Ansible Configuration Management for Seamless Control

For today’s DevOps and Site Reliability Engineering (SRE) teams, managing complex IT environments requires more than just skill—it demands automation. Using Ansible configuration management, teams can automate repetitive tasks, freeing up time for valuable work.

Automation has become a business necessity, allowing DevOps and SREs to operate efficiently and focus on strategic tasks. Since its 2012 release, Ansible has gained widespread use, known for its simplicity, versatility, and power across many automation tasks.

What is Ansible?

Acquired by Red Hat in 2015, Ansible is an open-source tool that uses Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) for automation. Ansible configuration management handles everything from configuration and application deployment to cloud provisioning and network automation, ideal for multi-tier setups.

With its human-readable YAML syntax, Ansible allows teams to replace complex scripts with simple, repeatable automation tasks. It’s approachable enough for beginners but robust enough for complex environments.

How does Ansible work?

The Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform combines numerous projects into one unified product, streamlining enterprise use. Its automation controller, based on AWX, centralises automation and manages distributed workloads through an automation mesh. This mesh structure improves reliability, reduces latency, and supports IoT edge use cases.

Ansible doesn’t need agents to reach managed nodes. Instead, it uses SSH for Linux systems and WinRM for Windows. Configuration tasks are outlined in reusable playbooks written in YAML, simplifying configuration management. Playbooks let teams apply consistent changes across systems or verify existing setups.

What makes Ansible configuration management unique among automation tools?

Ansible excels in three key areas that distinguish it from other automation tools:

1. Simplicity: Ansible’s easy-to-read YAML language enables quick deployment. Its agentless nature simplifies setup, avoiding extra security needs.
2. Scalability: Ansible’s scalability shines in enterprise settings. Its reusable playbooks support automation across systems, leveraging existing content.
3. Versatility: Ansible’s compatibility enables use across operating systems, network devices, and multiple infrastructures, from cloud to bare metal.

Exploring the key features of Ansible configuration management

Ansible streamlines automation and configuration management across enterprises, supporting six main areas:

• Configuration management: Ansible ensures consistent system states, managing configurations, software installations, and user setups.
• Application deployment: Ansible allows uniform middleware and application deployment, using easy-to-read task descriptions that adapt over time.
• Network automation: With Ansible, teams automate network configuration and monitor for drift. It supports role-based access and single sign-on for security compliance.
• Orchestration: Orchestration coordinates configurations across IT domains. Ansible simplifies orchestration with workflows and provisioning.
• Security automation: Ansible integrates with security tools like firewalls and SIEM systems, fortifying organisational defences.
• Cloud provisioning: Ansible automates cloud resource setup, from initial provisioning to application configuration, supporting a wide range of cloud providers.

Is Ansible configuration management right for your business?

As businesses increasingly embrace modernisation, organisations seeking agility and control should consider Ansible configuration management. Ansible provides a streamlined way to automate across traditional and hybrid infrastructures, enabling faster, more scalable operations.

For organisations seeking an accessible, scalable, and adaptable automation tool, Ansible is the ideal solution.

How can I learn more?

This article is part of a broader series that explores technologies and insights from the Devoteam TechRadar. To learn more about Ansible’s market position, see the latest edition of the TechRadar by Devoteam.