Elevate Your Game: Navigating The 27 Best Infrastructure Automation Tools Of 2024
10 Best Infrastructure Automation Tools Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 27 tools reviewed.
Our one-on-one guidance will help you find the perfect fit.
As someone who has spent considerable time working with infrastructure automation, I can relate to your needs. Navigating through many tools, dealing with provisioning tools, and managing configuration files can be quite a task. However, with the right infrastructure provisioning tool, you can automate the creation of Kubernetes clusters, virtual machines (VMs), and even full-scale data centers.
That's the beauty of these tools - they remove the tedious manual work, helping you focus more on achieving your goals. I've dealt with devices that require plugins and others that are agentless. I've felt the frustration when dependencies go haywire. It's all part of the journey, leading me to seek solutions that can make our lives easier. Here are some tools that will be worth your while.
What Is An Infrastructure Automation Tool?
Infrastructure automation tools are dynamic software solutions leveraged by IT teams to streamline and automate the management and provisioning of IT systems, networks, and services. These tools automate repetitive and complex tasks, providing more reliable and faster outcomes than manual processes.
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A wide range of professionals, from system administrators to DevOps engineers, use these solutions to create consistent and predictable software deployment, scaling, and management environments. This also helps organizations enhance operational efficiency, reduce human errors, and ultimately accelerate digital transformation.
Best Infrastructure Automation Tools Summary
| Tools | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| GitHub | From $4/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| LogicMonitor | Customized price upon request | Website |
| Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform | From $10,000/year | Website |
| VMware | Pricing upon request | Website |
| Azure Automation | Customized price upon request | Website |
| HashiCorp Terraform Cloud | From $20/user/month | Website |
| GitLab | From $4/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| AWS CloudFormation | Pricing upon request | Website |
| DuploCloud | Pricing upon request | Website |
| Azure Resource Manager | Customized price upon request | Website |
Compare Software Specs Side by Side
Use our comparison chart to review and evaluate software specs side-by-side.
Compare SoftwareBest Infrastructure Automation Tools Reviews
GitHub
Best for version control and collaborative software development
GitHub is a platform that combines the power of distributed version control and source code management (SCM) functionality of Git with its unique features. It provides a shared space for developers to collaborate, review, and manage code, making it especially suitable for version control and collaborative software development.
Why I Picked GitHub:
I chose GitHub for this list primarily because of its position as a standard in the industry for source code management. Its widespread adoption within the developer community gives it an edge, and its rich features make it ideal for version control and collaborative software development.
Standout features and integrations:
GitHub provides features in code review, project management, integrations, and team management. Pull Requests, Forks, and Actions are among its standout features that streamline the collaborative coding process. It integrates well with popular tools such as Slack, Jira, Vagrant, and many continuous integration/continuous delivery (CI/CD) systems.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- A wide array of integrations with other development tools
- Excellent collaborative features
- Comprehensive tools for version control
Cons:
- Large projects might experience performance issues.
- Certain advanced features require payment.
- The interface might be complex for beginners.
LogicMonitor is a SaaS-based platform designed to automate IT infrastructure monitoring. The tool aids in visualizing and alerting about meaningful insights from infrastructure data across networks, servers, and cloud services. Given its robust capabilities and cloud-based nature, it excels at SaaS-based IT infrastructure monitoring.
Why I Picked LogicMonitor:
I picked LogicMonitor due to its robust, automated monitoring tool features that provide a broad spectrum of IT infrastructure visibility. The cloud-based platform, combined with its scalability, differentiates it from others. It fits the bill for SaaS-based IT infrastructure monitoring because it successfully consolidates diverse monitoring tasks under one roof in a user-friendly manner.
Standout features and integrations:
LogicMonitor's standout features include comprehensive IT infrastructure coverage, automated device discovery, and cloud monitoring. The tool can seamlessly integrate with various applications, like ServiceNow, Slack, and Zendesk, making collaboration and incident management more effective.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Cloud-based and highly scalable
- Seamless integrations with numerous applications
- Broad coverage of IT infrastructure
Cons:
- Complex setup for some specific monitoring tasks
- A steep learning curve for beginners
- Pricing information is not transparent.
Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform is an open-source platform that automates IT infrastructure. It also eliminates the complexity of managing systems, networks, and other IT-related services. Given its ability to streamline various IT operations using open-source automation, Ansible stands out as the best choice for open-source IT automation.
Why I Picked Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform:
In choosing tools for this list, I was impressed by Ansible's reputation as an effective open-source solution, agent-less configuration management, and orchestration tool. Also, it enables users to execute playbooks to create and manage the required infrastructure resources. The fact that it has become a popular choice for automating IT infrastructure tasks due to its simplicity and broad community support sets it apart. These factors underscore why Ansible is 'Best for open-source IT automation.
Standout features and integrations:
Ansible offers critical features such as infrastructure management, application deployment, and configuration management. The platform also provides a robust API for integration, which allows it to work seamlessly with systems like Terraform, Jenkins, and many cloud platforms like AWS, GCP, and Azure.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Strong integration capabilities with various systems and cloud platforms
- Simplifies infrastructure management and application deployment
- Open-source, widely supported by a vast community.
Cons:
- The Enterprise version comes at a relatively high cost
- The platform may need to be more balanced for more minor projects.
- It can have a steep learning curve for beginners.
VMware is a leading provider of cloud computing and virtualization software and services. It's known for delivering a top-tier platform for businesses to virtualize their IT infrastructure on-premises and in the cloud. Given its proficiency in these areas, it is ideal for virtualization and cloud infrastructure management.
Why I Picked VMware:
In selecting tools for this list, the proven track record of VMware in the industry stood out. It's a pioneer in virtualization technology and continues to innovate in cloud infrastructure management. VMware is best for these use cases due to its comprehensive features tailored for virtualizing and managing complex IT environments.
Standout features and integrations:
VMware boasts many vital features, such as vSphere for server virtualization, vSAN for software-defined storage, and NSX for network virtualization. Additionally, it integrates well with many cloud providers like AWS, Google Cloud, and Azure, easing the process of managing hybrid and multi-cloud environments.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Proven reliability and industry acceptance
- Robust integrations with major cloud providers
- A comprehensive suite of virtualization and cloud management tools
Cons:
- Certain features may require additional licensing costs
- The pricing model may be more precise with a customized quote.
- It can be complex to set up and manage.
Azure Automation is a service from Microsoft Azure designed to automate processes and tasks, freeing up time for more complex duties. Its excellence in managing lengthy and error-prone functions in cloud environments establishes it as a robust solution for orchestrating cloud tasks.
Why I Picked Azure Automation:
I chose Azure Automation for its prowess in process automation, especially for managing complex cloud tasks. Its wide range of capabilities, from process automation and configuration management to update management, truly sets it apart. Also, Azure Automation's standout performance in orchestrating time-consuming and error-prone cloud tasks is why I named it 'best for' this role, given its ability to enhance productivity and reduce errors in cloud operations.
Standout features and integrations:
Azure Automation offers essential features such as process automation, update management, and desired state configuration. These features allow for effective management of infrastructure while reducing manual effort. The platform integrates seamlessly with other Azure services, making it a natural fit for organizations heavily invested in the Azure ecosystem.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Flexible pricing based on usage
- Integration with Azure services
- Robust set of automation capabilities
Cons:
- Complex pricing models can be challenging to predict costs.
- Limited functionalities outside the Azure ecosystem
- The learning curve for those new to Azure
HashiCorp Terraform Cloud is a product designed to enable development teams to use Terraform for infrastructure as code (IaC). With this tool, users can manage and provision their infrastructure across multiple cloud platforms predictably and efficiently. Its ability to handle IaC across multiple clouds makes it stand out for such use cases.
Why I Picked HashiCorp Terraform Cloud:
When selecting tools, the collaborative and scalable aspects of HashiCorp Terraform Cloud caught my attention. Its unique proposition lies in its multi-cloud support, which is critical for today's diverse cloud environment. It’s the best tool for managing infrastructure as code across multiple clouds due to its extensive cloud service provider integrations and IaC capabilities.
Standout features and integrations:
Notable features of Terraform Cloud include workspace management, module sharing, and remote state management. Crucially, Terraform Cloud integrates with most major cloud providers, including AWS, Google Cloud, and Azure, which makes it versatile in a multi-cloud strategy.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Robust set of features for infrastructure management
- Collaborative infrastructure development
- Extensive multi-cloud support
Cons:
- Some advanced features are only available in higher tiers.
- Costs can accumulate quickly for larger teams.
- It can be complex to learn for newcomers to IaC.
GitLab is a web-based DevOps lifecycle tool that provides a Git repository manager. Also, it encompasses many features, including continuous integration/continuous delivery (CI/CD), source code management, and security capabilities. This versatility and the all-in-one solution make it the top pick for integrated CI/CD, security, and DevOps practices.
Why I Picked GitLab:
I selected GitLab for its complete DevOps platform. It stands out with its integrated CI/CD and security capabilities, which cater well to teams focusing on DevOps practices. Its ability to handle all stages of the DevOps lifecycle within a single application is also noteworthy.
Standout features and integrations:
GitLab’s most valuable features such as integrated CI/CD, which enables automated testing and delivery, and built-in security capabilities that detect vulnerabilities and prevent security issues. GitLab also offers significant integrations with Kubernetes, Jira, Slack, and other popular tools, augmenting its value for many DevOps teams.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- A broad range of integrations
- Strong CI/CD and security features
- Comprehensive DevOps tool
Cons:
- Server performance can be an issue for large-scale projects.
- Some advanced features are available only in the higher-priced tiers.
- The user interface can be complex for beginners.
AWS CloudFormation is the go-to service for managing and provisioning AWS resources. It's a popular choice for cloud automation and AWS development environments due to its ability to handle large amounts of resources and services.
Why I Picked AWS CloudFormation:
I found AWS CloudFormation to be impressive and the ideal choice for creating and managing AWS resource stacks. Its strong infrastructure as code abilities and seamless integration with AWS services caught my attention. Its unique feature of managing a diverse range of resources is supported by the trusted reputation of AWS. Users can safely and reliably provision and manage AWS resources using a template (JSON or YAML file).
Standout features and integrations:
AWS CloudFormation’s most valuable features such as consistent management of infrastructures, automated updates to existing models, and safe management of all AWS resources. Also, its ability to integrate with various AWS services is a significant advantage, including direct integrations with Amazon S3, Amazon EC2, and Amazon RDS.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Allows for automated updates and consistent management
- Direct integration with a wide array of AWS services
- Comprehensive and efficient management of AWS resources
Cons:
- Limited to AWS ecosystems only, no support for multi-cloud deployments
- The steeper learning curve for those not familiar with AWS
- No stand-alone pricing, costs tied to the usage of AWS resources
DuploCloud offers a streamlined way to manage infrastructure across multiple cloud providers, employing no-code operations to simplify tasks. Its platform is also designed to handle complex multi-cloud deployments, bringing automation and simplicity to jobs often deemed cumbersome.
Why I Picked DuploCloud:
I selected DuploCloud for this list due to its unique focus on facilitating no-code operations across multiple cloud platforms. Also, its ability to streamline infrastructure management without extensive coding sets it apart from other tools in this category. Furthermore, DuploCloud excels in managing multi-cloud deployments with no-code operations, making integrations 'Best for' teams that wish to simplify their multi-cloud management process without delving into code.
Standout features and integrations:
DuploCloud offers comprehensive features like multi-cloud management, automation, and no-code operations that simplify infrastructure management. It integrates effectively with major cloud providers such as AWS, Google Cloud, and Azure, enabling users to manage all their cloud resources through one platform.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Offers automation for routine tasks
- Supports multiple cloud platforms
- No-code operations simplify management.
Cons:
- Relatively new in the market, less community support compared to established platforms
- It may offer less control than coding-based platforms.
- Pricing information is not readily available.
Azure Resource Manager is a management layer Microsoft provides for its Azure platform. It allows users to deploy, manage, and monitor all resources in an Azure account using a consistent, unified management layer. It's handy when you have to provision and manage Azure resources.
Why I Picked Azure Resource Manager:
I chose Azure Resource Manager for its unmatched integration with the Azure ecosystem and the structured approach it provides to resource management. What makes it stand out is its ability to manage resources in a group, making it easier to visualize the relationship between them. This organized approach makes it 'Best for' provisioning and managing Azure resources, especially for users who maintain complex, interrelated resources within Azure.
Standout features and integrations:
Azure Resource Manager's features such as template-driven deployments and role-based access control, offer a controlled yet flexible approach to Azure resources. It also includes features like tagging, which aids in resource organization and tracking. Additionally, being an Azure-native tool, it seamlessly integrates with all Azure services, providing an organized, comprehensive view of all resources.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Role-based access control for secure management
- Template-driven deployments for resource consistency
- Native integration with Azure services
Cons:
- Learning Azure-specific concepts require
- It can be complex for beginners.
- Limited to the Azure ecosystem
Other Infrastructure Automation Tools
Below is a list of additional infrastructure automation tools I shortlisted but did not reach the top 10. It’s definitely worth checking them out.
- Progress Chef
Best for configuration management and application deployment
- Suse Manager
Best for Linux server operations and compliance
- Cloudify
Good for orchestrating multi-cloud deployments with an open-source approach
- Resolve
Good for automated IT operations with AI-driven responses
- JHipster
Good for quickly generating, developing, and deploying modern web applications and microservices
- JFrog Software Supply Chain Platform
Good for securing and managing software binaries and containers
- SolusVM
Good for virtual private server management and infrastructure control
- Qovery
Good for deploying apps directly from your code repository to the cloud
- Pulumi
Good for modern infrastructure as code with multiple language support
- Puppet Enterprise
Good for IT automation with configuration management capabilities
- Google Cloud Deployment Manager
Good for managing Google Cloud resources using yaml configuration management tool
- Spot by NetApp
Good for optimizing cloud costs with automated workload management
- Red Hat CloudForms
Good for managing hybrid clouds and virtual infrastructures
- Canonical Juju
Good for managing services and applications in cloud environments with model-driven automation
- Interworks.Cloud platform
Good for cloud service providers needing an all-in-one cloud commerce platform
- SaltStack
Good for infrastructure automation with a focus on security and compliance
- AutoCloud
Good for automating cloud setup and deployments with ready templates
Selection Criteria For Choosing an Infrastructure Automation Tools
Choosing the right infrastructure automation software requires a careful evaluation of several factors. Having tested and researched more than a dozen tools, my criteria specifically focused on essential nuances for infrastructure automation. Here's a closer look at the key factors that guided my selection process.
Core Functionality
- Infrastructure as Code (IaC): A vital function for modern infrastructure management, allowing infrastructure to be defined, provisioned, and managed using code.
- Multi-platform support: An essential function, as these tools need to provide support across diverse cloud environments and operating systems (Windows, Mac OS, Linux).
- Task Automation: Critical in reducing manual work, the tool should be capable of automating repetitive tasks and routine procedures.
- Scalability: The tool should be able to scale alongside a growing infrastructure, handling more complexity without degrading performance.
Key Features
- Security Management: A tool that aids in implementing security practices and maintaining compliance across infrastructure is invaluable.
- Change Management: The software must enable tracking of infrastructure changes, providing clear visibility and control over modifications.
- Integration Capabilities: The tool's ability to seamlessly integrate with commonly used CI/CD pipelines, real-time monitoring metric systems, and version control systems are critical.
- Multi-Language Support: Support for various scripting and programming languages (e.g., Python, Java, Ruby) can enhance the tool's adaptability and reach.
Usability
- Interface Design: For an infrastructure automation tool, the user interface should display the status and configuration of the managed infrastructure. Well-structured, easy-to-read tables and graphs are more useful than flashy designs.
- Learning Curve: These tools can be complex. Resources such as detailed documentation, active community support, and easily accessible tutorials can dramatically improve user experience.
- Role-Based Access: The tool should provide flexible, easy-to-configure role-based access, which is crucial for managing permissions in a team environment.
- API Availability: Robust APIs allow users to tailor the tool to their needs, enabling custom automation and interactions with other systems.
As you explore these tools, consider these criteria to make an informed decision that best suits your infrastructure automation needs. Remember, the right tool will balance functionality, features, and usability based on your unique requirements.
Most Common Questions Regarding Infrastructure Automation Tools (FAQs)
What are the benefits of using infrastructure automation tools?
Infrastructure automation tools bring many benefits that can streamline operations and increase efficiency.
- Reduced human error: Automation minimizes the chances of errors that occur due to manual interventions.
- Improved efficiency: Tasks that used to take hours can now be completed in minutes, increasing productivity significantly.
- Scalability: Infrastructure automation tools are designed to manage large-scale infrastructure, allowing organizations to scale operations without adding to their workforce.
- Standardization and consistency: These tools ensure uniformity across the infrastructure, regardless of scale or complexity.
- Cost savings: With reduced workforce requirements and quicker operations, automation tools can lead to considerable cost savings in the long run.
How much do these tools cost?
Pricing for infrastructure automation tools varies widely based on their features, scale, and target market. Some devices may offer a free tier for individual users or small-scale operations, while enterprise-grade solutions can cost thousands of dollars per month.
What are the pricing models for these tools?
The most common pricing model is subscription-based, often per-user or per-node. Other factors that might affect pricing include the number of integrations, access to premium features, and the level of customer support provided.
What is the typical range of pricing?
Typically, the pricing can start from around $20 per user/month for basic plans and can go up to several thousand dollars per month for large-scale, enterprise-grade solutions.
What is the cheapest and most expensive software?
While specific prices change over time and across regions, as of my last update, HashiCorp Terraform Cloud is among the cheaper paid options, starting at $20/user/month. On the other end of the spectrum, solutions like Puppet Enterprise can cost significantly more, with prices often in the thousands per month for large enterprises.
Are there any accessible infrastructure automation tools?
Yes, several tools offer free tiers or open-source versions. For instance, Terraform, Ansible, and Puppet have robust open-source offerings. These can be excellent options for individual users, smaller teams, or businesses with more straightforward needs, though they often lack some features and support levels of the paid versions.
More Infrastructure Automation Tools Reviews
Summary
As explored in this article, choosing the right infrastructure automation tool is an important decision that can drastically affect your operations. These tools enable businesses to streamline processes, reduce human errors, increase scalability, and save costs. However, the wide range of available tools with unique features and strengths can make the selection process daunting.
When selecting a tool for cloud infrastructure management, it's essential to consider your unique requirements. If you're working with multi-cloud infrastructure, HashiCorp Terraform Cloud is worth considering due to its Infrastructure as Code approach and ability to work with multiple cloud providers. On the other hand, if your focus is virtualization and cloud infrastructure management, VMware may be the optimal choice. Remember your specific needs and choose the tool that best fits them.
When choosing a tool, focus on its core features, usability, automation, integration, onboarding ease, and customer support. Pricing is also essential, so understand the different models and consider value over cost. Choose a tool that meets your needs and budget while balancing usability and functionality.
What Do You Think?
If you have any suggestions for excellent infrastructure automation tools, please share! Your input can be valuable for others looking for the right tool.