Overview
What Is Infrastructure as Code (IaC) and Configuration Automation?
Infrastructure and configuration defined in versioned code, so environments are consistent, repeatable and auditable.
The Need
- Environments built by hand, slightly differently each time
- Slow provisioning of new environments
- Configuration changes nobody can trace
The Approach
- Define infrastructure in versioned templates
- Automate configuration and provisioning
- Apply policy checks before changes go live
Assumptions and Dependencies
- Version control and a review process
- Agreed standard environment designs
- Access to cloud and infrastructure platforms
Challenges
Challenges This Solution Helps Address
The problems that most often lead organizations to look at infrastructure as code.
Solution Fit
Is This Solution Right for Your Organization?
Signs that infrastructure as code is likely to help, and what to check before you start.
Business Owners
- Platform and infrastructure leaders
- Engineering teams
- Security and compliance teams
Typical Triggers
- Rapid growth in environments
- Audit findings on change control
- A cloud or platform migration
Environment
- Public cloud, private cloud and on-premises
- Servers, networks, databases and containers
Fit and Dependencies
- Works best with teams comfortable working in code
- Results depend on all changes going through the code
What It Includes
What the Solution Includes
The main elements and the role each plays. The exact scope is agreed for each engagement.
How It Works
How It Works
Codify one environment first, then reuse the patterns.
Assess
Review environments, provisioning steps, tools and change processes.
Design
Agree module structure, standards and the review workflow.
Deploy and Integrate
Write templates, automate provisioning and configuration.
Validate
Rebuild environments from code and compare results.
Operate and Improve
Extend coverage and keep templates current.
Use Cases
Use Cases This Solution Supports
The scenarios this solution addresses. Start with the one closest to your situation.
Services
Services to Help You Implement and Operate It
The Signisys service that delivers this solution.
Technology
Platforms and Technologies
The technology areas involved. Specific platforms and partner status are confirmed per engagement.
Implementation
Planning a Successful Implementation
Points to review early, so the work is scoped accurately.
- Existing environments that must be brought under code
- State management and secrets
- Review and approval workflow
- Team skills and training
- Policies to enforce automatically
- Engagement model and ongoing support
Measuring Success
How to Measure Success
Example measures, not results achieved by Signisys. Agree a baseline, and keep targets separate from measured results.
Provisioning Time
How long it takes to build a new environment.
Code Coverage of Infrastructure
The share of infrastructure defined in code.
Configuration Drift
Differences found between code and live environments.
Failed Changes
Infrastructure changes that cause incidents.
Our Approach
How We Deliver This Solution
How Signisys works, from the first assessment to handover and beyond.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about infrastructure as code.
What business problem does this solution address?
Inconsistent, slow and untracked infrastructure changes.
How does the solution work?
It defines infrastructure and configuration in versioned code, automates provisioning and checks policies before changes go live.
Which environments can it support?
Public cloud, private cloud and on-premises, including servers, networks, databases and containers.
What prerequisites should we assess?
Your environments, provisioning steps, change processes and team skills.
Which services are available to implement it?
DevOps, Automation and Modernization, covering assessment, implementation and ongoing improvement where agreed.
How do we know it is working?
Agree a baseline for measures such as provisioning time, code coverage of infrastructure, configuration drift and failed changes, and track them over time.
Automate Your Infrastructure
Share your objectives and current environment with Signisys to discuss the approach, requirements and next steps.