10 Best Infrastructure Automation Tools Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 27 tools reviewed.
Managing infrastructure can be a headache, especially when you're juggling tight deadlines and limited resources. Infrastructure automation tools can ease the burden, helping your team work smarter, not harder. These tools minimize manual errors and boost efficiency, freeing you to focus on more strategic tasks.
I've spent time testing and reviewing these tools independently, and I'm here to share my findings with you. In this listicle, I'll present my top picks for the best infrastructure automation tools available today. You'll get an unbiased, well-researched overview to help you make informed decisions that suit your team's needs. Let's dive into the tools that can transform the way you handle infrastructure.
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Best Infrastructure Automation Tools Summary
This comparison chart summarizes pricing details for my top infrastructure automation tool selections to help you find the best one for your budget and business needs.
| Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best for network configuration automation | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 2 | Best for real-time infrastructure alerts | Free trial + demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 3 | Best for version control and collaborative software development | 30-day free trial available | From $4/user/month | Website | |
| 4 | Best for SaaS-based IT infrastructure monitoring | Free trial available | From $3/resource/month | Website | |
| 5 | Best for managing multi-cloud deployments with no-code operations | Not available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 6 | Best for open-source IT automation | Not available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 7 | Best for provisioning and managing Azure resources | Free plan available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 8 | Best for configuration management and application deployment | Free trial + free demo available | From $137/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 9 | Best for Linux server operations and compliance | Not available | From $10/user/month | Website | |
| 10 | Best for infrastructure as code across multiple clouds | Not available | From $20/user/month | Website |
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Best Infrastructure Automation Tools Review
Below are my detailed summaries of the best infrastructure automation tools that made it onto my shortlist. My reviews offer a detailed look at the key features, pros & cons, integrations, and ideal use cases of each tool to help you find the best one for you.
ManageEngine OpManager Plus is an integrated IT operations management solution designed to monitor and manage your organization's entire IT infrastructure. It combines network performance monitoring, server and application management, and more into a single platform.
Why I Picked ManageEngine OpManager Plus:
I picked OpManager Plus because of its built-in network configuration management, which helps you automate backups, monitor changes in real time, and stay compliant with policies. It also offers automated workflows that let you handle routine tasks and first-level troubleshooting using a drag-and-drop interface.
Standout features and integrations:
Other features include adaptive thresholds, which use machine learning to set ideal threshold values for various metrics, eliminating the need for manual adjustments. Additionally, the root cause analysis tool allows you to compare data from multiple monitors in one window, helping you quickly identify and address the underlying causes of issues. Some integrations include Active Directory, Microsoft 365, Exchange management, OpManager, Site24x7, NetFlow Analyzer, Log360, ADAudit Plus, Endpoint Central, Patch Manager Plus, AssetExplorer, and ServiceDesk Plus.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Provides in-depth monitoring of various network devices, servers, and applications
- Ability to build custom views with widgets and visualizations
- Offers detailed performance history and trends over time for root cause analysis
Cons:
- Setting up configurations can be complex
- Can generate too many alerts, leading to alert fatigue
Site24x7 is a cloud-based infrastructure monitoring platform that helps you observe and manage your servers, apps, cloud resources, and networks from one place. It brings AI-powered automation to your monitoring stack, helping you stay ahead of outages and performance issues.
Why I Picked Site24x7:
I picked Site24x7 because it gives you real-time view of your infrastructure from a single dashboard and the feature to receive alerts when needed. Whether you're monitoring Linux servers, Windows VMs, or Kubernetes containers, the platform lets you dig into performance without toggling between tools. Its AIOps features can trigger automated actions when problems arise—like restarting a service or executing a script—so you’re not always on call.
Standout features and integrations:
You can build custom dashboards to monitor KPIs that matter most to your team. Site24x7 also lets you run automation scripts based on alert conditions, which is useful for scaling and troubleshooting. It supports REST APIs, offers audit trails for automation, and integrates with tools like Slack, PagerDuty, Jira, ServiceNow, Chef, Ansible, Puppet, and cloud services like AWS, Azure, and GCP.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Comprehensive network monitoring capabilities
- Real-time alerts for immediate issue detection
- Automated compliance audits
Cons:
- Lacks more robust security features, like threat detection
- Excessive alerts can be overwhelming for users
New Product Updates from Site24x7
Site24x7 Adds Unit Conversion Support for AWS Threshold Values
Site24x7 introduces unit conversion support for AWS threshold values, allowing users to set limits in their preferred units while the system handles all metric conversions automatically. For more information, visit Site24x7's official site.
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.
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.
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.
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
Progress Chef is an open-source automation tool that defines infrastructure as code, enabling your infrastructure to become versionable, testable, and easily repeatable. This capability makes it optimal for managing configurations and deploying applications seamlessly, aligning it perfectly with its stated 'best for' use case.
Why I Picked Progress Chef:
I selected Progress Chef due to its strong reputation and commitment to infrastructure automation. Also, its capability to manage infrastructure and application configurations stands out from the crowd, setting a high standard for flexibility and scalability in this field. It provides tools and a domain-specific language (DSL) based on Ruby programming language for writing “cookbook recipes” that define the configuration and management of systems. Chef is "best for configuration management and application deployment" because it can handle complex tasks, simplify deployments, and automate workflows.
Standout features and integrations:
Critical features of Progress Chef include automated deployment, configuration management, and seamless integration with cloud-based platforms. The tool’s infrastructure as code paradigm allows businesses to manage their infrastructure more effectively while reducing manual errors. Necessary integrations such as cloud services like AWS, Google Cloud, Azure, and version control systems like Git, enhancing its usability across diverse tech stacks.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Strong community support and resources
- Extensive integration options
- Robust automation and configuration capabilities
Cons:
- Requires scripting knowledge for advanced configurations
- Pricing can be higher compared to some competitors.
- It can be complex for beginners.
Suse Manager is an open-source infrastructure management tool that manages, automates, and secures Linux servers. It is especially recognized for simplifying Linux server operations and ensuring compliance, making it the go-to for Linux-heavy organizations.
Why I Picked Suse Manager:
I selected Suse Manager due to its dedicated focus on Linux environments. Its abilities such as automate server management tasks, enforce security compliance, and its integrated approach to handling Linux server operations make it a unique choice. The tool right to these vital attributes, the device rightfully earns the tag "Best for" Linux server operations and compliance features & integrations:
Suse Manager features comprehensive Linux server lifecycle management, automated vulnerability assessment, and patch management. It also boasts a robust compliance reporting feature. Moreover, the tool fully integrates with open cloud frameworks like OpenStack and Kubernetes and its native compatibility with SUSE Linux Enterprise Server and other Linux distributions.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Comprehensive integration with open cloud frameworks
- Strong compliance enforcement
- Comprehensive Linux server management
Cons:
- Limited scope outside of Linux environments
- Pricing can be complex, with different support levels.
- The learning curve for non-Linux users
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.
Other Infrastructure Automation Tools
Here are some additional infrastructure automation tools options that didn’t make it onto my shortlist, but are still worth checking out:
- VMware
For virtualization and cloud infrastructure management
- GitLab
For integrated CI/CD, security, and DevOps practices
- Azure Automation
For orchestrating time-consuming and error-prone cloud tasks
- AWS CloudFormation
For creating and managing AWS resource stacks
- Cloudify
Good for orchestrating multi-cloud deployments with an open-source approach
- Resolve
Good for automated IT operations with AI-driven responses
- Spot by NetApp
Good for optimizing cloud costs with automated workload management
- 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
- 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
- JHipster
Good for quickly generating, developing, and deploying modern web applications and microservices
- SolusVM
Good for virtual private server management and infrastructure control
- Google Cloud Deployment Manager
Good for managing Google Cloud resources using yaml configuration management tool
- Canonical Juju
Good for managing services and applications in cloud environments with model-driven automation
Infrastructure Automation Tool Selection Criteria
When selecting the best infrastructure automation tools to include in this list, I considered common buyer needs and pain points like scalability and integration capabilities. I also used the following framework to keep my evaluation structured and fair:
Core Functionality (25% of total score)
To be considered for inclusion in this list, each solution had to fulfill these common use cases:
- Automating provisioning
- Configuration management
- Continuous deployment
- Monitoring and alerting
- Infrastructure as code
Additional Standout Features (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique features, such as:
- Multi-cloud support
- AI-driven insights
- Integration with CI/CD pipelines
- Real-time collaboration tools
- Customizable dashboards
Usability (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the usability of each system, I considered the following:
- Intuitive user interface
- Easy navigation
- Clear documentation
- Drag-and-drop functionality
- Customizable workflows
Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each platform, I considered the following:
- Availability of training videos
- Interactive product tours
- Access to templates
- Live webinars
- Responsive chatbots
Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess each software provider’s customer support services, I considered the following:
- Availability of 24/7 support
- Multiple support channels
- Response time
- Knowledge base access
- Personalized assistance
Value For Money (10% of total score)
To evaluate the value for money of each platform, I considered the following:
- Competitive pricing
- Free trial availability
- Transparent pricing structure
- Package options
- Discounts for annual plans
Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of overall customer satisfaction, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:
- User satisfaction ratings
- Feedback on reliability
- Ease of use comments
- Support experience
- Feature request handling
How to Choose an Infrastructure Automation Tool
It’s easy to get bogged down in long feature lists and complex pricing structures. To help you stay focused as you work through your unique software selection process, here’s a checklist of factors to keep in mind:
| Factor | What to Consider |
|---|---|
| Scalability | Can the tool grow with your business needs? Consider whether it supports increasing workloads and users without sacrificing performance or requiring costly upgrades. |
| Integrations | Does it work with your existing systems? Check for compatibility with your current tech stack to avoid integration headaches and ensure a smooth workflow. |
| Customizability | Can you tailor the tool to your needs? Look for options to modify workflows and settings to fit your team's specific processes and preferences. |
| Ease of use | Is the tool user-friendly? Ensure the interface is intuitive so your team can adopt it quickly without extensive training or frustration. |
| Implementation and onboarding | How long will it take to get started? Evaluate the time and resources needed to implement the tool and train your team, considering any support offered by the vendor. |
| Cost | Does the pricing fit your budget? Compare the total cost of ownership, including licenses, maintenance, and potential hidden fees, to ensure it aligns with your financial constraints. |
| Security safeguards | Are your data and operations protected? Verify the tool's security features, such as encryption and access controls, to safeguard sensitive information. |
| Support availability | What help is available when you need it? Assess the vendor's support options, including response times and channels, to ensure you can get assistance when required. |
What Are Infrastructure Automation Tools?
Infrastructure automation tools are software that let teams set up, manage, and change servers, networks, and other systems through code instead of doing everything manually. They're used by DevOps engineers, sysadmins, and cloud architects who want to make deployments faster and more reliable. Features like script-based provisioning, state management, and integration with CI/CD systems help with reducing setup time, avoiding config errors, and keeping environments consistent. These tools make it easier to manage infrastructure without repeating the same manual tasks.
Features
When selecting infrastructure automation tools, keep an eye out for the following key features:
- Automating provisioning: Automatically set up and configure infrastructure resources, saving time and reducing human error.
- Configuration management: Maintain system consistency by managing configuration files and software versions across servers with enterprise configuration management tools.
- Continuous deployment: Enable rapid and reliable release of updates and new features to production environments.
- Monitoring and alerting: Track system performance and receive notifications of issues to address them proactively.
- Infrastructure as code: Manage infrastructure using code, allowing for version control and more efficient collaboration.
- Multi-cloud support: Operate across multiple cloud providers, offering flexibility and avoiding vendor lock-in.
- Integration capabilities: Connect with existing tools and systems to create a cohesive and efficient technology environment.
- Customizable workflows: Adapt processes to fit your specific team needs, enhancing operational efficiency.
- User-friendly interface: Ensure easy navigation and use, reducing the learning curve for new users.
- Security features: Protect sensitive data with encryption and access controls, safeguarding your infrastructure.
Benefits
Implementing infrastructure automation tools provides several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to:
- Increased efficiency: Automating routine tasks like provisioning and configuration saves time and reduces manual effort.
- Reduced errors: Automating processes minimizes human errors, leading to more consistent and reliable operations.
- Faster deployments: Continuous deployment capabilities allow quicker releases of updates and features, keeping your systems up-to-date.
- Enhanced collaboration: Infrastructure as code supports better collaboration through version control and shared understanding.
- Cost savings: Efficient resource management and reduced manual labor lead to lower operational costs.
- Scalability: Easily accommodate growth with tools that support increased workloads and multi-cloud environments.
- Improved security: Built-in security features protect data and infrastructure, reducing the risk of breaches.
Costs & Pricing
Selecting infrastructure automation tools requires an understanding of the various pricing models and plans available. Costs vary based on features, team size, add-ons, and more. The table below summarizes common plans, their average prices, and typical features included in infrastructure automation tools solutions:
Plan Comparison Table for Infrastructure Automation Tools
| Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | $0 | Limited automation capabilities, basic monitoring, and community support. |
| Personal Plan | $10-$30/user/month | Advanced automation reporting tools, configuration management, and email support. |
| Business Plan | $50-$100/user/month | Advanced integrations, multi-cloud support, and priority customer service. |
| Enterprise Plan | $150-$300/user/month | Customizable workflows, a dedicated account manager, and enhanced security features. |
Infrastructure Automation Tools FAQs
Here are some answers to common questions about infrastructure automation tools:
How does infrastructure automation improve deployment speed?
Infrastructure automation speeds up deployment by automating repetitive tasks and ensuring consistent configurations across environments. This reduces downtime and errors, allowing your team to release updates and new features more quickly and efficiently.
Can infrastructure automation tools support multi-cloud environments?
Yes, many infrastructure automation tools support multi-cloud environments. They enable you to manage resources across different cloud providers, giving your team the flexibility to choose the best environment for each workload without being locked into a single provider.
How do I manage infrastructure drift when using automation tools?
Drift happens when the live infrastructure deviates from the desired state defined in code or templates. To manage it, you’ll want tools that support auditing, state comparison, and automatic remediation (or alerts). Make sure your team has processes to detect drift, review changes, and roll back if required.
What are the security considerations when using infrastructure automation tools?
When using these tools, ensure they offer features like encryption and access controls to protect your data. It’s important to regularly update and patch the tools to safeguard against vulnerabilities and follow best practices for secure configurations to mitigate risks.
What’s Next:
If you're in the process of researching infrastructure automation tools, connect with a SoftwareSelect advisor for free recommendations.
You fill out a form and have a quick chat where they get into the specifics of your needs. Then you'll get a shortlist of software to review. They'll even support you through the entire buying process, including price negotiations.
