Bookmarker

Introduction - Slicer

Summary

Slicer (SlicerVM) transforms any machine into a private microVM cloud using Firecracker or Cloud Hypervisor. It offers a CLI, API, and SDK for managing VMs, suitable for various applications including websites, databases, Kubernetes clusters, AI agents, and CI runners. It's ideal for learning, experimentation, R&D, customer support, and production workloads. Slicer can be run on various hardware, from laptops to bare-metal servers, and supports use cases like fast Kubernetes deployment, chaos testing, GPU-powered AI, and secure containerization.

Content Sections

Introduction to Slicer

Slicer (aka SlicerVM) turns any machine into your own private microVM cloud using Firecracker or Cloud Hypervisor. It provides a CLI, API, and SDK for managing VMs, making it suitable for both long-running and short-lived jobs, AI agents, background jobs, bots, and CI runners. It can be run on various hardware, including laptops, mini PCs, and Raspberry Pis.

Slicer Architecture

Slicer can be run with a predefined count of VMs or launched with a VM count of 0, creating VMs on demand via the API. The Slicer binary includes a client for the API, and an SDK is available for Go. VMs can be launched when Slicer starts or on demand. A YAML configuration file and at least one host group are required before launching a microVM. The slicer-agent runs in the guest to provide secrets syncing, port-forwarding, command execution, file copying, and an interactive Shell Over SSH (SOS).

Target users for Slicer

Slicer is for learners, experimenters, power users, and technologists. Slicer Home Edition is available at a low cost for personal projects. For power users and technologists, Slicer offers a quick way to experiment with ideas and new technology in isolation. Commercial use starts at 250 USD / seat.

Use-cases

Slicer is used for super fast Kubernetes deployment at large scale, chaos testing & customer support, great value production, GPU-powered AI and agentic workflows, and provides a better alternative to misusing containers.