CIS 527

Lab 2 - Configuration Management Overview

Manual Configuration

Pros:

• Hands-on Management
• Customize Each Computer
• Low Barrier to Entry
• Good for Small Groups

Manual Configuration

Cons:

• Labor Intensive
• Inconsistent Configurations
• Updates on Per-Machine Basis
• Difficult for Large Groups

How Do We Make System Configuration Scalable?

Automation Tools

• GNU Make
• Scripts

Techniques

• System Images
• Custom Installers

Defined Configuration

• List of Configured Items
• High Level
• System Independent
• Any Admin Could Implement

Software Could Implement Too!

Configuration Management

• Create Defined Configuration
• Use Tools To Apply Configuration
• Configuration as "Code"
• Reduce Errors & Downtime
  • 70% of DC Outages Due to Human Error (Source: ComputerWorld HK)

Tools

DevOps

• "Development Operations"
• Collaboration Between Development & Sysadmin Staff
• Agile Software Development → Agile Deployment & Testing
• Automation & Monitoring
• Short Development Cycles
• Increased Deployment Frequency

DevOps Tools