageously be used to identify/verify a source of the release bundle, identify/verify the one or more files, and arrange/assemble the one or more files. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more release bundles corresponding to software may be analyzed to troubleshoot an issue with the software and/or revert to a prior version of the software. In some implementations, the release bundle may be signed to render the release bundle immutable, thereby protecting the release bundle from tampering and increasing security of the software release. 
     According to one embodiment, a method for distributing a software release is described. The method includes receiving an indication from a distributor device of one or more files for distribution. The method further includes generating a bundle based on the one or more files, the bundle including release bundle information generated based on the one or more files, and attaching a signature to the bundle to generate a signed bundle. The method also includes receiving a selection from the distribution device of one or more node devices to receive the signed bundle, and initiating transmission of the signed bundle to each of the one or more node devices. 
     According to yet another embodiment, a system for distributing a software release is described. The system includes at least one memory storing instructions and one or more processors coupled to the at least one memory. The one or more processors are configured to execute the instructions to cause the one or more processors to receive an indication from a distributor device of one or more files for distribution. The one or more processors are further configured to execute the instructions to cause the one or more processors to generate a bundle based on the one or more files, and attach a signature to the bundle to generate a signed bundle. The one or more processors can further be configured to receive a selection from the distribution device of one or more node devices to receive the signed bundle, and initiate transmission of the signed bundle to each of the one or more node devices. 
     According to another embodiment, a computer program product is described that includes a computer-readable storage device, such as a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, that includes instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform operations for distributing a software release. The operations include executing a first routine to receive an indication from a distributor device of one or more files for distribution. The operations further include executing a second routine to generate a bundle based on the one or more files, the bundle including release bundle information generated based on the one or more files. The operations also include executing a third routine to attach a signature to the bundle to generate a signed bundle, executing a fourth routine to receive a selection from the distribution device of one or more node devices to receive the signed bundle, and executing a fifth routine to initiate transmission of the signed bundle to each of the one or more node devices. 
     According to another embodiment, a method for receiving a software release is described. The method includes initiating a release bundle transaction session corresponding to a software release, and receiving a bundle including signed release bundle information. The method further includes verifying a source of the signed release bundle information, and after verification of the source, identifying a transaction directory. In some implementations, the transaction directory may be a temporary transaction directory. The method also includes verifying each of one or more files corresponding to the signed release bundle information is included in the transaction directory, and closing the release bundle transaction session in response to verification, based on the signed release bundle information, that each of the one or more files is included in the transaction directory. In some such implementations, closure of the release bundle transaction in response to the verification makes the bundle files available for download via an API. For example, the bundle files may be made available from the transaction directory (e.g., a temporary transaction directory), or may be stored from the transaction directory to another portion of a memory (or to a different memory) and made available form the other portion of the memory (or from the different memory). 
     According to yet another embodiment, a system for receiving a software release is described. The system includes at least one memory storing instructions and one or more processors coupled to the at least one memory. The one or more processors are configured to execute the instructions to cause the one or more processors to initiate a release bundle transaction session corresponding to a software release, and receive a bundle including signed release bundle information. The one or more processors are further configured to execute the instructions to cause the one or more processors to verify a source of the signed release bundle information, and after verification of the source, identify a transaction directory. The one or more processors are also configured to execute the instructions to cause the one or more processors to verify each of one or more files corresponding to the signed release bundle information is included in the transaction directory. The one or more processors are also configured to execute the instructions to cause the one or more processors to close the release bundle transaction session in response to verification, based on the signed release bundle information, that each of the one or more files is included in the transaction directory. In some such implementations, closure of the release bundle transaction in response to the verification makes the one or more files corresponding to the software release available for download via an application program interface (API). 
     According to another embodiment, a computer program product is described that includes a computer-readable storage device, such as a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, that includes instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform operations for distributing a software release. The operations include executing a first routine to initiate a release bundle transaction session corresponding to a software release, and executing a second routine to receive a bundle including signed release bundle information. The operations further include executing a third routine to verify a source of the signed release bundle information, and executing a fourth routine to, after verification of the source, identify a transaction directory. The operations also include executing a fifth routine to verify each of one or more files corresponding to the signed release bundle information is included in the transaction directory, and executing a sixth routine to close the release bundle transaction session in response to verification, based on the signed release bundle information, that each of the one or more files is included in the transaction directory. In some such implementations, closure of the release bundle transaction in response to the verification makes the one or more files corresponding to the software release available for download via an application program interface (API). 
     The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the present disclosure. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific implementations disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the embodiments, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, in which: 
         FIG.  1    is a block diagram of an example of a system that includes a server for distribution of a software release; 
         FIG.  2    is a block diagram of another example of a system for distribution of a software release; 
         FIG.  3    is a block diagram of another example of a system for distributing a software release; 
         FIGS.  4 A- 4 B  illustrate an example of different stages of a software release distribution; 
         FIGS.  5 A- 5 C  illustrate another example of different stages of a software release distribution; 
         FIG.  6    is a ladder diagram to illustrate an example of a distribution transaction for a release bundle; 
         FIG.  7    is a flow diagram of an example of a method for distributing a software release; 
         FIG.  8    is a flow diagram of an example of a method for receiving a software release; 
         FIG.  9    is a flow diagram of another example of a method for receiving a software release; 
         FIGS.  10 A- 10 B  illustrate examples of views associated with creating a release bundle; 
         FIGS.  11 A- 11 D  illustrate examples of views associated with adding a query to create a release bundle; 
         FIGS.  12 A- 12 G  illustrate examples of views associated with viewing a release bundle; 
         FIGS.  13 A- 13 B  illustrate examples of views associated with signing a release bundle; 
         FIG.  14    illustrates an example of a view associated with cloning a release bundle; 
         FIGS.  15 A- 15 B  illustrate examples of views associated with distributing a release bundle; 
         FIGS.  16 A- 16 C  illustrate examples of views associated with distributing a prior version of a release bundle; 
         FIGS.  17 A- 17 B  illustrate examples of views associated with viewing distributed release bundles; 
         FIG.  18    illustrates an example of a view associated with a release bundle repository; and 
         FIGS.  19 A- 19 C  illustrate examples of views associated with deleting a release bundle. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Inventive concepts utilize a system to distribute a software release. To illustrate, an entity or user may indicate one or more files for distribution as a software release to one or more devices (e.g., one or more node devices). For example, the one or more files may correspond to a build job for software (e.g., services, infrastructure, or a combination thereof) to be deployed to and/or updated at the one or more devices. Based on the one or more files, a release bundle may be generated that includes release bundle information. The release bundle information includes, for each file of the one or more files, a checksum, meta data, or both. In some implementations, the release bundle information may constitute a manifest of the one or more files to be distributed as the software release. 
     Embodiments also provide that, after generation of the release bundle, a signature may be attached to the release bundle to generate a signed release bundle that is immutable. In some implementations, the signature may be generated and/or attached based on private key corresponding to the entity or user. 
     In some embodiments, a release bundle transaction session may be initiated with each of one or more node devices and the signed release bundle (including the release bundle information) is sent to one or more node devices during the release bundle transaction session. A node device that receives the release bundle can identify a transaction directory, such as a portion of a memory, for receiving at least one file of the one or more files corresponding to the signed release bundle. In some implementations, after receiving the signed release bundle, the node device may verify a source of the signed release bundle and may identify the transaction directory after verification of the source. To illustrate, the node device may include a public key that corresponds to the private key of the entity or user and may verify the signature based on the public key. The node device may receive the at least one file (of the one or more files corresponding to the signed release bundle) and store the at least one file at the transaction directory. In some implementations, less than all of the one or more files corresponding to the software release may be received at the node device as a result of some of the one or more files already being present at the node device. 
     Embodiments also provide that the release bundle transaction session may be closed after verification, based on the signed release bundle information, that each of the one or more files is present/available at the node device. For example, to verify that each of the one or more files is present/available at the node device, the node device may generate a checksum for the at least one file in the transaction directory and verifies that the checksum matches a checksum included in the signed release bundle. In some implementations, after verification that each of the one or more files is present/available at the node device, the one or more files may be provided to a memory of a node device and meta data included in the signed release bundle information may be applied to the one or more files transferred to the memory. 
     The foregoing features provide a system for generation and/or use of a release bundle to efficiently, consistently, and securely distribute of software. This can be advantageous in a number of scenarios. For example, the release bundle including the release bundle information may be generated, transmitted, and/or stored to indicate one or more files of a software release, such as one or more files corresponding to multiple services, multiple applications, and/or multiple types of files. The release bundle provided to a node device may advantageously be used to identify/verify a source of the release bundle, identify/verify the one or more files, and arrange/assemble the one or more files. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more release bundles corresponding to software may be analyzed to troubleshoot an issue with the software and/or revert to a prior version of the software. In some implementations, the release bundle may be signed to render the release bundle immutable, thereby protecting the release bundle from tampering and increasing security of the software release. Additionally, or alternatively, prior to the release bundle being provided to the node device, each of the one or more files corresponding to the release bundle may be analyzed to determine whether or not the file poses a security risk or vulnerability and/or is compliant with one or more rules. Thus, the systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media of the present disclosure describe deploying software efficiently, consistently, and securely. 
     Certain units described in this specification have been labeled as modules in order to more particularly emphasize their implementation independence. A module is “[a] self-contained hardware or software component that interacts with a larger system.” Alan Freedman, “The Computer Glossary” 268 (8th ed. 1998). A module may comprise a machine- or machines-executable instructions. For example, a module may be implemented as a hardware circuit comprising custom VLSI circuits or gate arrays, off-the-shelf semiconductors such as logic chips, transistors, or other discrete components. A module may also be implemented in programmable hardware devices such as field programmable gate arrays, programmable array logic, programmable logic devices or the like. 
     Modules may also include software-defined units or instructions, that when executed by a processing machine or device, transform data stored on a data storage device from a first state to a second state. An identified module of executable code may, for instance, comprise one or more physical or logical blocks of computer instructions that may be organized as an object, procedure, or function. Nevertheless, the executables of an identified module need not be physically located together, but may comprise disparate instructions stored in different locations that, when joined logically together, comprise the module, and when executed by the processor, achieve the stated data transformation. A module of executable code may be a single instruction, or many instructions, and may even be distributed over several different code segments, among different programs, and/or across several memory devices. Similarly, operational data may be identified and illustrated herein within modules, and may be embodied in any suitable form and organized within any suitable type of data structure. The operational data may be collected as a single data set, or may be distributed over different locations including over different storage devices. 
     In the following description, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of programming, software modules, user selections, network transactions, database queries, database structures, hardware modules, hardware circuits, hardware chips, etc., to provide a thorough understanding of the present embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the disclosure. 
     As used herein, various terminology is for the purpose of describing particular implementations only and is not intended to be limiting of implementations. For example, as used herein, an ordinal term (e.g., “first,” “second,” “third,” etc.) used to modify an element, such as a structure, a component, an operation, etc., does not by itself indicate any priority or order of the element with respect to another element, but rather merely distinguishes the element from another element having a same name (but for use of the ordinal term). The term “coupled” is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically; two items that are “coupled” may be unitary with each other. The terms “a” and “an” are defined as one or more unless this disclosure explicitly requires otherwise. The term “substantially” is defined as largely but not necessarily wholly what is specified (and includes what is specified; e.g., substantially 90 degrees includes 90 degrees and substantially parallel includes parallel), as understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art. In any disclosed embodiment, the term “substantially” may be substituted with “within [a percentage] of” what is specified, where the percentage includes 0.1, 1, or 5 percent; and the term “approximately” may be substituted with “within 10 percent of” what is specified. The phrase “and/or” means and or. To illustrate, A, B, and/or C includes: A alone, B alone, C alone, a combination of A and B, a combination of A and C, a combination of B and C, or a combination of A, B, and C. In other words, “and/or” operates as an inclusive or. 
     The terms “comprise” (and any form of comprise, such as “comprises” and “comprising”), “have” (and any form of have, such as “has” and “having”), and “include” (and any form of include, such as “includes” and “including”). As a result, an apparatus that “comprises,” “has,” or “includes” one or more elements possesses those one or more elements, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more elements. Likewise, a method that “comprises,” “has,” or “includes” one or more steps possesses those one or more steps, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more steps. 
     Any embodiment of any of the systems, methods, and article of manufacture can consist of or consist essentially of—rather than comprise/have/include—any of the described steps, elements, and/or features. Thus, in any of the claims, the term “consisting of” or “consisting essentially of” can be substituted for any of the open-ended linking verbs recited above, in order to change the scope of a given claim from what it would otherwise be using the open-ended linking verb. Additionally, the term “wherein” may be used interchangeably with “where.” 
     Further, a device or system that is configured in a certain way is configured in at least that way, but it can also be configured in other ways than those specifically described. The feature or features of one embodiment may be applied to other embodiments, even though not described or illustrated, unless expressly prohibited by this disclosure or the nature of the embodiments. 
     Referring to  FIG.  1   , a block diagram of a system that includes a server for distribution of a software release is shown and designated  100 . System  100  includes a server  110  (e.g., a repository server), a network  120 , data sources  130 , an entity server  140 , an entity  150 , a node device  160 , and user equipment  170 . 
     Server  110  may include one or more servers that, according to one implementation, are configured to perform several of the functions and/or operations described herein. One or more of the servers comprising server  110  may include memory, storage hardware, software residing thereon, and one or more processors configured to perform functions associated with system  100 , as described further herein at least with reference to  FIGS.  2  and  3   . One of skill in the art will readily recognize that different server and computer architectures can be utilized to implement server  110 , and that server  110  is not limited to a particular architecture so long as the hardware implementing server  110  supports the functions of the repository system disclosed herein. As shown in  FIG.  1   , user equipment can be used to enable an owner and/or administrator of repository server  110  to access and modify aspects (e.g., instructions, applications, data) of repository server  110 . For example, components comprising user equipment  170 , such as one or more processors  172 , can be used to interface with and/or implement the server  110 . Accordingly, user equipment  170  (e.g., a user station) may serve as a repository portal by which a user may access a repository system, such as a universal artifact repository, disclosed herein. The portal can function to allow multiple users, inside and outside system  100  (e.g., at multiple instances of user equipment  170 ), to interface with one another. Additionally, it is noted that the one or more components described with reference to user equipment  170  may also be included in one or more of repository server  110 , entity server  140 , entity  150 , and/or node device.  160 . 
     As shown, server  110  includes one or more artifacts  114  and release bundle information  116 . Artifacts may include one or more binaries (e.g., a computer file that is not a text file). The artifacts may correspond to one or more package types. For example, a first artifact may correspond to a first package type, such as Maven, and a second artifact may correspond to a second package type, such as Bower. The release bundle information indicates a list of files (e.g., artifacts) to be included in the release bundle and meta data (e.g., properties) associated with the release bundle. The release bundle information may include, for each file of the bundle release, a checksum (of the file), meta data (corresponding to the file), or both. In some implementations, the release bundle also include additional meta data (e.g., file name, file size, path to the file, etc.) corresponding to the release bundle, such as a release bundle name, a version number, a source identifier, description information, release date, a size. Additionally, or alternatively, the release bundle information may include a signature (or other cryptography technique) to render the release bundle information immutable. 
     Network  120 , such as a communication network, may facilitate communication of data between server  110  and other components, servers/processors, and/or devices. For example, network  120  may also facilitate communication of data between server  110  and one or more data sources  130 , entity server  140 , a node device  160 , or any combination therefore. Network  120  may include a wired network, a wireless network, or a combination thereof. For example, network  120  may include any type of communications network, such as a direct PC-to-PC connection, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a modem-to-modem connection, the Internet, intranet, extranet, cable transmission system, cellular communication network, any combination of the above, or any other communications network now known or later developed within which permits two or more electronic devices to communicate. 
     Data sources  130  include the sources from which server  110  collects information. For example, data sources may include one or more reciprocities of artifacts, such as open source artifacts, vulnerability data, and/or license data, as illustrative, non-limiting examples. 
     Entity server  140  may include one or more servers which entity  150  uses to support its operations. In some implementations, entity  150  includes or is configured to generate (or initiate generation of) a release list  152 . Release list  152  corresponds to one or more files (e.g., artifacts) to be included in a software release. For example, release list  152  may correspond to a build job. In some implementation, entity  150  provides release list  152  to server  110  to cause server  110  to generate release bundle information  116 . In other implementations, entity  150  provides a query and/or one or more parameters for a query which is performed by server  110  to generate release list  152  and/or release bundle information  116  at server  110 . To illustrate, entity  150  initiate a query by server  110  to identify one or more files corresponding to a particular build job identifier and to generate corresponding release bundle information (e.g.,  116 ). 
     Entity  150  may include any individual, organization, company, corporation, department (e.g., government), or group of individuals. For example, one entity may be a corporation with retail locations spread across multiple geographic regions (e.g., counties, states, or countries). As another example, another entity may be a corporation with cruise ships. As another example, another entity may be a group of one or more individuals. In a particular implementation, entity  150  includes a business and at least one user who can access server  110 . For example, the user may access server  110  via an application, such as an application hosted by server  110 . To illustrate, the user may have an account (e.g., on behalf of entity  150 ) and may log in to server  110  via the application. Although system  100  shows one entity  150 , in other implementations, system  100  includes multiple entities. In a particular implementation, the multiple entities may include a first entity and a second entity, as describer further herein at least with reference to  FIG.  2   . In such implementations, the first entity and the second entity may be the same entity (e.g., part of the same company) or may be different entities. 
     Node device  160  includes one or more release files  162 . To illustrate, software (e.g., packages), such as the one or more release files  162 , hosted at node device  160  may be part of a release bundle which is a secure and immutable collection of software packages that make up a release. In some implementations, the release files  162  include or correspond to release list  152 , release bundle information  116 , or both. 
     In some implementations, node device  160  may include or correspond to entity  150 . Although system  100  is shown as having one node device  160 , in other implementations, the system  100  may include multiple node devices (e.g.,  160 ). Node device  160  may include a data center, a point-of-sale, a mobile device, or an Internet of things (IoT) device. In some implementations, node device  160  includes a communications device, a fixed location data unit, a mobile location data unit, a mobile phone, a cellular phone, a satellite phone, a computer, a tablet, a portable computer, a display device, a media player, or a desktop computer. Alternatively, or additionally, node device  160  may include a set top box, an entertainment unit, a navigation device, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a monitor, a computer monitor, a television, a tuner, a radio, a satellite radio, a music player, a digital music player, a portable music player, a video player, a digital video player, a digital video disc (DVD) player, a portable digital video player, a satellite, a vehicle or a device integrated within a vehicle, any other device that includes a processor or that stores or retrieves data or computer instructions, or a combination thereof. In other illustrative, non-limiting examples, the system, the device, or the apparatus may include remote units, such as hand-held personal communication systems (PCS) units, portable data units such as global positioning system (GPS) enabled devices, meter reading equipment, or any other device that includes a processor or that stores or retrieves data or computer instructions, or any combination thereof. 
     With respect to user equipment  170 , user equipment may include one or more processors  172 , memory  174 , a communication adapter  176 , an input/output adapter  178 , a display adapter  180 , a user interface adapter  182 , and a bus  184 . As shown, each of one or more processors  172 , such as a central processing unit (CPU), memory  174 , communication adapter  176 , input/output adapter  178 , display adapter  180 , and user interface adapter  182  are coupled to/via bus  184 . As noted above, one or more components of user equipment  170  may also be included in one or more other devices, such as server  110 , to enable and/or support operations and functionality at the other device. 
     One or more processors  172  may include a CPU or microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (“GPU”), and/or microcontroller that has been programmed to perform the functions of user equipment  170 . Implementations described herein are not restricted by the architecture of the one or more processors  172  so long as the one or more processors  172 , whether directly or indirectly, supports the operations described herein. The one or more processors  172  may be one component or multiple components that may execute the various described logical instructions. 
     Memory  174  includes read only memory (ROM)  186  and random access memory (RAM)  188 . ROM  186  may store configuration information for booting user equipment  170 . ROM  186  can include programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), optical storage, or the like. User equipment  170  may utilize RAM  188  to store the various data structures used by a software application. RAM  188  can include synchronous RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM), or the like. ROM  186  and RAM  188  hold user and system data, and both ROM  186  and RAM  188  may be randomly accessed. In some implementations, memory  174  may store the instructions that, when executed by one or more processor  172 , cause the one or more processors  172  to perform operations according to aspects of the present disclosure, as described herein. 
     Communications adapter  176  can be adapted to couple user equipment  170  to a network, which can be one or more of a LAN, WAN, and/or the Internet. Therefore, in some embodiments, server  110  may be accessed via an online portal. The I/O adapter  178  may couple user equipment  170  to one or more storage devices  190 , such as one or more of a hard drive, a solid state storage device, a flash drive, a compact disc (CD) drive, a floppy disk drive, a tape drive, and/or the like. Also, data storage devices  190  can be a separate server coupled to user equipment  170  through a network connection to I/O adapter  178 . Display adapter  180  can be driven by one or more processors  172  to control presentation via display device  192 . In some implementations, display adapter  180  may display a graphical user interface (GUI) associated with a software or web-based application on display device  192 , such as a monitor or touch screen. User interface adapter  182  couples user interface device  194 , such as a keyboard, a pointing device, and/or a touch screen to the user equipment  170 . The I/O adapter  178  and/or the user interface adapter  182  may, in certain embodiments, enable a user to interact with user equipment  170 . Any of devices  172 - 184  may be physical and/or logical. 
     The concepts described herein are not limited to the architecture of user equipment  170 . Rather, user equipment  170  is provided as an example of one type of computing device that can be adapted to perform the functions of server  110  and/or a user interface device. For example, any suitable processor-based device can be utilized including, without limitation, personal data assistants (PDAs), tablet computers, smartphones, computer game consoles, multi-processor servers, and the like. Moreover, the systems and methods of the present disclosure can be implemented on application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), very large scale integrated (VLSI) circuits, or other circuitry. In fact, persons of ordinary skill in the art may utilize any number of suitable structures capable of executing logical operations according to the described embodiments. Additionally, it should be appreciated that user equipment  170 , or certain components thereof, may reside at, or be installed in, different locations within system  100 . 
     In some implementations, server  110  can comprise a server and/or cloud-based computing platform configured to perform operations and/or execute the steps described herein. Accordingly, server  110  may include a particular purpose computing system designed, configured, or adapted to perform and/or initiate operations, functions, processes, and/or methods described herein and can be communicatively coupled with a number of end user devices (e.g., user equipment  170 ), which can be, e.g., a computer, tablet, Smartphone, or other similar end user computing device. Users can interact with server  110  using a device via one or more networks, such as network  120 , which itself can comprise one or more of a local intranet, a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), a virtual private network (VPN), and the like. As will be apparent to those of skill in the art, communicative coupling between different devices of system  100  can be provided by, e.g., one or more of wireless connections, a synchronous optical network (SONET) connection, a digital T1, TN, E1 or E3 line, Digital Data Service (DDS) connection, DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) connection, an Ethernet connection, and the like. 
     Referring to  FIG.  2   , a block diagram of a system for distribution of a software release according to an embodiment is shown as a system  200 . System  200  may include or correspond to at least a portion of system  100 . System  200  includes server  110 , networks  120   a ,  120   b , entities  150   a ,  150   b , node devices  160   a ,  160   b ,  160   c ,  160   d , and a server  298 . As shown in  FIG.  2   , system  200  is spread across multiple regions, such as a first region  202  and a second region  204 . For example, each region may correspond to a different city, county, state, country, continent, or other physical or logical distinction. To illustrate, first region  202  may include or correspond to North America (e.g., the United States) and second region  204  may include or correspond to Asia (e.g., Japan). 
     As shown, server  110  is included in first region  202  and server  298  is included in second region  204 . Server  298  may be a repository server and may include or correspond to server  110 . In some implementations, server  110  and server  298  may be included in a universal artifact management system. Networks  120   a ,  120   b  may include or correspond to network  120 . Each of the entities  150   a ,  150   b  may include or correspond to entity  150 . In some implementations, a first entity  150   a  and a second entity  150   b  may be part of the same group, company, etc., or may be part of different groups, companies, etc. Each of node devices  160   a ,  160   b ,  160   c ,  160   d  may include or correspond to node device  160 . In some implementations, each of node devices  160   a ,  160   b ,  160   c ,  160   d  corresponds to the same entity. In other implementations, at least one node device of node devices  160   a ,  160   b ,  160   c ,  160   d  corresponds to another entity. 
     Server  110  may include a memory  210  (e.g., one or more memory devices), one or more processors  250 , and a network interface  270 . Network interface  270  may be configured to be communicatively coupled, via one or more networks (e.g.,  120   a ,  120   b ) to one or more external devices, such as one or more of entities (e.g.,  150   a ,  150   b ), one or more node devices (e.g.,  160   a ,  160   b ,  160   c ,  160   d ), one or more servers (e.g.,  298 ), one or more data sources (e.g.,  130 ), or any combination thereof. For example, network interface  270  may include a transmitter, a receiver, or a combination thereof (e.g., a transceiver). 
     Memory  210  may include ROM devices, RAM devices, one or more HDDs, flash memory devices, SSDs, other devices configured to store data in a persistent or non-persistent state, or a combination of different memory devices. Memory  210  includes (e.g., is configured to store) instructions  212 , artifacts  218  (e.g., binaries), meta data  220 , a transaction log  224 , and entity data  230 . For example, memory  210  may store instructions  212 , that when executed by the one or more processors  250 , cause the processor(s)  250  to perform functions, methods, processes, operations as described further herein. In some implementations, instructions  212  may include or be arranged as an application  214  (e.g., a software program) associated with a universal artifact repository. For example, application  214  may provide a portal via which one or more entities and/or users interact with and access server  110 . Application  284  at entity  150   a  and application  294  at node device  160   a  are configured to enable entity  150   a  and node device  160   a  to communicate with and/or access server  110 . In some implementations, each of application  284  and application  294  enable functionality as described with respect to server  110 . In other implementations, application  284  and application  294  may enable and/or support less than all of the functionality as described with reference to server  110 . To illustrate, application  294  may not provide functionality as described with reference to analyzer  258 . 
     In some implementations, memory  210  includes multiple memories accessible by processor  250 . In some such implementations, one or more of the memories may be external to server  110 . To illustrate, at least one memory may include or correspond to a database accessible to server  110 , such as a database that stores artifacts  218 , meta data  220 , transaction log  224 , entity data, or any combination thereof. In some implementations, memory  210  may include or be coupled to cloud storage such that one or more of artifacts  218 , meta data  220 , transaction log  224 , entity data is stored at a cloud storage location and accessible by server  110 . 
     Artifacts  218  may include or correspond to artifacts  114 . Meta data  220  may include meta data for artifacts  114 , meta data for application  214 , meta data for one or more release bundles (e.g.,  116 ), or any combination thereof. Meta data for an artifact (e.g.,  114 ) may include a file name, a file size, a checksum of the file, and/or one or more properties that annotate the artifact, such as when the artifact was created by a build, a build job name, an identifier of who initiate the build, a time the build was initiated, a build agent, a CI server, a build job number, a quality assurance test passed indicator, as illustrative, non-limiting examples. 
     Transaction log  224  may track one or more transactions such as storage, modification, and/or deletion of an artifact (e.g.,  218 ), meta data (e.g.,  220 ), release bundle information (e.g.,  116 ), permissions, or any combination thereof. In some implementations, transaction log  224  may be utilized to maintain data consistency between servers in different regions, such as server  110  and server  298 . To illustrate, in implementations where each server  110 ,  298  is to have the same set of artifacts (e.g.,  218 ) and/or meta data (e.g.,  220 ), the transaction log  224  provides an indication of what data (e.g., artifacts and/or meta data) needs to be up added, updated, and/or removed between the servers  110 ,  298 . 
     Entity data  230  may include data associated with one or more entities. For example, entity data  230  may include or correspond to one or more of entity  150   a ,  150   b . Entity data  230  may include one or more credentials  232 , package type information  234 , and a node device log  236 . Credential  232  include login information to enable one or more users and/or one or more entities to access server  110 . Additionally, or alternatively, credential  232  may include security or authentication information, such as a private key and/or public key of a user and/or entity. Package type information  234  may identify one or more package types used by the corresponding entity. As illustrative, non-limiting examples, the one or more package types may include Bower, Chef, CocoaPods, Conan, Conda, CRAN, Debian, Docker, Git LFS, Go, Helm, Maven, npm, NuGet, Opkg, P2, PHP Composer, Puppet, PyPI, RPM, RubyGems, SBT, Vagrant, and VCS. Node device log  236  includes node device information of one or more node devices corresponding to an entity of entity data  230 . To illustrate, node device log  236  may include topology information (e.g., location information) of one or more node devices, one or more node device identifiers, owner/manager information, software information (e.g., name, version number, size, etc.) installed at one or more node devices, or any combination thereof, as illustrative, non-limiting examples. 
     Processor  250  may include may be a CPU (e.g., processor  172 ) or microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (“GPU”), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) device, an application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC), another hardware device, a firmware device, a microcontroller, or any combination thereof that has been programmed to perform the functions. As shown in  FIG.  2   , in an implementation, server  110  (e.g., processor  250 ) may comprise a manager  252 , a deployer  253 , a replicator  254 , a tracker  256 , an analyzer  258 , and an indexer  260 . In some implementations, processor  250  may include one or more modules. For example, each of manager  252 , deployer  253 , replicator  254 , tracker  256 , analyzer  258 , and indexer  260  may include or correspond to one or more modules. In an implementation, server  110  (e.g., processor  250  or modules  252 ,  253 ,  254 ,  256 ,  258 ,  260 ) may be configured to execute one or more routines that perform various operations as described further herein. A module is “[a] self-contained hardware or software component that interacts with a larger system.” Alan Freedman, “The Computer Glossary”  268  (8th ed. 1998). A module may comprise a machine- or machines-executable instructions. A module may also be implemented in programmable hardware devices such as field programmable gate arrays, programmable array logic, programmable logic devices or the like. Modules may also include software-defined units or instructions, that when executed by a processing machine or device, transform data stored on a data storage device from a first state to a second state. Modules may be separate or two or more may be combined. 
     In some implementations, one or more of modules (e.g.,  252 ,  253 ,  254 ,  256 ,  258 ,  260 ) may locally reside in memory  210  or in a separate location. Further, as will be understood by those of skill in the art, a “module” can include an application-specific integrated circuit (“ASIC”), an electronic circuit, a processor (shared, dedicated, or group) that executes one or more of software or firmware, a combinational logic circuit, and/or other suitable components that provide the described functionality. 
     Referring to processor  250 , manager  252  may be configured to enable a user (e.g.,  150   a ) to manage one or more other components/modules (e.g.,  253 ,  254 ,  256 ,  258 ,  260 ) of processor  250 . Additionally, or alternatively, manager  252  may enable storage of and/or access to one or artifacts (e.g.,  114 ). In some implementations, manager  252  may enable administration of multiple instances of a user account, such as a first instance at server  110  and a second instance at server  298 . Accordingly, manager  252  may be configured to operate as an administrative tool that enables an entity (e.g.,  150   a ) to monitor and control a first instance of a user account (corresponding to first region  202 ) and a second instance of the user account (corresponding to second region  204 ). For example, the entity (e.g.,  150   a ) may be able to see which services (e.g.,  253 ,  254 ,  256 ,  258 ,  260 ) are operating in different regions, add/modify/remove individual users in different regions, set different permissions for individual users in different regions, provide and store one or more public keys, etc. In some implementations, manager  252  includes a manager module that includes one or more routines, executable by one or more processors (e.g., the processor  172  of  FIG.  1   ) or processor  250  to enable a user (e.g.,  150   a ) to manage one or more other components/modules (e.g.,  253 ,  254 ,  256 ,  258 ,  260 ) of processor  250 , as described herein. 
     Deployer  253  may be configured to perform a software release distribution. For example, deployer  253  provides a secure and structured platform to distribute release binaries as a single coherent release bundle to multiple remote locations and update them as new release versions are produced. To illustrate, deployer  253  enables generation of a release bundle, auditing and traceability by tracking all changes associated with a release bundle distribution of the release bundle including permission levels release content, scheduling of a release bundle for distribution, tracking of a release bundle, stopping distribution of a release bundle, and/or selection of target destinations. Additionally, or alternatively, a software release may be provisioned amongst one or more nodes devices (e.g.,  160   a ,  160   b ,  160   c ,  160   d ). In some implementations, as part of the release flow, release bundles are verified by the source destination to ensure that they are signed correctly and safe to use. In some implementations, deployer  253  includes a deployer module that includes one or more routines, executable by one or more processors (e.g., the processor  172  of  FIG.  1   ) or processor  250  to perform a software release distribution as described herein. 
     Replicator  254  may be configured to coordinate and provide one or more artifacts (e.g., one or more files) and/or meta data between two or more devices. For example, replicator  254  may coordinate transfer of one or more artifacts (e.g., one or more files) and/or meta data between server  110  and server  298 , between server  110  and one or more of node devices  160   a ,  160   b ,  160   c ,  160   d , or both. In some implementations, replicator  254  is configured to be used in conjunction with deployer  253  to distribute a software release, provide efficient network utilization by optimizing replication, and reducing network load and release bundle synchronization time from source device (e.g., server  110 ) to target instance (e.g., server  298 ) or node device (e.g.,  160   a ,  160   b ,  160   c ,  160   d ). Additionally, or alternatively, replicator  254  may be configured to identify a difference between multiple files stored at a first device (e.g., server  110 ) and one or more files stored at a second device (e.g., server  298  or a node device), and initiate transfer of at least one file (e.g., less then all of the multiple files) to the second device. In some implementations, replicator  254  includes a replicator module that includes one or more routines, executable by one or more processors (e.g., the processor  172  of  FIG.  1   ) or processor  250  to coordinate and provide one or more artifacts (e.g., one or more files) and/or meta data between two or more devices. 
     Tracker  256  may be configured to track one or more artifacts, meta data, one or more release bundles, or any combination thereof deployed or attempted to be deployed to a node device, such as one or more of node devices  160   a ,  160   b ,  160   c ,  160   d . In some implementations, tracker  256  includes a tracker module that includes one or more routines, executable by one or more processors (e.g., the processor  172  of  FIG.  1   ) or processor  250  to track one or more artifacts, meta data, one or more release bundles, or any combination thereof deployed or attempted to be deployed to a node device, such as one or more of node devices  160   a ,  160   b ,  160   c ,  160   d.    
     Analyzer  258  may be configured to analyze one or more artifacts (e.g.,  218 ) and/or meta data (e.g.,  222 ) to identify a vulnerability corresponding to the one or more artifacts, determine license compliance of the one or more artifacts, and/or determine an impact of an issue with a deployed file (e.g., artifact). In some implementations, analyzer  258  is configured to analyze data stored at memory  210 , identify issues related to deployed software, perform recursive scanning, and perform an impact analysis. In some implementations, analyzer  258  includes an analyzer module that includes one or more routines, executable by one or more processors (e.g., the processor  172  of  FIG.  1   ) or processor  250  to analyze one or more artifacts (e.g.,  218 ) and/or meta data (e.g.,  222 ) to identify a vulnerability corresponding to the one or more artifacts, determine license compliance of the one or more artifacts, and/or determine an impact of an issue with a deployed file (e.g., artifact). 
     Indexer  260  may be configured to provide an indexing capability, including maintaining interdependencies and information, for one or more package types. Additionally, or alternatively, indexer  260  is configured to generate meta data (e.g.,  220 ), such as meta data defined by a universal artifact repository manager and utilized by one or more of manager  252 , deployer  253 , replicator  254 , tracker  256 , and analyzer  258 . In some implementations, indexer  260  includes an indexer module that includes one or more routines, executable by one or more processors (e.g., the processor  172  of  FIG.  1   ) or processor  250  to provide an indexing capability, including maintaining interdependencies and information, for one or more package types. 
     Referring to  FIG.  3   , a block diagram of a system for distribution of a software release is shown and designated  300 . System  300  may include or correspond to at least a portion of system  100  and/or system  200 . System  300  includes a distributor device  310 , a release device  320 , and a node device  360 . Distributor device  310 , release device  320 , and node device  360  may be coupled via one or more networks, such as network  120 . Distributor device  310  may include or correspond to entity server  140 , entity  150 ,  150   a ,  150   b , or any combination thereof. Release device  320  may include or correspond to server  110 , server  298 , or a combination thereof. Node device  360  may include or correspond to node device  160 ,  160   a ,  160   b ,  160   c ,  160   d.    
     Distributor device  310  includes one or more processors  312  and a memory  314 . Memory  314  includes a private key  316  that corresponds to a public key  368  that is provided to one or more node devices (e.g.,  360 ). Additionally, memory  314  may include instructions (not shown) that are executable by processor  312  to cause processor  312  to perform one or more operations. In some implementations, the instructions may include or be arranged as an application, such as application  284  (e.g., a software program), associated with release device  320 . Although system  300  is described as including one distributor device  310 , in other implementations, system  300  may include multiple distributor devices (e.g.,  310 ) coupled to release device  320 . 
     Release device  320  includes one or more processors  322  and a memory  330 . Memory  330  may include or correspond to memory  210 . Memory  330  includes a one or more files  332  (e.g., artifacts) and a node device log  334 . The one more files  332  may include or correspond to artifacts  114  and/or artifacts  218 . Node device log  334  may include or correspond to node device log  236 . Additionally, memory  330  may include instructions (not shown) that are executable by processor  322  to cause processor  322  to perform one or more operations. In some implementations, the instructions may include or be arranged as an application, such as application  214  (e.g., a software program). 
     As shown, processor  322  includes deployer  253 . Deployer  253  includes a bundle generator  324 , a checksum generator  326 , and a signature generator  328 . For example, each of bundle generator  324 , checksum generator  326 , and signature generator  328  may include or correspond to one or more modules or sub-modules. Although deployer  253  is described as including bundle generator  324 , checksum generator  326 , and signature generator  328 , in other implementations, one or more of bundle generator  324 , checksum generator  326 , and signature generator  328  may be distinct from deployer  253 . 
     Bundle generator  324  is configured to generate a release bundle and/or release bundle information, such as release bundle information  384 . In some implementations, bundle generator  324  includes a bundle generator module that includes one or more routines, executable by one or more processors (e.g., the processor  172  of  FIG.  1    or processor  250  of  FIG.  2   ) or processor  322  to generate a release bundle and/or release bundle information (e.g.,  384 ) as described herein. 
     Checksum generator  326  is configured to generate a checksum based on one or more files, meta data corresponding to the one or more files, or any combination thereof. In some implementations, checksum generator  326  includes a checksum generator module that includes one or more routines, executable by one or more processors (e.g., the processor  172  of  FIG.  1    or processor  250  of  FIG.  2   ) or processor  322  to generate a checksum based on one or more files, meta data corresponding to the one or more files, or any combination thereof. 
     Signature generator  328  is configured to generate a signature and/or encode a release bundle. In some implementations, signature generator  328  includes a signature generator module that includes one or more routines, executable by one or more processors (e.g., the processor  172  of  FIG.  1    or processor  250  of  FIG.  2   ) or processor  322  to generate a signature and/or encode a release bundle. 
     Although system  300  is described as including one release device  320 , in other implementations, system  300  may include multiple release devices (e.g.,  320 ) coupled to distributor device  310  and/or node device  360 . Additionally, or alternatively, it is noted that release device  320  (e.g., processor  322 ) may include one or more additional components or modules, such as manager  252 , replicator  254 , tracker  256 , analyzer  258 , and/or indexer  260 , as illustrative, non-limiting examples. 
     Node device  360  includes one or more processors  362 , a memory  366  (e.g., one or more memories), and a transaction directory  370 . Transaction directory  370  may include or correspond to a storage device configured to receive and store one or more files. In some implementations, transaction directory  370  is distinct from memory  366 . In other implementations, transaction directory includes a logical or virtual portion of memory  366 . 
     Memory  366  includes public key  368 . Public key  368  may correspond to private key  316 . Additionally, memory  366  may include instructions (not shown) that are executable by processor  362  to cause processor  362  to perform one or more operations. In some implementations, the instructions may include or be arranged as an application, such as application  294  (e.g., a software program). Additionally, or alternatively, memory  366  may include one or more files (e.g., software), such as software corresponding to a release bundle. 
     Processor  362  includes a checksum generator  364 . Checksum generator  364  is configured to generate a checksum based on one or more files, meta data corresponding to the one or more files, or any combination thereof. In some implementations, checksum generator  364  includes a checksum generator module that includes one or more routines, executable by one or more processors (e.g., the processor  172  of  FIG.  1   ) or processor  362  to generate a checksum based on one or more files, meta data corresponding to the one or more files, or any combination thereof. 
     Although system  300  is described as including one node device  360 , in other implementations, system  300  may include multiple node devices (e.g.,  360 ) coupled to release device  320 . Additionally, or alternatively, it is noted that node device  360  (e.g., processor  362 ) may include one or more additional components or modules, such as manager  252  and/or replicator  254 , as illustrative, non-limiting examples. 
     During operation of system  300 , distributor device  310  (e.g., entity  150 ) may perform a build job to generate one or more files corresponding to a software release. The one or more files of the software release may be intended to be distributed to one or more node devices (e.g.,  360 ). Distributor device  310  may imitate a distribution transaction and/or generation of a release bundle including release bundle information  384  by sending a release list  380  and/or a command to generate a release bundle. Although described as distributor device  310  sending release list  380 , in other implementations, distributor device  310  may initiate a query at release device  320  to cause release device  320  to identify one or more artifacts for the release bundle. In a particular implementation, the query may include a domain specific Query Language for release device  320  that allows querying the different types of meta data stored at release device  320  (e.g., memory  210 ,  330 ) or accessible by processor  322 . To illustrate, the query language query may be configured to search meta data corresponding to release device  320  to identify and retrieve one or more files to be included in the release bundle. For example, the query language query may indicate to retrieve files corresponding to a particular build job identifier. In some implementations, the query may include a name of the release bundle, a version of the release bundle, an automatic sign indicator to automatically sign the release bundle upon creation, a storage location from which to acquire one or more files (e.g., one or more artifacts), a description of the release bundle, release bundle notes for the version, or any combination thereof, as illustrative, non-limiting examples. Additionally, or alternatively, the query may be generated using a template provided by release device  320  in which distributor device  310  populates one or more fields of the template to generate the query. Alternatively, distributor device  310  may identify a previously generated release bundle and clone the previously generated release bundle. In some implementations, distributor device  310  may modify one or more aspects (e.g., one or more parameters) of the cloned release bundle, such as version number for the cloned release build, as an illustrative, non-limiting example. 
     In response to release list  380  (or a query), release device  320  may identify the one or more artifacts for the release bundle and generate the release bundle information  384 . For example, bundle generator  324  may receive release list  380  and/or query results and generate release bundle information  384 . For each file (e.g., artifact) indicated by release list  380  and/or the query results, checksum generator  326  may generate a corresponding checksum that is provided to bundle generator  324 . In other implementations, the checksum for each file may have be previously generated and stored at memory  330  as meta data for the file. Bundle generator  324  may generate release bundle information  384  to include, for each file, a checksum and meta data (e.g., file name, size, path, etc.). In some implementations, the release bundle information may include meta data corresponding to the release bundle, such as a bundle name, a version number, a description, a release date, etc. In some such implementations, checksum generator  326  may generate a checksum value for an entirety (e.g., all of) the one or more files of the release bundle and the generated checksum may be included in the release bundle information. 
     In some implementations, release bundle information  384  may be made available to distributor device for review, modification, and/or approval. Additionally, or alternatively, release bundle information may be cryptographically signed to make release bundle information immutable. For example, signature generator  328  may generate signature  386  (e.g., perform asymmetric cryptography) that is applied to release bundle information  384 . To illustrate, signature generator  328  may generate signature  386  based on private key  316 . In some implementations, distributor device (e.g., entity  150 ) may select and/or provide the cryptographic scheme to be applied to release bundle information  384 . 
     In addition to initiating generation of a release bundle (e.g., release bundle information  384 ), distributor device  310  may provide a node device selection  382  to release device  320 . Node device selection may indicate one or more node devices, such as node device  360 , to receive the release bundle. In some implementations, node device selection  382  may also indicate at least one distribution path for at least one node that indicates a path via which the release bundle (e.g., release bundle information  384  and/or one or more files) are to be provided to the at least one node device. 
     Release device  320  (e.g., deployer  353 ) may send release bundle information  384  to node device  360 . Additionally, release device  320  may initiate sending one or more files (e.g.,  332 ) of the release bundle to node device  360 . Transmission of release bundle information  384  and/or one or more files to node device  360  may comprise a point-to-point transaction. In some implementations, release device  320  may send less than all of the files that correspond to the release bundle. To illustrate, node device  360  may provide or indicate one or more files present at node device  360 , a most recent version of software to be update, an indication of at least one file not present at node device  360  (and indicated and/or identified by release bundle information), or a combination thereof. In such implementations, based on the information provided by node device  360 , release device  320  may identify which files need to be provided to node device  360  such that node device  360  has all the files for the release bundle. In some implementations, one or more files may be transmitted together or separately, or a single file may be dividing into multiple portions that are transmitted separately. In implementations where release device  320  sends release bundle information  384  to multiple node devices, release device  320  may provide a first set of one or more files to a first node device such that that the first node device has all the files for the release bundle and may provide a second set of one or more files (different from the first set of one or more files) to a second node device such that that the second node device has all the files for the release bundle. In some 
     Node device  360  receives release bundle information  384  and confirms a source of the release bundle information  384 . To confirm the source, node device  360  may verify signature  386  using public key  368 . If node device  360  does not confirm the source, the node device  360  discards the release bundle information  384  and does not accept one or more files received from release device  320  for storage in transaction directory  370 . Alternatively, if node device  360  confirms the source, the node device  360  accepts one or more files received from release device  320  and stores the one or more files in transaction directory  370 . To illustrate, based on confirmation/verification of the source, node device  360  receives and stores one or more release files  388  (corresponding to the bundle release) at transaction directory  370 . 
     After receiving release files, node device  360  may verify that all files corresponding to the release bundle (e.g., release bundle information  384 ) have been received and/or are available to node device  360 . For example, node device  360  may verify that each of one or more files corresponding to the signed release bundle information  384  is included in transaction directory  370 . To illustrate, for each file (e.g.,  388 ) included in transaction directory, checksum generator  364  may generate a corresponding checksum that is compared to the one or more checksums included in release bundle information  384 . Additionally, or alternatively, checksum generator  364  may generate a checksum for an entirety (e.g., all) of the files as a single group and compare the generated checksum to a corresponding checksum included in the release bundle information. If the two checksums match, then node device  360  has verified that all of the one or more files corresponding to the release bundle are present/accessible to node device  360  and have been arranged in the correct order as specified/indicated by release bundle information  384 . 
     If node device  360  identifies a checksum value that does not match a checksum value included in release bundle information  384 , node device  360  determines that distribution of the release bundle has failed. In such implementations, node device  360  may notify release device and/or distributor device of the failure. Additionally, or alternatively, if less than all of the files needed in the transaction directory are present, node device  360  may send a notification/request to request retransmission (e.g., redistribution) of the file that is not present. 
     If all files are verified as being present/accessible to node device  360 , node device  360  may send an acknowledgement to distributor device  310  and/o release device  320 . Additionally, after verification that all files are present/accessible to node device  360 , node device  360  may move all the files of the release bundle (e.g.,  388 ) to memory  366  and apply meta data (from release bundle information  384  to the files. To illustrate, the move operation of the files may be a database transaction such that all of the files are moved to memory  366  or none of the files are moved to memory  366 . In some implementation, upon a successful move operation, node device  360  sends an acknowledgment/notification to distributor device  310  and/or release device  320 . Additionally, or alternatively, after verification that all files are present/accessible to node device  360 , node device  360  may make the files available for download (to another device) via an API. In some such implementations, the files may be available for download from transaction directory  370  and/or may be moved to memory  366  and available for download from memory  366 . 
     In some implementations, release device  320  may include analyzer  258 . Analyzer  258  may be configured to analyze one or more files corresponding to the release bundle. In some implementations, in response to generation of release bundle information  384 , analyzer  258  may receive release bundle information  384  and parse release bundle information  384  to identify one or more files of the release bundle. For each file, analyzer  258  may determine whether a vulnerability exists corresponding to the file, whether one or more usage rules (e.g., a license rule) are violated, etc. If an issue is identified, analyzer may initiate a notification and/or prohibit further processing/use of release bundle information  384 . Additionally, or alternatively, analyzer  258  may review release bundle information  384  after release bundle information  384  is signed and/or after deployment of the release bundle corresponding to release bundle information  384 . For example, release device  320  may store release bundle information  384  at memory  330  and analyzer  258  may analyze the stored release bundle information  384  to determine if a vulnerability exists with respect to the release bundle information. To illustrate, analyzer  258  may review the stored release bundle information periodically, based on identification of new vulnerability, based on identification of expiration of a licenses, or any combination thereof, as illustrative, non-limiting example. 
     In some implementations, distributor device  310  may generate and/or update node device log. Accordingly, node device log  334  may indicate a topology of one or more node devices (e.g.,  360 ) corresponding to distributor device  310 . In some implementations, node device log  334   m  indicate a path to and/or an address of a node device, a most recently installed bundle provided to and/or stored at the node device, or both. 
     According to yet another embodiment, a system for distributing a software release is described. The system includes at least one memory storing instructions and one or more processors coupled to the at least one memory. The one or more processors are configured to execute the instructions to cause the one or more processors to receive an indication from a distributor device of one or more files for distribution. The one or more processors are further configured to execute the instructions to cause the processor to generate a bundle based on the one or more files, and attach a signature to the bundle to generate a signed bundle. The one or more processors can further be configured to receive a selection from the distribution device of one or more node devices to receive the signed bundle, and initiate transmission of the signed bundle to each of the one or more node devices. 
     In some implementations, the one or more processors are also configured to execute the instructions to cause the processor to generate the bundle comprising release bundle information generated based on the one or more files. For example, to generate the release bundle information, the one or more processors are further configured to execute the instructions to cause the processor to, for each file of the one or more files, generate a corresponding checksum. As another example, to generate the release bundle information, the one or more processors are further configured to execute the instructions to cause the one or more processors to, for an entirety of the one or more files, generate a checksum. 
     According to another embodiment, a computer program product is described that includes a computer-readable storage device, such as a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, that includes instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform operations for distributing a software release. The operations include executing a first routine to receive an indication from a distributor device of one or more files for distribution. The operations further include executing a second routine to generate a bundle based on the one or more files, the bundle including release bundle information generated based on the one or more files. The operations also include executing a third routine to attach a signature to the bundle to generate a signed bundle, executing a fourth routine to receive a selection from the distribution device of one or more node devices to receive the signed bundle, and executing a fifth routine to initiate transmission of the signed bundle to each of the one or more node devices. 
     In some implementations, a first node device of the one or more node devices comprises an Internet of things (IoT) device. Additionally, or alternatively, the signed bundle is immutable. 
     According to yet another embodiment, a system for receiving a software release is described. The system includes at least one memory storing instructions and one or more processors coupled to the at least one memory. The one or more processors are configured to execute the instructions to cause the processor to initiate a release bundle transaction session corresponding to a software release, and receive a bundle including release bundle information. The one or more processors are further configured to execute the instructions to cause the processor to verify a source of the release bundle information, and after verification of the source, identify a transaction directory. The one or more processors are also configured to execute the instructions to cause the processor to verify each of one or more files corresponding to the signed release bundle information is included in the transaction directory; and close the release bundle transaction session in response to verification, based on the signed release bundle information, that each of the one or more files is included in the transaction directory. In some such implementations, closure of the release bundle transaction in response to the verification makes the one or more files corresponding to the software release available for download via an application program interface (API). For example, the bundle files may be made available from the transaction directory (e.g., a temporary transaction directory), or may be stored from the transaction directory to another portion of a memory (or to a different memory) and made available form the other portion of the memory (or from the different memory). 
     In some implementations, the one or more processors are further configured to execute the instructions to cause the one or more processors to: identify a signature corresponding to the release bundle information, the signature generated based on a private key of a distributor device; access a public key from a memory of a node device; and decode the signature based on the public key. Additionally, or alternatively, the one or more processors are further configured to execute the instructions to cause the one or more processors to execute the one or more files. 
     According to another embodiment, a computer program product is described that includes a computer-readable storage device, such as a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, includes instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform operations for distributing a software release. The operations include executing a first routine to initiate a release bundle transaction session corresponding to a software release, and executing a second routine to receive a bundle including release bundle information. The operations further include executing a third routine to verify a source of the release bundle information, and executing a fourth routine to, after verification of the source, identify a transaction directory. The operations also include executing a fifth routine to verify each of one or more files corresponding to the signed release bundle information is included in the transaction directory, and executing a sixth routine to close the release bundle transaction session in response to verification, based on the signed release bundle information, that each of the one or more files is included in the transaction directory. In some such implementations, closure of the release bundle transaction in response to the verification makes the one or more files corresponding to the software release available for download via an application program interface (API). 
     In some implementations, the operations further include: in response to verification that each of the one or more files is include in the transaction directory, generating a checksum for the one or more files; and identifying a checksum included in the release bundle information. In some such implementations, the operations further include transferring of the one or more files from the transaction directory to a memory of a node device based on a match between the checksum for the one or more files and the checksum for the release bundle. Alternatively, the operations further include, in response to a determination that each of one or more files corresponding to the release bundle information is not included in the transaction directory, rejecting the software release. 
     Thus, system  300  describes generation and/or use of a release bundle, including release bundle information  384 , to efficiently, consistently, and securely distribute of software. For example, release bundle information  384  may be generated, transmitted, and/or stored to indicate one or more files (e.g.,  322 ) of a software release, such as one or more files corresponding to multiple services, multiple applications, and/or multiple types of files. The release bundle (e.g., release bundle information  384  and one or more files) provided to node device  360  may advantageously be used to identify/verify a source of the release bundle, identify/verify the one or files, and arrange/assemble the one or more files. In some implementations, the release bundle may be signed (with signature  386 ) to render the release bundle immutable, thereby protecting the release bundle from tampering and increasing security of the software release. Additionally, or alternatively, prior to and/or after the release bundle being provided to the node device, each of the one or more files corresponding to the release bundle may be analyzed to determine whether or not the file poses a security risk or vulnerability and/or is compliant with one or more rules. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  4 A- 4 B  and  FIGS.  5 A- 5 C , examples of different stages of a software release are shown. As described with reference to  FIGS.  4 A- 4 B  and  FIGS.  5 A- 5 C , the different stages are described with reference to entity  150 , server  110 , and one or more node devices  160 . Entity  150  may include or correspond to entity server  140 , entity  150   a ,  150   b , and/or distributor device  310 . Server  110  may include or correspond to server  298  and/or release device  320 . Node device  160  may include or correspond to node device  160   a ,  160   b ,  160   c ,  160   d , and/or node device  360 . As shown server  110  includes memory  210 , manager  252 , deployer  253 , and replicator  254 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  4 A , a creation stage is shown and designated  400 . In  FIG.  4 A , entity  150  provides a create release bundle information command  410  and/or provides release bundle information to server  110  (e.g., to deployer  253 ). In some implantations, entity  150  sends a query to deployer  253  to cause deployer  253  to generate the release bundle information, such as release bundle information  116 ,  384 . To illustrate, entity  150  may use an API call to create  410  and provide release bundle information. The command  410  may specify a variety of parameters including the files to be included in the release bundle and the different properties associated with the release bundle. The release bundle information includes a list of files (e.g., artifacts) to be included in the release bundle and meta data (e.g., properties) associated with the release bundle. 
     Responsive to receiving the command  410 , deployer  253  fetches  416  one or more artifacts and meta data from memory  210  (such as by executing a query). For example, deployer  253  issues fetch commands to the memory  210  to retrieve the artifacts to be included in the release bundle, and the meta data associated with the artifacts. The meta data may include file names, file sizes, dates and times of storage, and/or other information associated with the artifacts (e.g., files). 
     Release bundles/release bundle information may be created and distributed from any server to which entity  150  is connected. Each release bundle may only contain artifacts from a single server. To create a release bundle/release bundle information, deployer  253  runs queries against memory  210  in order to retrieve the selected artifact references and properties. In a particular implementation, only those artifacts to which the triggering user has access can be collected into the release bundle. Deployer  253  generates release bundle information, which may include checksums for each artifact (e.g., file) in the release bundle as well as meta data for each artifact. The release bundle information may include or correspond to release bundle information  116 ,  384 . 
     To prevent tampering with the release bundle, the release bundle may be signed, such as using a key (e.g., a GNU Privacy Guard (GPG) key, as a non-limiting example). The same key is then used by node device  160  to validate the release bundle before it is accepted. Alternatively, the signature may be performed using distributed keys (e.g., a private key and a public key). One a release bundle is signed, the release bundle is immutable (e.g., not changeable), and any file (e.g., artifact) included in a release bundle cannot be deleted from memory  210 . 
     In some implementations, command  410  may be provided using the API call. Additionally, or alternatively, command  410  can be provided using a graphical user interface. A GUI for creating a release bundle is further described with reference to  FIGS.  10 A- 10 B . In some implementations, providing command  410  requires release bundle write permissions. Regardless of how the release bundle is initiated/created, the artifacts to be included in the release bundle are specified through a set of queries that can be defined by a user. A GUI for creating queries is further described with reference to  FIGS.  11 A- 11 D . When creating a release bundle, artifact properties are fetched from memory  210  into the release bundle. Additional custom properties can be added during the initial release bundle version creation. These additional properties can transferred to node device  160  as part of the distribution process. 
     Referring to  FIG.  4 B , a distribution stage is shown and designated  450 . In  FIG.  4 B , entity  150  provides a distribute release bundle command  452  to server  110  (e.g., to deployer  253 ). In a particular implementation, entity  150  provides command  452  via a Distribute Release Bundle REST API endpoint corresponding to deployer  253 . In some implementations, command  452  may include or identify one or more node devices to receive the release bundle. 
     Responsive to command  452 , deployer  253  discovers  458  one or more node devices to which the release bundle is to be distributed. For example, deployer  253  may query manager  252  for a list of node devices and/or node device locations/addresses. The one or more node devices may have been selected by a user and communicated from entity  150  to manager  252 . After generating the release bundle information, deployer  253  transmits  462  the release bundle information to node devices  160  (e.g., the node devices). The release bundle information enables node devices  160  to determine whether the respective node device  160  already stores all of the artifacts in the release bundle. For example, each node device  160  may generate checksums for artifacts in the latest release bundle stored at the node device  160  and compare the generated checksums to the checksums received from deployer  253 . If each checksum received from deployer  253  matches a generated checksum at node device  160 , then node device  160  already stores all the artifacts in the release bundle. However, if at least one checksum received from deployer  253  does not match a generated checksum, then node device  160  is missing at least one artifact of the release bundle. 
     After transmitting  462  the release bundle information, deployer  253  initiates  466  replication with replicator  254 . For example, initiating replication may cause replicator  254  to replicate one or more of the artifacts (e.g., files) in the release bundle for distribution to node devices  160 . In some implementations, deployer  253  provides the artifacts to replicator  254  for replication. In other implementations, deployer  253  provides identification of the artifacts, and replicator  254  retrieves the artifacts from memory  210 . In some implementations, replicator  254  replicates and/or distributes all the artifacts in the release bundle for distribution. In other implementations, node devices  160  determine which artifacts are not stored at node devices  160  and transmit this information to server  110 . Based on this information, replicator  254  only replicates and/or distributes the artifacts needed by node devices  160  (instead of replicating all the artifacts in the release bundle). 
     Referring to  FIGS.  5 A- 5 C , different stages of the distribution stage  450  of  FIG.  4 B  are shown. For example, referring to  FIG.  5 A , a first stage is shown and designated  500 . In first stage  500 , entity  150  initiates distribution  510  to nodes by sending a command or instruction to server  110  (e.g., to deployer  253 ). The command or instruction includes information on the nodes to which the release bundle is to be distributed. Responsive to initiation of distribution  510 , deployer  253  discovers  458  information about the nodes. For example, deployer  253  communicates with manager  252  to determine information, such as location information, addresses, etc., of the node devices. 
     After obtaining the information associated with the node devices, deployer  253  starts the distribution transaction  462  and transmits the release bundle information to node devices  160  (e.g., the node devices). In some implementations, starting the distribution transaction with the node devices  160  includes initiating a communication session between server  110  and node devices  160 . The release bundle information may include checksums and meta data associated with the artifacts (e.g., files) in the release bundle to be distributed, as well as a signature used to sign the release bundle. Providing the signature enables node devices  160  to validate the authenticity of the bundle as a whole. In some implementations, the release bundle information (or a signature attached to the release bundle information) may be encrypted by a private key, and node devices  160  may store a public key that enables decryption and/or validation of the release bundle information (or the signature). A GUI that enables a user to perform the distribution process is described further herein with reference to  FIGS.  15 A- 15 B . 
     Referring to  FIG.  5 B , a second stage is shown and designated  530 . In second stage  530 , deployer  253  initiates  466  replication (e.g., the distribution of artifacts) by sending a command or instruction to replicator  254 . In some implementations, deployer  253  provides the artifacts and meta data to replicator  254 . In other implementations, replicator  254  retrieves the artifacts and meta data from memory  210 . Replicator  254  replicates the artifacts and distributes them to node devices  160 . In some implementations, replicator  254  replicates all the artifacts in the release bundle and provides all the replicated artifacts to each of the node devices  108  (or to another device, such as a server) that serves the node devices  108 . In other implementations, node devices  160  compare the release bundle information to information (e.g., checksums) generated at node devices  160  to determine which artifacts each node device  160  is missing. Node devices  160  provide information on missing artifacts to server  110  (e.g., to replicator  254 ). Based on this information, replicator  254  only replicates artifacts that are needed by node devices  160 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  5 C , a third stage is shown and designated  550 . In third stage  550 , server  110 /deployer  253  closes  552  one or more distribution transactions. For example, deployer  253  may notify node devices  160  that the transaction is complete and/or terminates the communication session(s). In some implementations, the transaction(s) may be closed responsive to node devices  160  validating the integrity of the transferred files by authenticating the release bundle (e.g., using a key) and/or by computing checksums of the received files and comparing the computed checksums to the checksums received in the release bundle information. If the files are verified, the files removed from transaction directory  370  and are stored (e.g., hosted) in a particular storage location (e.g., memory  366 ) of node devices  160 , as described with reference to  FIG.  3   . In some such implementations, he bundle files available for download from the particular storage location (and/or from transaction directory  370 ) via an API. To illustrate, the bundle files may be made available after verification and/or after closure of the communications session. Additionally, in some such implementations, 
     Thus,  FIGS.  4 A- 4 B and  5 A- 5 C  illustrate examples of stages of creation and distribution of a release bundle. In this manner, entity  150  is able, using a few commands, to initiate distribution of a release bundle (e.g., a collection of files) to one or more node devices  160  without directly transferring each file from entity  150  to node devices  160 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  6   , a ladder diagram illustrating an example of a distribution transaction for a release bundle is depicted and generally designated  600 . For example, the ladder diagram  600  depicts an example to illustrate distribution of a signed release bundle/signed release bundle information. The ladder diagram  600  includes or corresponds to system  100 ,  200 ,  300 . As shown, a system of ladder diagram  600  includes a distributor device  602 , a source release device  604 , a source replicator device  606 , a target replicator device  608 , a target release device  610 , and a node device  160 . 
     In a particular implementation, some of the components  602 - 610  may be included in (or have the operations performed by) entity  150 ,  150   a ,  150   b  (e.g., distributor device  310 ), server  110 ,  298  (e.g., release device  320 ), node device  160 ,  160   a ,  160   b ,  160   c ,  160   d ,  360 , and/or an intermediate receiving device (e.g., a second provider server or a customer server). For example, distributor device  602  may include or correspond to entity  150 ,  150   a ,  150   b  and/or distributor device  310 . Source release device  604  and source replicator device  606  may include or correspond to server  110 ,  298  and/or release device  320 . To illustrate, source release device  604  may include or correspond to manager  252  and/or deployer  253  and source replicator device  606  may include or correspond to replicator  254 . Target replicator device  608  and target release device  610  may correspond to one or more other devices, such as another server (which includes a replicator and, optionally, a deployer). In an alternate implementation, target replicator device  608  and target release device  610  are incorporated in node device  160 ,  160   a ,  160   b ,  160   c ,  160   d ,  360  (e.g., as modules or instructions executed by a processor of node device  160 ). In some implementations, distributor device  602  may generate and display a GUI to enable a user to initiate or perform some of the operations described herein. Examples of one or more GUIs are described further herein at least with reference to  FIGS.  10 A- 10 B,  11 A- 11 D,  12 A- 12 G,  13 A- 13 B,  14 ,  15 A- 15 B,  16 A- 16 B,  17 A- 17 B,  18 , and  19 A- 19 C . 
     During operation, at  620 , distributor device  602  starts a distribution transaction with target release device  610 . Distributor device  602  may start the transaction by initiating a release bundle distribution with source release device  604 , and source release device  604  may initiate a communication session with target release device  610  (or the device that includes target release device  610 ). For example, distributor device  602  may provide command  410 , as described with reference to  FIG.  4 A . 
     Distributor device  602  initiates replication of the files corresponding to the release bundle, at  622 . Responsive to the initiation, source release device  604  may fetch  416  the artifacts and meta data from memory, as described with reference to  FIG.  4 A , and retrieve information regarding the node devices, such as discovering  458  node devices, as described with reference to  FIG.  4 B . Source release device  604  may also generate release bundle information (e.g., checksums and meta data) for the artifacts in the release bundle. 
     Source release device  604  gets closest release information from target release device  610 , at  624 . For example, source release device  604  may transmit  462  the release bundle information to target release device  610 , as described with reference to  FIGS.  4 B and  5 A . The release bundle information may include checksums and meta data associated with the artifacts (e.g., files) in the release bundle. Target release device  610  may receive the release bundle information and generate checksums based on artifacts (e.g., files) stored at target release device  610  (or at node device  160 ). Target release device  610  may compare the generated checksums to the received checksums to determine if any of the artifacts of the release bundle are not stored at target release device  610  (or at node device  160 ). In some implementations, responsive to a get request, target release device  610  obtains bundle request information for a most recent bundle release received at target release device  610  (e.g., node device  160 ) and sends the most recent bundle request information to source release device  604  (e.g., source replicator device  606 ). In some implementations, source release device  604  receives the most recent bundle release information from target release device  610  and provides the most recent bundle release information to source replicator device  606 . 
     Source release device  605  gets a replicator uniform resource locator (URL), at  626 . The replicator URL may indicate a location/address of target replicator device  608  corresponding to target release device  610  (e.g., node device  160 ). For example, responsive to a get replicator URL request, the replicator URL may be provided to source release device  604 . In some implementations, source release device  604  receives the replicator URL (of target replicator device  608 ) from target release device  610  and provides the replicator URL to source replicator device  606 . 
     Source release device  604  replicates the files in the release bundle, at  628 . For example, source release device  604  may initiate  466  replication, as described with reference to  FIGS.  4 B and  5 B . Source replicator device  606  calculates a difference between the replicated artifacts and the artifacts stored at target release device  610  (or node device  160 ), at  630 . For example, source replicator device  606  may compare the release bundle information (for the distribution transaction) and the most recent bundle release information (received from target release device  610 ). Calculating the difference includes determining which artifacts in the release bundle are not currently stored at target release device  610  (or node device  160 ). After determining the list of missing artifacts, source replicator device  606  uploads the missing parts (e.g., artifacts) to target replicator device  608  at  632 ,  634 , and  636 . As an illustrative example, three parts (e.g., one or more artifacts) are uploaded. In other implementations, more than three or fewer than three parts can be uploaded. In some implementations, at least one part of  632 ,  634 ,  636  includes multiple artifacts. 
     Target replicator device  608  reassembles the file, at  638 . For example, target replicator device  608  combines the uploaded artifacts with the artifacts already stored at target release device  610  (or node device  160 ) to recreate the release bundle. To illustrate, target replicator device  608  may assemble the artifacts based on release bundle information (for the distribution transaction). In this manner, only the artifacts that are not already stored are transmitted between devices, thus reducing network bandwidth requirements. 
     After the release bundle is assembled, target replicator device  608  uploads the file to target release device  610 , at  640 . In some such implementations, target replicator device  608  may assemble the artifacts based on release bundle information (for the distribution transaction) and verify that all artifacts are present. Based on verification, the artifacts may be uploaded to target release device  610  and made available for down load via an API. To illustrate, target release device  610  may receive an request (e.g., an API request) from node device  160  such that the artifacts are downloaded to node device  160  from target release device  610 . In such implementations, artifacts may be temporarily stored at target replicator device  608  and, based on verification, may be moved to another storage location/device corresponding to target release device. 
     Target release device  610  uploads the release bundle to node device  160  at  642 . As the release bundle is received at node device  160 , it may be stored in temporary storage, such as transaction directory  370  (e.g., temporary transaction directory). After the full file is received, and optionally verified, the file may be moved to memory  366 . 
     After distribution is complete, distributor device  602  closes the transaction, at  644 . For example, distributor device  602  may cause source release device  604  to close  552  (e.g., terminate) a communication session, as described with reference to  FIG.  5 C . 
     Thus,  FIG.  6    demonstrates how distribution of a release bundle occurs between distributor device  602 , source release device  604 , source replicator device  606 , target replicator device  608 , target release device  610 , and node device  160 . In the implementation illustrated in  FIG.  6   , only artifacts that are not already stored at target release device  610  (or node device  160 ) are transmitted between devices (e.g., via a network), which reduces network bandwidth usage as compared to transmitting an entirety of the release bundle. In other implementations, an entirety of the release bundle can be transmitted to improve to reduce complexity of the replicator devices. 
       FIGS.  7 - 9    are flow diagrams of methods of distributing and receiving a software release. Each of the methods of  FIGS.  7 - 9    may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium as instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the operations of the method (e.g.,  700 ,  800 ,  900 ). In some such implementations, method(s) also includes generating one or more graphical user interfaces (GUIs) via which the first inquiry set is uploaded, the result of the modeling is displayed, the input to initiate mapping the response is received, or a combination thereof. 
     Referring to  FIG.  7   , a flow diagram of a method for distributing a software release according to an embodiment is shown as a method  700 . In a particular implementation, method  700  may be performed by server  110 ,  298  (e.g., one or more processors  250 ,  322 , deployer  253  and/or replicator  254 ), release device  320 , source release device  604 , and/or source replicator device  606 . 
     At  702 , method  700  includes receiving an indication from a distributor device of one or more files for distribution. For example, the distributor device may include or correspond to entity server  140 , entity  150 ,  150   a ,  150   b , distributor device  310 , or distributor device  602 . The one or more files may include or correspond to artifact(s)  114 , release file(s)  162 , artifacts  218 , meta data  220 , files(s)  332 , and/or release file(s)  388 . 
     At  704 , method  700  includes generating a bundle based on the one or more files. The bundle includes release bundle information generated based on the one or more files. For example, the bundle may include the one or more files and the release bundle information. The release bundle information may include or correspond to release bundle information  114 ,  384 . 
     At  706 , method  700  includes attaching a signature to the bundle to generate a signed bundle. For example, the signature may include signature  386 . In a particular implementation, the signed bundle is immutable. 
     At  708 , method  700  includes receiving a selection from the distribution device of one or more node devices to receive the signed bundle. For example, the one or more node devices may include or correspond to node device  160 ,  160   a ,  160   b ,  160   c ,  160   d ,  360 . In a particular implementation, a first node device of the one or more node devices includes an Internet of things (IoT) device. At  710 , method  700  includes initiating transmission of the signed bundle to each of the one or more node devices. 
     In a particular implementation, method  700  includes receiving a list of release updates from the distributor device. The list of release updates corresponds to the one or more files. For example, the list may include or correspond to release list  152  or release list  380 . In this implementation, method  700  also includes identifying the one or more files based on the list of release updates and accessing each of the one or more files. Alternatively, receiving the list may include receiving one or more parameters for a query and/or initiating a query to generate the release list. 
     In some implementations, generating the bundle includes generating the release bundle information based on the one or more files. Additionally, or alternatively, the one or more files include one or more parts. In this implementation, generating the release bundle information includes, for each part of the one or more parts, generating a checksum and/or generating a bundle checksum for an entirety of the one or more or more files. In this implementation, the release bundle information does not include the one or more files. 
     In a particular implementation, method  700  includes generating the signature based on a private key corresponding to the distributor device. Additionally, or alternatively, method  700  may include verifying that the signed bundle is transmitted to (was received at) the one or more node devices. In some such implementations, verifying that the signed bundled includes receiving an acknowledgement from the target device (e.g., the node device). If an acknowledgment is not received, method  700  may include retransmitting at least one file of the one or more files, such as after expiration of a time period. In a particular implementation, method  700  includes receiving a notification of at least one file that has not been received at a transaction directory, and retransmitting the at least one file. 
     In a particular implementation, method  700  includes, based on input received from the distributor device, replacing, at least one file of the one or more files with a different file. The bundle is generated based on the different file. Additionally, or alternatively, method  700  may include receiving distribution parameters from the distribution device. The distribution parameters may include a date, a time, or both, corresponding to the transmission of the signed bundle. 
     In a particular implementation, method  700  includes receiving a request to initiate a distribution transaction session from the distribution device and initiating presentation at the distribution device of a user interface for the distribution transaction session. In this implementation, method  700  also includes receiving a transmission request from the distribution device to distribute the signed bundle to the one or more node devices and, after verification that the signed bundle is transmitted to the one or more node devices and each of the one or more files are present at the one or more node devices, closing the distribution transaction session. 
     Thus, method  700  describes distribution of a release bundle (e.g., release bundle information) to efficiently, consistently, and securely distribute of software. For example, the release bundle including the release bundle information may be generated, transmitted, and/or stored to indicate one or more files of a software release, such as one or more files corresponding to multiple services, multiple applications, and/or multiple types of files. Additionally, the release bundle provided to a node device may advantageously be used to identify/verify a source of the release bundle, identify/verify the one or files, and arrange/assemble the one or more files. In some implementations, the release bundle may be signed to render the release bundle immutable, thereby protecting the release bundle from tampering and increasing security of the software release. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more release bundles corresponding to software may be analyzed to troubleshoot an issue with the software and/or revert to a prior version of the software. 
     Referring  FIG.  8   , a flow diagram of a method for receiving a software release according to an embodiment is shown as a method  800 . In a particular implementation, method  800  may be performed by server  110 ,  298  (e.g., one or more processors  250 ,  322 , deployer  253  and/or replicator  254 ), node device  160 ,  160   a ,  160   b ,  160   c ,  160   d , target replicator device  608 , and/or target release device  610 . 
     At  802 , method  800  includes initiating a release bundle transaction session corresponding to a software release. For example, the release bundle transaction session may be initiated between the node device and entity  150 , distributor device  310 ,  602 , server  110 ,  298  (e.g., one or more processors  250 ,  322 , deployer  253  and/or replicator  254 ), release device  320 , source release device  604 , and/or source replicator device  606 . 
     At  804 , method  800  includes receiving a bundle including signed release bundle information. For example, the signed release bundle information may include or correspond to release bundle information  114 ,  384 . In some implementations, the signed release bundle information may include a signature (e.g.,  386 ), such as a signature based on a private key (e.g.,  316 ). 
     At  806 , method  800  includes verifying a source of the signed release bundle information. For example, verifying the source may include verifying the signature using a private key (e.g.,  368 ), which corresponds to the private key (e.g.,  316 ) used to generate the signature. At  808 , method  800  includes, after verification of the source, identifying a transaction directory. For example, the transaction directory may include or correspond to transaction directory  370 . To further illustrate, in some implementations, the signed release bundle information includes, for each of the one or more files, a checksum and metadata corresponding to the file. In these implementations, verifying the source of the signed release bundle information includes identifying a signature corresponding to the signed release bundle information. The signature is generated based on a private key of a distributor device. Verifying the source of the signed release bundle information also includes accessing a public key from a memory of a node device. The public key corresponds to the private key. Verifying the source of the signed release bundle information further includes decoding the signature based on the public key. 
     At  810 , method  800  includes verifying each of one or more files corresponding to the signed release bundle information is included in the transaction directory. For example, verifying each of the one or more files included in the transaction directly may include generating a corresponding checksum for each file and determining whether the checksum matches a checksum included in the signed release bundle information. In some implementations, when at least one file of the one or more files is present (e.g., a node device  160 ,  360  or target release device  610 ), a number of files needed to be included in the transaction directory is fewer than all of the one or more files are received. In such implementations, verifying includes verifying (generating a checksum and comparing the signed release bundle information) each file of the number of files needed in the transaction directory has been received and is present in the transaction directory. Additionally, in such implementations, verifying may include verifying that the at least one file already present (or a generated checksum of the at least one file) is included in the signed release bundle information. In this manner, the verification confirms that all of the files of the release bundle (e.g., corresponding to the signed release bundle) have been received. 
     At  812 , method  800  includes closing the release bundle transaction session in response to verification, based on the signed release bundle information, that each of the one or more files is included in the transaction directory. In some implementations, prior to closing the release bundle transaction session, an acknowledgement may be sent indicating that all the files of the release bundle have been received. Additionally, or alternatively, closing of the release bundle transaction may occur responsive to the acknowledgement. In some such implementations, based on the verification, the one or more files may be made available for download via an API. For example, the one or more files may be made available from the transaction directory or may be moved stored to a particular location form which the one or more files are made available. 
     In a particular implementation, method  800  includes identifying one or more files based on the signed release bundle information and receiving a file to be loaded into the transaction directory. Additionally, or alternatively, in some implementations, method  800  includes, in response to verification that each of the one or more files is included in the transaction directory, generating a checksum for an entirety of the one or more files and identifying a checksum for the whole bundle. In some such implementations, verifying that the signed bundle is transmitted to the one or more node devices includes verifying the one or more files are included in the transaction directory corresponding to the one or more node devices based on a checksum verification. In some such implementations, method  800  further includes receiving, for each file of the at least one file included in the transaction directory, a corresponding checksum and, for each of the received checksums of the at least one file included in the transaction directory, determining whether the checksum matches a checksum of the one or more files. If less than all of the files needed in the transaction directory are present, a notification/request can be sent to request retransmission (e.g., redistribution) of the file that is not present. 
     In some such implementations, method  800  further includes comparing the checksum for the entirety of the one or more files and the checksum for the whole bundle (e.g., a checksum generated for an entirety of the signed release bundle information), authorizing transfer of the one or more files from the transaction directory to a memory of a node device based on a match between the checksum for the entirety of the one or more files and the checksum for the whole bundle, and applying meta data included in the release bundle information to the one or more files transferred to the memory. In some such implementations, closing the release bundle transaction session is further based on the checksum for the entirety of the one or more files and the checksum for the whole bundle. Additionally, or alternatively, method  800  may further include, in response to a determination that each of one or more files corresponding to the signed release bundle information is not included in the transaction directory, rejecting the software release. 
     Thus, method  800  describes distribution of a release bundle (e.g., release bundle information) to efficiently, consistently, and securely distribute of software. For example, the release bundle including the release bundle information may indicate one or more files of a software release, such as one or more files corresponding to multiple services, multiple applications, and/or multiple types of files. Additionally, the release bundle may advantageously be used by a target device (e.g., node device  160 ,  360 , target replicator device  608 , target release device) to identify/verify a source of the release bundle, identify/verify the one or files, and arrange/assemble the one or more files. In some implementations, the release bundle may be signed to render the release bundle immutable, thereby protecting the release bundle from tampering and increasing security of the software release. 
     Referring  FIG.  9   , a flow diagram of a method for receiving a software release according to an embodiment is shown as a method  900 . In a particular implementation, method  900  may be performed by server  110 ,  298  (e.g., one or more processors  250 ,  322 , deployer  253  and/or replicator  254 ), node device  160 ,  160   a ,  160   b ,  160   c ,  160   d , target replicator device  608 , and/or target release device  610 . 
     At  902 , method  900  includes receiving a bundle including signed release bundle information corresponding to one or more files. The signed release bundle information includes meta data and, for each file of the one or more files, a corresponding checksum. At  904 , method  900  includes verifying a source of the signed release bundle information. At  906 , method  900  includes storing at least one received file at a transaction directory. At  908 , method  900  includes verifying each of one or more files corresponding to the signed release bundle information is present. At  910 , method  900  includes verifying an entirety of the one or more files corresponding to the signed release bundle information. At  912 , method  900  further includes storing the one or more files and applying the meta data to a file of the one or more files. 
     Thus, method  900  describes distribution of a release bundle (e.g., release bundle information) to securely distribute of software. For example, release bundle information may indicate one or more files of a software release, such as one or more files corresponding to multiple services, multiple applications, and/or multiple types of files. In some implementations, the release bundle may be signed to render the release bundle immutable, thereby protecting the release bundle from tampering and increasing security of the software release. Additionally, the release bundle may advantageously be used by a target device (e.g., node device  160 ,  360 , target replicator device  608 , target release device) to identify/verify a source of the release bundle, identify/verify the one or files, and arrange/assemble the one or more files. 
     In some implementations, methods  700 ,  800 ,  900  and/or operations described with reference to at least  FIG.  6    can be combined such that one or more operations described with reference to one of the methods of  FIGS.  7 - 9    and one or more operations described above with reference to  FIG.  6    may be combined with one or more operations of another of  FIGS.  7 - 9    and the process of  FIG.  6   . For example, one or more operations of method  700  may be combined with one or more operations of method  800 . As another example, one or more operations of method  800  may be combined with one or more operations of method  900 . Additionally, or alternatively, one or more operations described above with reference to  FIG.  6    may be combined with one or more operations of one of  FIGS.  7 - 8    or of a combination of  FIGS.  7 - 8   . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  10 A- 10 B,  11 A- 11 D,  12 A- 12 G,  13 A- 13 B,  14 ,  15 A- 15 B,  16 A- 16 B,  17 A- 17 B,  18 , and  19 A- 19 C , one or more views provided by system  100 ,  200 ,  300  are shown. To illustrate, the one or more views may be initiated at or by. For example,  FIGS.  10 A- 10 B  include views associated with creating a release bundle.  FIGS.  11 A- 11 D  include views associated with adding a query to create a release bundle.  FIGS.  12 A- 12 G  include views associated with viewing a release bundle.  FIGS.  13 A- 13 B  include views associated with signing a release bundle.  FIG.  14    includes a view associated with cloning a release bundle.  FIGS.  15 A- 15 B  include views associated with distributing a release bundle.  FIGS.  16 A- 16 B  include views associated with distributing a prior version of a release bundle.  FIGS.  17 A- 17 B  include views associated with viewing distributed release bundles.  FIG.  18    includes a view associated with a release bundle repository.  FIGS.  19 A- 19 C  include views associated with deleting a release bundle. 
     One or more of the views may include or correspond to a graphical user interface (GUI) generated by server  110 ,  298  (e.g., on or more processors  250  and/or manager  252 ) and/or release device  320  (e.g. one or more processors  322 ) and presented by a display device, such as a display device of entity  150 ,  150   a ,  150   b , distributor device  310 , and/or distributor device  602 . Additionally, or alternatively, interactions (e.g., input selections) with the views may be initiated by entity  150 ,  150   a ,  150   b , distributor device  310 , and/or distributor device  602  (e.g., a user device) and communicated to server  110 ,  298  (e.g., on or more processors  250  and/or manager  252 ) and/or release device  320  (e.g. one or more processors  322 ), and operations/functions to present and/or modify the views may be performed by server  110 ,  298  (e.g., on or more processors  250  and/or manager  252 ) and/or release device  320  (e.g. one or more processors  322 ) and communicated to entity  150 ,  150   a ,  150   b , distributor device  310 , and/or distributor device  602 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  10 A- 10 B , views associated with creating a new release bundle are shown. For example, referring to  FIG.  10 A , a first view of a GUI is shown and designated  1000 . First view  1000  displays a release bundle page. First view  1000  includes a list of available release bundles, such as illustrative release bundle  1002 . Information about release bundle  1002  is displayed, such as the latest version number, the distribution ID, the start date, the status, and the progress. Although one release bundle is shown, in other implementations, more than one release bundle may be shown if more than one release bundle has been created. First view  1000  also includes an add release bundle option  1004 . Selection of add release bundle option  1004  enables a user to add a new release bundle. Examples of views presented/available responsive to selection of add release bundle option  1004  are described further herein with reference to  FIG.  10 B . 
     Referring to  FIG.  10 B , a second view presented responsive to selection of add release bundle option  1004  is shown and designated  1010 . Second view  1010  displays a new release bundle page. The release bundle page enables a user to create a draft release bundle that can be edited, signed, and finally distributed. Alternatively, the draft phase can be skipped, as further described herein, and a signed release bundle may be generated. 
     The Release Bundle page is divided into three panels: a General Details panel  1012 , a Spec panel  1014 , and a Release Notes panel  1016 . General Details panel  1012  includes information about general details of the release bundle, such as a name, a version, and a description. For example, a name field  1020 , a version field  1022 , and a description field  1024  are included in a particular implementation of General Details panel  1012 . Fields  1020 - 1024  enable a user to select a name, a version, and a description (respectively) for the release bundle. 
     Spec panel  1014  includes information that specifies the location (e.g., memory) from which the release bundle will be assembled and the different queries that will be used to assemble the artifacts within the release bundle. In a particular implementation, a release bundle is assembled from a single memory. Spec panel  1014  includes a source repository field  1030  that enables selection of the server used to assemble the release bundle. Spec panel  1014  also includes a query name  1032  and query details  1034 . Query name  1032  specifies the name of the query that is to be used to assemble the artifacts within the release bundle. To add a new query, new query option  1036  may be selected. Examples of views presented/available responsive to the new query option  1036  are further described herein with reference to  FIGS.  11 A- 11 D . 
     Release Notes panel  1016  includes information that specifies release notes for the release bundle. Release Notes panel  1016  includes a type field  1040  that is used to select the release notes format. In some implementations, supported types include: Markdown, Asciidoc and plain text. Release Notes panel  1016  also includes an edit option  1042  and a preview option  1044 . Selection of edit option  1042  enables editing of the release notes in the selected format, and selection of preview option  1044  enables display of the release notes to enable a user to preview how the release notes will look once rendered. 
     Second view  1010  also includes a cancel option  1046 , a create option  1048 , and a create and sign option  1050 . The cancel option  1046  enables cancellation of the current release bundle. Selection of create option  1048  creates a draft release bundle that can then be edited, signed, and distributed. Alternatively, selection of create and sign option  1050  creates a release bundle without a draft phase and signs the release bundle. In at least some implementations, a signed release bundle is immutable (e.g., cannot be changed). 
     Referring to  FIGS.  11 A- 11 D , views associated with adding a query are shown. For example, referring to  FIG.  11 A , a first view of a GUI is shown and designated  1100 . First view  1100  displays an add query page. The add query page may be displayed by selection of the add new query option  1036  of  FIG.  10 B . First view  1100  includes a progress bar including a query details indicator  1102 , a preview artifacts indicator  1104 , and an additional details indicator  1106 . First view  1100  shows the query details portion of the add query page (as shown by query details indicator  1102  being accented). 
     First view  1100  includes a name field  1108  configured to enable a user to enter a name for the query. First view  1100  also includes query details  1110 . Query details  1110  displays the query to be used to assemble the artifacts in the release bundle. The query can be entered manually or through a query builder that includes options to specify different search criteria including repository names, build names and numbers, properties with specific values, and include and exclude patterns, as non-limiting examples. 
     First view  1100  also includes a cancel option  1112  and a next option  1114 . Selection of cancel option  1112  cancels the current query addition process. Selection of next option  1114  transitions to the preview artifacts portion of the add query page. 
     Referring to  FIG.  11 B , a second view presented responsive to selection of next option  1114  is shown and designated  1120 . Second view  1120  displays a preview artifacts portion of the add query page. For example, information associated with one or more artifacts to be included in the release bundle is displayed. To illustrate, names  1122 , paths  1124 , status  1126 , and sizes  1128  for each artifact are displayed. Names  1122  indicate the names of the artifacts. Paths  1124  indicate the file paths of the artifacts. Status  1126  indicates whether a particular artifact is blocked (e.g., due to a security issue or vulnerability). Sizes  1128  indicate the files sizes of the artifacts. 
     Second view  1120  also includes a cancel option  1130 , a back option  1132 , and a next option  1134 . Selection of cancel option  1130  cancels the current query addition process. Selection of the back option  1132  returns to the query details portion of the add query page. Selection of next option  1134  transitions to the additional details portion of the add query page. 
     Referring to  FIG.  11 C , a third view is shown and designated  1140 . In third view  1140 , an error message  1142  is displayed. To prevent artifacts with issues or vulnerabilities from being delivered to their target servers, release bundles that contain artifacts which have been blocked for download by analyzer  258  of  FIG.  2    due to a detected vulnerability, a security rule, and/or a license rule and cannot be signed, and consequently, cannot be distributed. If the query used to select the artifacts for a release bundle pulls in a blocked artifact, the artifact will be included in the release bundle, and the status  1126  will indicate that it has been blocked. An attempt to sign this release bundle will fail and an error message, such as error message  1142 , is displayed. 
     If the artifact ceases to be blocked for download, to update the status of the artifact, the query that pulls the artifact into the release bundle is run again. If the artifact no longer has the issue, the indication (e.g., the status  1126 ) that it is blocked is removed. Once the “Blocked” indication is removed from the status  1126 , the release bundle can be signed and distributed. Additionally, or alternatively, if the source or target servers specified for the release bundle does not have a correct and valid license, an error message, such as the error message  1142 , is displayed. 
     Referring to  FIG.  11 D , a fourth view presented responsive to selection of next option  1134  is shown and designated  1150 . Fourth view  1150  displays an additional details portion of the add query page. Fourth view  1150  includes an additional properties panel  1152  and a path mappings panel  1154 . The additional properties panel  1152  enables a user to specify a list of properties which will be attached to all artifacts in the release bundle during the distribution process, in addition to those properties the artifacts already have. 
     Path mappings panel  1154  enables a user to specify a list of mappings to govern where artifacts will be placed in the selected target repository according to their location in the selected source repository. Path mappings may be specified using a path mapping template or by creating custom path mappings. In some implementations, a set of commonly used templates are provided for use in setting up path mappings. To use a template, the template is selected from a list of templates, then the user modifies the placeholders to correspond with the desired setup. Some illustrative templates include change repository (e.g., all files in a specific repository on the source repository are mapped to a different repository on the target), change folder (e.g., all files are moved to a specific folder in the target), and rename folder (e.g., all files in a specific folder on the source repository are mapped to a different folder on the target), as non-limiting examples. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  12 A- 12 G , views associated with viewing a release bundle are shown. For example, referring to  FIG.  12 A , a first view of a GUI is shown and designated  1200 . First view  1200  displays a release bundle page. The release bundles that are managed (e.g., by the system  200 ) are displayed, and selection of a particular release bundle enables display of the first view  1200 . 
     First view  1200  includes three panels of information: a versions panel  1202 , a general information panel  1204 , and a details panel  1206 . Versions panel  1202  includes a list of versions of the selected release bundle. Selection of any version in the version panel  1202  enables view of details of the selected version. General information panel  1204  is displayed along the top of the screen and includes general information such as the version, description, creation date, status and size of the release bundle. Details panel  1206  includes details about the selected release bundle version in a series of tabs: a content tab  1210 , a release notes tab  1212 , a distribution tracking tab  1214 , and a spec tab  1216 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  12 B , a second view presented responsive to selection of content tab  1210  is shown and designated  1220 . Second view  1220  represents a close-up view of details panel  1206  when contents tab  1210  is selected. In second view  1220 , details panel  1206  displays the artifacts, builds, and metadata that comprise the release bundle. Selection of one of options  1222  enables a view of details  1224  about artifacts, builds, or release bundle information in the right panel in the details panel  1206 . If an artifact has been blocked for download by the analyzer  258  (in which case, signing and distribution of the release bundle will be prevented), this will be indicated in the Status field for the selected artifact in the details panel  1206 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  12 C , a third view presented responsive to selection of release notes tab  1212  is shown and designated  1230 . Third view  1230  represents a close-up view of details panel  1206  when release notes tab  1212  is selected. Third view  1230  includes release notes  1232  for the release bundle. In some implementations, the release notes are written in Markdown, Asciidoc, or plain text, as non-limiting examples. 
     Referring to  FIG.  12 D , a fourth view presented responsive to selection of distribution tracking tab  1214  is shown and designated  1240 . Fourth view  1240  represents a close-up view of details panel  1206  when distribution tracking tab  1214  is selected. Fourth view  1240  includes a distribution history  1242  for the selected version of the release bundle. Information included in distribution history  1242  includes one or more entries, each entry including a name (e.g., an ID of the distribution action), an action (e.g., the action that was performed, such as distribute), the date and time at which the action was started, the destination (e.g., the distribution target), the status of the action (e.g., completed, failed, etc.), the progress of the action (e.g., the percentage completion and number of attempts at completion), and a summary of some details about the action. 
     The release bundle may be redistributed (if distribution failed) through selection of a redistribution option  1244 . For example, distribution may fail for different reasons such as network issues or outage of a target device (e.g., a server  110 ,  298 , a node device  160 , a release device  320 , a target replicator device  608 , or a target release device). Once the problem preventing distribution is remedied, redistribution of the release bundles can occur to the device where distribution failed. Once a release bundle is selected, the release bundle may be redistributed individually to the specified target device via a redistribution icon that appears, or the release bundle may be redistributed to all target devices selected in a batch process by selection of the redistribution option  1244 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  12 E , a fifth view presented responsive to selection of spec tab  1216  is shown and designated  1250 . Fifth view  1250  represents a close-up view of details panel  1206  when spec tab  1216  is selected. In fifth view  1250 , details panel  1206  displays detail information  1252  including the source reciprocity (e.g., server  110 ) from which the artifacts of this release bundle were assembled as well as the list of queries that assembled the artifacts. Clicking on any of the queries expands the selected query, displaying the details of the query that governed the assembly of the release bundle artifacts. Checking the AQL (query language) checkbox to enables a view of the final AQL query that was used to assemble the artifacts. 
     Referring to  FIG.  12 F , a sixth view presented of the release bundle page is shown and designated  1260 . Sixth view  1260  illustrates a process of editing a release bundle. For example, a version of a release bundle may be selected in versions panel  1202 . After selecting the version of the release bundle, an action list option  1262  is selected, which causes a drop-down menu of options to be displayed. To edit a release bundle, a user selects an edit version option  1264 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  12 G , a seventh view presented in response to selection of edit version option  1264  is shown and designated  1270 . Seventh view  1270  displays an edit release bundle page. The edit release bundle page enables a user to make changes to parameters of the release bundle, such as the name, the version, the source repository, the queries used, and the release notes, similar to as described with reference to  FIG.  10 B . Seventh view  1070  also includes a cancel option  1072 , a save option  1074 , and a save and sign option  1076 . The cancel option  1072  enables cancellation of the current edits to the release bundle. Selection of save option  1074  saves the edits to the release bundle. Alternatively, selection of save and sign option  1076  creates a release bundle (with the edits) without a draft phase and signs the release bundle. In at least some implementations, a signed release bundle is immutable (e.g., cannot be changed). 
     Referring to  FIGS.  13 A- 13 B , views associated signing a release bundle are shown. For example, referring to  FIG.  13 A , a first view of a GUI is shown and designated  1300 . First view  1300  displays a sign release bundle window. The sign release bundle window may be displayed after selection of a sign option, such as create and sign option  1050  or save and sign option  1076 , as non-limiting examples. Signing a release bundle finalizes the process of creating a release bundle. This sets the release bundle status to signed and the release bundle can no longer be edited. In addition, deployer  253  will trigger the source replicator  254  clone the contents of the signed release bundle into an isolated release-bundles repository (e.g., a portion of a memory). The sign release bundle window includes a cancel option  1302  and a sign option  1304 . Selection of the cancel option  1302  cancels the signing process (and returns to a previous screen or removes the sign release bundle window). Selection of the sign option  1304  finalizes the signing process. After signing, the release bundle may be distributed, as described with reference to  FIGS.  15 A- 15 B . 
     Referring to  FIG.  13 B , a second view responsive to an error in the signing process is shown and designated  1310 . In second view  1310 , an error message  1312  is displayed. Error message  1312  is displayed if the release bundle includes any artifacts that have been blocked for download by analyzer  258 . Consequently, the release bundle is unable to be signed. Once the issues are remedied, as described with reference to  FIG.  11 C , the user may again select sign option  1304  to finalize the signing process. 
     Referring to  FIG.  14   , a first view presented of the release bundle page is shown and designated  1400 . First view  1400  illustrates a process of cloning a release bundle. For example, a version of a release bundle may be selected in versions panel  1202 . After selecting the version of the release bundle, an action list option  1402  is selected, which causes a drop-down menu of options to be displayed. To clone a release bundle, a user selects a clone version option  1404 . This will copy the release bundle spec, including its name and queries, into a new release bundle page. Details on the new release bundle page can then be adjusted and saved accordingly. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  15 A- 15 B , views of associated with distributing a release bundle are shown. For example, with reference to  FIG.  15 A , a first view of the release bundle page is shown. First view  1500  includes one or more release bundles, such as illustrative release bundle  1502 . Information associated with release bundles is displayed, including names, latest version numbers, distribution IDs, start times, status, and nodes served. To distribute release bundle  1502 , a user may select distribute option  1504 . In an alternate implementation, distribution may be achieved via use of a distribute release bundle REST API corresponding to deployer  253 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  15 B , a second view of a distribute release bundle window is shown and designated  1510 . The distributed release bundle window may be displayed in response to selection of distribute option  1504 . The distribute release bundle window includes a list of available nodes  1512  (e.g., node devices) that lists the available nodes to which the release bundle may be distributed. A user can select one or more of the displayed nodes and add them to a list of selected nodes  1604 . For example, a node can be “dragged and dropped” (e.g., using a mouse) or selected, followed by selection of an on-screen arrow, to add the selected node to list of selected nodes  1514 . In some implementations, filter fields may be displayed and may enable a user to filter lists  1512 ,  1514 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  16 A- 16 C , views associated with distributing an old release bundle are shown. For example, referring to  FIG.  16 A  a first view of the release bundle page is shown. First view  1600  includes one or more release bundles, such as illustrative release bundle  1602 . Information associated with release bundles is displayed, including names, latest version numbers, distribution IDs, start times, status, and nodes served. To select an older version, a user first selects the release bundle to be distributed. 
     Referring to  FIG.  16 B , a second view of a release bundle page is shown and designated  1610 . Second view  1610  is displayed in response to selection of release bundle  1602 . In a versions panel, a user may select an older version of the release bundle, such as illustrative older version  1612 . Information about older version  1612  may be displayed, as described with reference to  FIGS.  12 A- 12 E . To distribute older version  1612 , a distribute option  1614  may be selected. 
     Referring to  FIG.  16 C , a third view of a release bundle page responsive to selection of distribute option  1614  is shown and designated  1620 . Third view  1620  includes a distribute release bundle window  1622 . Distribute release bundle window  1622  includes a list of available nodes  1624 , a list of selected nodes  1626 , a cancel option  1628 , and a distribute option  1630 , which operate similarly to as described with reference to  FIG.  15 B . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  17 A- 17 B , views associated with viewing distributed release bundles are shown. For example, referring to  FIG.  17 A , a first view of a distributed release bundle page is shown and designated  1700 . First view  1700  is accessible through selection of release bundles options  1702 . First view  1700  enables viewing of release bundles in the source server and the node devices (e.g., edge nodes). A received tab  1704  contains the release bundles received by a server. A distributable tab  1706  indicates the release bundles that have been signed by an entity (e.g.,  150 ) and are ready to be distributed from a source server to an node device. Selecting the name of a release bundle will transition to a detail page. 
     Referring to  FIG.  17 B , a second view of release bundle detail page is shown and designated  1710 . The release bundle detail page is divided into four panels: a versions panel  1712 , a basic information panel  1714 , an artifacts panel  1716 , and an artifacts detail panel  1718 . Versions panel  1712  displays all versions of the selected release bundle that have been replicated over to the node. Basic information panel  1714  (e.g., the horizontal panel along the top) displays basic information about the selected version. Artifacts panel  1716  displays the full list of files included in the selected release bundle version. Artifact details panel  1718  display details about a selected file in the panel on the right. A search can be performed from using a search query. 
     Referring to  FIG.  18   , a first view associated with a release bundle repository is shown and designated  1800 . The release bundle repository protects the artifacts created in the source server, by copying the artifacts into a separate repository where their contents cannot be edited or removed. Whenever a new release bundle is created and signed from an entity (e.g.,  150 ), the new release bundle is copied and saved into this immutable release-bundles repository in the source server. This ensures consistency in the artifacts being distributed among target instances. 
     In a particular implementation, the release bundles repository is automatically created and used by default to store one or more release bundles. However, users can create additional repositories with their own naming conventions that can also be used for storing and/or distributing release bundles. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  19 A- 19 C , views associated with deleting a release bundle are shown. For example, referring to  FIG.  19 A , a first view of a release bundle page is shown. Before deleting a release bundle, for consistency across a repository (e.g.,  210 ,  330 ) and deployer (e.g.,  253 ), it is recommended to delete release bundles directly from deployer (e.g.,  253 ), and not from the repository. To protect the release bundle, individual artifacts cannot be deleted from a repository (e.g.,  210 ,  330 ). To delete a release bundle from the GUI, a user may hover a mouse (or use a touchpad) over a version until a delete option  1902  appears. Selecting delete option  1902  deletes the release bundle. 
     Referring to  FIG.  19 B , a second view of a release bundle page is shown and designated  1910 . Release bundles can be deleted using a GUI (corresponding to deployer  253 ) or the Delete Release Bundle REST API call (corresponding to deployer  253 ), which may be available for users with release bundle delete permissions. To delete an existing release bundle version, a user selects an action menu  1912  to cause an actions drop down menu to be displayed, and a delete option  1914  may be selected from the drop down menu. 
     Referring to  FIG.  19 C , a third view of a delete release bundle version window that is responsive to selection of delete option  1902  or delete option  1914  is shown and designated  1920 . The delete release bundle version window includes a first option  1922  to enable deletion from deployer  253  or from selected destinations. The delete release bundle window also includes a second option  1924  to enable the deleted release bundle version to be kept on deployer  253  or to be deleted from deployer  253 . The delete release bundle window may also include a list of available destinations  1926  (e.g., nodes that the release bundle was sent to) and a list of selected destinations  1928  (e.g., nodes from which the release bundle is to be deleted), based on the selection of first option  1922 . The delete release bundle window also includes a cancel option  1930  for cancelling the deletion and a delete option  1932  for finalizing the deletion. 
     Although  FIGS.  10 A- 10 B,  11 A- 11 D,  12 A- 12 G,  13 A- 13 B,  14 ,  15 A- 15 B,  16 A- 16 B,  17 A- 17 B,  18 , and  19 A- 19 C  describe various fields, options, and information, such description is for illustrative purposes and is not limiting. In other implementations, the views illustrated in  FIGS.  10 A- 10 B,  11 A- 11 D,  12 A- 12 G,  13 A- 13 B,  14 ,  15 A- 15 B,  16 A- 16 B,  17 A- 17 B,  18 , and  19 A- 19 C  may include more or fewer fields, options, and information than described above. 
     Although one or more of the disclosed figures may illustrate systems, apparatuses, methods, or a combination thereof, according to the teachings of the disclosure, the disclosure is not limited to these illustrated systems, apparatuses, methods, or a combination thereof. One or more functions or components of any of the disclosed figures as illustrated or described herein may be combined with one or more other portions of another function or component of the disclosed figures. Accordingly, no single implementation described herein should be construed as limiting and implementations of the disclosure may be suitably combined without departing from the teachings of the disclosure. 
     The steps of a method or algorithm described in connection with the implementations disclosed herein may be included directly in hardware, in a software module executed by a processor, or in a combination of the two. A software module may reside in random access memory (RAM), flash memory, read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), registers, hard disk, a removable disk, a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), or any other form of non-transient (e.g., non-transitory) storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to the processor such that the processor can read information from, and write information to, the storage medium. In the alternative, the storage medium may be integral to the processor. The processor and the storage medium may reside in an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The ASIC may reside in a computing device or a user terminal. In the alternative, the processor and the storage medium may reside as discrete components in a computing device or user terminal. 
     Although the present disclosure and its advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Moreover, the scope of the present application is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments of the process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, means, methods and steps described in the specification. As one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from the disclosure of the present invention, processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps, presently existing or later to be developed that perform substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may be utilized according to the present invention. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to include within their scope such processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps.