Cloud Automation refers to the process of replacing manual cloud operations with automation. One of the most important reasons why organizations migrate to cloud is to not just reduce operational cost but also effort, which is where cloud automation comes into play. Now, surpassing automation, hyperautomation has taken the IT world by storm. Hyperautomation is the process of drastically scaling up any technology-related automation to eliminate traditional, manual processes. A new forecast by Gartner predicts that the worldwide market for technology that enables hyperautomation will go from a projected $532.4 billion in 2021 to reach $596.6 billion in 2022.

Due to the complex nature of cloud infrastructure, organizations are in need of cloud automation tools to keep a track of the whole process.

Cloud automation tools are software solutions that are used to automate processes such as installation, configuration, monitoring, and management of cloud-related operations. Let’s take a look at these tools:

  • AWS CloudFormation

AWS allows the business and the developers to create, correlate, provision and manage third-party AWS-related resources in a predictable and orderly manner.

  • Microsoft Azure Automation

MS Azure Automation provides cloud-based services for both Azure and non-Azure environments focusing primarily on automation and configuration. Automating processes helps reduce errors and overall time taken for deployment. Maintenance and compliance-related operations are also controlled by Azure Automation. Azure Automation can run on Windows as well as Linux operating systems.

  • Google Cloud Deployment Manager

Cloud Deployment Manager is recommended by Google for cloud infrastructures built using Google Cloud Computing. This tool provides end-to-end capabilities for managing all of the cloud infrastructure configuration, right from resource creation and allocation to deletion.

  • Puppet

Puppet is another preferred cloud automation tool that allows organizations to authorize and model cloud infrastructure. The best aspect of puppet is that it works on all cloud variations.

  • Chef

Chef is a good option for a configuration management tool used for setting up and managing virtual and physical servers. Chef enables organizations to provide continuous security and compliance along with automating application deployments.

Some use cases

Now that we have had a look at some of the cloud automation tools, let’s delve into some use cases:

  • Infrastructure provisioning

The most important and obvious use of cloud automation tools is how it can efficiently be used to allocate resources. In a large organization, setting up virtual servers can be a monumental task. With the help of cloud automation tools, a set of templates can be created to configure each virtual server. The same process can be applied for other cloud operations such as network, storage setup, etc.

  • Identify provisioning management

Every user in a network will have a level of authorization when it comes to the use of infrastructure. Cloud automation tools can maintain a clear record of levels of access to all users.

  • Application deployment

Every technology goes through upgradation. When a new release is tested and waiting to be deployed, the cloud automation tool can do so automatically. These tools have the capability for continuous deployment, even a dozen or so every week.

  • Monitoring and remediation

Cloud automation tools can be configured to pick up any red flags such as a server running low on memory or an unresponsive database. These incidents can then be addressed automatically without the interference of manual processes.

Benefits of cloud automation

How exactly does a company benefit from cloud automation. Let’s take a look:

  • Low cost: Cloud-based automation eliminates the cost involved for human resources to install, monitor, troubleshoot, and deploy hardware and software applications across the organization.
  • Centralized governance: The whole IT infrastructure of an organization can be managed and controlled from one Center of Excellence providing complete visibility and the means for centralized authority.
  • Security: Cyber security is at its highest as most cloud service providers spend a lot of time and effort in making the solutions foolproof.
  • Fast and low-risk implementation: Organizations can migrate to cloud at a low cost and in a low-risk manner and scale up when they are fully convinced of the use cases it brings to the table.
  • Work anywhere, anytime: The biggest advantage of cloud is the flexibility to work anywhere anytime provided the user has access to a device and network.
  • Continuous innovation: Any software upgrade can easily be deployed across the organization.

Cloud automation tools help reduce an organization’s dependence on human resources to maintain, manage, and control cloud environments by automating several cloud operations, thus reducing overall operational cost and improved efficiency. Talk to us today to find out how you can automate your cloud environment.

 

Recommended Blogs:

Power of Automation in Cloud Migration

10 of the best cloud security tools in the market today

Some best practices in cloud data security every organization must know

Cloud Mass Migration: A Shortcut to Faster Business Innovation

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