At first glance, the idea of converting manual functions to code may seem like a daunting task that is not worth the time investment. While change can be intimidating, there are some real benefits to infrastructure as code (IaC), which is why more DevOps teams are adopting the technology to support cloud-based systems. IaC is quickly becoming the new standard and businesses who are able to successfully adopt the technology are quickly transforming into elite performers who are able to develop and deploy software at a rate that simply can’t be achieved without IaC. Learn more about the advantages of IaC and what it can do for your business.
With a manual infrastructure, there is typically one person who is in charge of making changes and has the knowledge and ability to deploy work. If the development team is rapidly churning out new software and applications, but they have to pass through the IT gatekeeper before the work can be deployed, this can significantly slow production. IaC automates the deployment process so that every stop along the pipeline is working at the same speed. The pace of innovation will only be limited by the imagination and dedication of the DevOps team.
Instead of relying on one or two people to control deployment, the code can be shared in source files. For security purposes and to avoid any unwanted changes, you can set clear rules about who has access to what information. This helps to support collaboration and improve security while also reducing human error. Manually handling deployment tends to leave more room for mistakes, but a well designed New Standard IaC will automate steps and send alerts to relevant parties when there are any abnormalities. This approach allows the appropriate people to better understand what is happening with the DevOps pipeline.
IaC relies on declarative language, which helps to create a more stable environment. If a problem occurs, it will be more isolated and not cause the same ripples that can affect manual configurations. Since the system has a foundational source code, you can simply redeploy the system when there is a problem. There is no need to start from square one and you can continue to make improvements as needed. This creates an incredibly stable and flexible system that can quickly recover and adapt to changing needs.
Just how much can IaC improve DevOps? Here are some statistics from the Accelerate State of DevOps Report 2019:
Elite performers who have been able to successfully onboard IaC and take full advantage of its capabilities experience:
By incorporating automation into your infrastructure and allowing developers to work on code and software, you can take your business to a whole new level. For all these reasons and many more, IaC is becoming the new standard in managing infrastructure.
If you would like to learn more about IaC, how it can support your business, and how to get started, contact the experts at prancer. We specialize in providing cloud validation frameworks that allow you to take advantage of IaC while still experiencing continuous compliance in the cloud.
