Editor's note
Modern IT infrastructures are growing increasingly complex and multifaceted. IT administrators face a difficult task to keep track of all the components that make up a system, and the state they are in. The relatively static platforms of the past are now obsolete. The size and industry that the enterprise is based in makes no difference -- all companies will unilaterally benefit from a solid configuration management system.
Configuration management can be summarized as the detailed creation, recording and updating of information about an enterprise's hardware and software, which enables organizations to successfully provision new code and application packages and manage them throughout the lifecycle. Configuration management lets administrators keep tabs on their hardware and software and ensure that all activity is functioning as it should.
What makes an effective configuration management system will vary according to certain company factors: size, platforms, budget and IT capabilities available. With a broad range of options on the market, buyers must analyze what their organization requires and narrow down which of the many CM tool offerings will provide the most benefit. Different CM tools support different platforms, so certain tools will appeal to organizations with a heterogeneous IT platform while others are suitable for those using a homogenous deployment. Companies do not want to invest in CM tools designed for a particular platform if their environment uses many. Organizations also have the option of open source versus enterprise versions of many tools. Carefully consider the coding ability available within the organization when deciding on a system.
Equipped with the knowledge in this guide provided by expert Clive Longbottom, IT administrators can select the proper configuration management software that will keep their infrastructures on track and well-positioned to keep up with rapid technology.
1The benefits and necessity of a strong configuration management system
Good configuration management tools can help organizations maintain and improve their IT systems. Read more about this essential process here.
2Choosing the most effective configuration management tool
There are a number of configuration management tools available. Find out how the top products stack up against one another and which will best suit your enterprise.
3In-depth looks at the top configuration management software
Now that you know what you need, and which features to look for in configuration management software, take a look at these product overviews which provide an in-depth look at configuration management tools and products.
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Article
CFEngine configuration management tool up close and in-depth
CFEngine is a widely known and used configuration management tool. Learn about its primary features and functions and if and how your organization could benefit from it. Read Now
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Article
Inside Docker configuration management functions
Docker may not be a standard configuration management tool, but it possesses a set of capabilities that have made it a growing player in the CM market. Read Now
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Article
Microsoft PowerShell DSC's main features and primary functions
Microsoft PowerShell DSC is a well-established tool on the market, but is it right for your company? Read more about how it works and its capabilities. Read Now
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Article
The Cobbler configuration management tool's ins and outs
Cobbler is a configuration management tool best suited for Linux-based IT environments. Learn more about this tool and if it can benefit your enterprise. Read Now
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Article
SaltStack configuration management tools and their many functions
SaltStack is a relatively new tool in the configuration management market with powerful capabilities and an active user community. Read more about this emerging product here. Read Now
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Article
What Chef configuration management can do for your IT systems
Chef configuration management tools possess a huge community of users. Learn more about product versions, capabilities, user resources and what Chef can offer an enterprise. Read Now
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Article
An in-depth view into the Ansible configuration management option
Ansible configuration management technology is flexible and available in a range of options. Learn the ins and outs of its products designed to meet IT configuration management needs. Read Now
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An in-depth look at Puppet configuration management tool options
Puppet configuration management tools are widely used in the IT industry. The Puppet product is available in many versions that are regarded as useful tools for organizations of all sizes. Read Now