OpenedX Deployment

YEAR

2024

MY ROLE

Systems Administration, Software Customization

STACK USED

Linux

Nginx

Docker

INDUSTRY

Education

Project Overview

This Open edX deployment project involved end-to-end implementation of a scalable open-source learning management system. Starting from a clean Ubuntu server install, I configured essential security layers (firewalls, DNS, SSL) and deployed Open edX using Docker. Beyond deployment, I customized the platform extensively—modifying the frontend and backend via a GitHub fork of the brand-edx-platform repo. Custom features like enhanced course navigation, branding integration, and user interface tweaks were implemented, transforming the platform into a production-ready, user-centric LMS tailored to organizational needs.

Key Features

Full-Stack Open edX Deployment

Provisioned a fresh Ubuntu server, configured firewalls, SSL certificates, and domain routing.

Installed Open edX using Docker, enabling containerized service management and scalability.

Platform Customization & Branding

Customized frontend templates, styles, and navigation by forking and modifying the brand-edx-platform repository.

Built a custom HTML plugin to improve course navigation UX.

Admin-Level Control & DevOps Integration

Set up DNS records, reverse proxy (Nginx), and SSL with Let's Encrypt for secure access.

Managed persistent data volumes and automated service orchestration through Docker Compose.

Challenges Solved

Complex Service Orchestration

Managed multiple services across containers (LMS, CMS, MySQL, MongoDB, etc.), ensuring compatibility, uptime, and stability.

UI/UX Consistency in Custom Themes

Overcame styling conflicts and implemented branding elements consistently across LMS and Studio interfaces using SCSS and template overrides.

Secure & Reliable Deployment

Ensured secure public access through proper firewall, SSL, and domain configuration while maintaining deployment repeatability using Docker.

Project Impact

This deployment enabled the launch of a customized online learning environment, reducing dependency on third-party platforms. The modular deployment strategy improved maintainability and upgrade paths, while the customizations offered a tailored learning experience aligned with organizational branding.

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