Cloud automation is an integral part of a cloud orchestration strategy that is achieved by using an enterprise cloud management platform. Cloud automation generally relates to leveraging the dynamic capabilities of cloud management tools, or of a cloud solution, to perform a task or function absent of any manual intervention. According to some industry analysts, a common cloud automation example is leveraging the cloud to add new instances during an auto scaling event with auto scaling groups. Auto provisioning servers to meet scaling needs, as well as discovery (finding and shutting down unused instances or processes), and backing up data on pre-set intervals, are all examples of processes and tasks IT teams can automate.
IT leaders drive value from cloud automation using the cloud orchestration features of a cloud management platform that coordinates all automated tasks to produce a uniform and planned approach towards leveraging private and public cloud resources to meet business objectives. Cloud orchestration depends largely on the use of cloud automation, despite that fact that cloud automation can occur without cloud orchestration.
How Does Cloud Automation Drive DevOps
DevOps is in many ways more than just a technical collaboration between teams from development and IT operations, DevOps is a cultural phenomenon focused on increasing the effectiveness of agile software development lifecycles. Why? To achieve higher quality software products. Cloud automation workflows from an effective cloud orchestration platform have a direct lifeline into the effective use of DevOps. A cloud management strategy that leverages cloud automation and cloud orchestration can drive a more efficient lifecycle management of agile application delivery for any DevOps initiative.
The features of an effective hybrid cloud management tool like CloudBolt that leverages cloud automation and cloud orchestration, only heighten the attributes that drive successful DevOps within most organizations. By centralizing the management of multi-cloud environments, CloudBolt empowers developers with the control and self-service to leverage the shared resources in their allotted clouds. Administrators can quickly help them scale and grow as those developers need more processor power or space.
And the cloud automation features of CloudBolt deliver unparalleled management and visibility within the cloud environment. Cloud automation within CloudBolt lets multiple different departments or organizations establish parameters for accessing the servers, while ensuring the privacy and separation of data and resources between departments within a tailored, hybrid cloud environment. Cloud automation also makes it easier for admins to establish tasks like application deployment, complex server configuration, or scaling resources.
CloudBolt, specifically, further empowers administrators to set up global policies, automation, blueprints and actions specific to each organization or department. This scalable and versatile approach lets CloudBolt administrators report globally on usage, resulting in visibility and cost savings.
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