Benefits of IaC
By leveraging the IaC concepts of automation and visualization, IaC can help companies realize the following benefits:
- Reduced Human Resources Costs: Manual preparation and maintenance of application servers and processes often lead to higher human resource costs and overheads.
- Improved Efficiency and Time-Saving: IaC tools efficiently handle all manual processes without the need for excessive time and energy. Streamlined infrastructure build is optimal for software development pipelines and processes.
- Reduces Human Errors: Human error in infrastructure build can cost companies if left unidentified or unresolved. However, automated processes in the IaC build model are less prone to leave errors behind. Increased testing and checks through automated processes also improve system reliability and performance.
Using the Right Tools
IaC is a process management approach, while the real implementation relies on a range of tools and programs that facilitate the automation of repetitive tasks in different development environments. A few of the popular tools available for automating infrastructure builds are:
If working in AWS cloud environments, then AWS CloudFormation is the best tool for IaC implementation on the AWS platform.
Some tools require a domain-specific language (DSL) (for example Terraform has its own HashiCorp Configuration Language (HCL)), whereas others use a standard template format, such as JSON or YAML. Each tool has its own specialty to automate various functions.
For leadership teams that wish to automate all their infrastructure build tasks, then you need to optimize at least two or more tools for complete process automation. As an example, Terraform is the market leader now for infrastructure setup, infrastructure management, and initial application setup. However, the platform does not lend itself to application management. Hence, the need to reach for Puppet or Ansible to make complete automation possible.
Leveraging Infrastructure as Code on AWS
AWS supports the whole IaC concept through AWS CloudFormation, and the platform also supports a variety of third-party tools available on their marketplace. In addition, AWS supports those leveraging the DevOps methodology by replacing its traditional processes with automation programs that will reduce setup and maintenance costs for businesses of all sizes.
Cloud administrators can utilize AWS CloudFormation solution for all their automation needs. However, AWS also provides you with the facility to use third-party tools available on their marketplace, some of these recommended tools include:
If your company is finding it difficult to manage various instances or operations, then there are a variety of solutions provided by AWS to implement Infrastructure as Code to automate all your processes.
Bottom Line
The IaC approach has the potential to help your team manage multiple environments in the release pipeline. Implementation of this methodology can save costs, human resources, and time. Also, a variety of IaC tools are easily available on AWS as well as in other environments to simplify processes and remove any clutter.
Caylent provides a critical DevOps-as-a-Service function to high growth companies looking for expert support with Kubernetes, cloud security, cloud infrastructure, and CI/CD pipelines. Our managed and consulting services are a more cost-effective option than hiring in-house, and we scale as your team and company grow. Check out some of the use cases, learn how we work with clients, and read more about our DevOps-as-a-Service offering.
Caylent Team
