Cloud Automation: What is it and Why is it Important?

Streamline Business Communication with our Omnichannel Solution

Kunal Kar

Senior Writer:

green tickReading Time: 11 Minutes
green tickPublished : December 28, 2022

Cloud automation is an aspect of cloud computing rapidly becoming the norm for enterprises looking to maximize efficiency and agility within hybrid cloud environments. It is an integrated approach that combines DevOps, Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC), automation, and orchestration to create a self-service application deployment platform. 

Cloud automation makes it easy for business owners to swiftly provision, configure, integrate and manage their cloud environments. It enables businesses to run applications and services faster while reducing costs – giving business owners greater flexibility in their operations.

??Cloud automation offers a crucial advantage by removing tedious manual tasks associated with running and maintaining your cloud environment. You can quickly specify a task to be completed through cloud automation tools or order system changes needed in no time.

From quickly scaling up processes to reliably securing them from attack – cloud automation provides it all! This article will dive deep and closely examine all the crucial aspects of cloud automation, from its benefits and use cases to some of the popular tools available nowadays.

What is Cloud Automation?

Cloud AutomationSource

Cloud automation is a way to streamline the organization of cloud infrastructure and systems. It combines the principles of DevOps, Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC), automation, and orchestration. This covers everything from the design to the deployment, testing, and maintenance of software. 

Through automating the processes of constructing, provisioning, and configuring cloud resources such as VMs, data, and applications, cloud automation makes it very accessible and easy to scale up or down your cloud environment as needed. Cloud automation saves businesses time and money because they no longer need to carry out tedious, repeated tasks, granting them greater control over their clouds and applications.

What are the Key Benefits of Cloud Automation?

Benefits of Cloud AutomationSource

Automation allows businesses to experiment with new technologies quickly by providing them the agility required to deliver on customer needs faster than ever before. As such, the potential and power of cloud automation are undeniable. Here are some of the benefits of cloud automation that you can leverage to optimize your business operations – 

1. Cloud automation reduces IT costs

Cloud automation solutions can help businesses unlock innovative opportunities by introducing agility, scalability, and reliability elements to the IT environment. By automating manual tasks such as configuration, deployment, and maintenance processes that usually take up considerable time daily – cloud-infrastructure management becomes easier with significantly less effort. This results in more productive teams who can focus their efforts on successful outcomes – translating into both cost savings & enhanced efficiency levels within an organization!

2. Reduction of error-prone processes

Human errors can be significantly reduced when cloud operations are automated. This is because automated cloud activities are programmed to comply with established rules, guaranteeing that tasks in the cloud are done precisely. Moreover, automated workflows can be set up and programmed to carry out in a specific way, which will ensure actions align with predetermined patterns.

3. Cloud automation enables continuous deployment

Cloud automation facilitates organizations to quickly and effectively deploy applications and services. Removing the need for manual labor speeds up the deployment cycle and stimulates accuracy. Moreover, automated deployment processes guarantee consistency of deployments, resulting in reliable and dependable outcomes and thus streamlining your business operations to another level.

4. Cloud automation drives organizational innovation

Cloud automation allows organizations to realize the full potential of innovation. Streamlining and automating tedious tasks frees up resources to be utilized for creative endeavors. Plus, automation also provides organizations with improved visibility into their cloud-based operations, enabling them to detect possibilities for new innovations and develop imaginative solutions.

What are the Different Types of Cloud Automation?

Types of Cloud AutomationSource

There are numerous types of cloud automation. These include:

1. Orchestration and workflow automation:

Configuration and workflow automation help streamline setting up and configuring cloud services and applications. This is a dependable way to enhance IT efficiency as it automates setting up cloud virtual machines, software, databases, etc. In addition, this type of automation helps in budget optimization as it reduces the overall time and cost involved with manual processes. As such, cloud automation can help SMEs and businesses save much money in the long haul.

2. Configuration and Provisioning Automation:

Configuration and provisioning automation streamlines the process of setting up and configuring cloud storage services and applications. It is a reliable way to improve IT efficiency as it automates the process of setting up cloud virtual machines, SaaS Management software, databases and other instance types. This type of automation helps in cost optimization as it reduces the time and cost associated with manual processes.

3. Service orchestration and management:

Service orchestration and management is another type of cloud automation designed to unify the management of disparate processes and systems to handle resources effectively for IT environments. This type of automation helps monitor and conduct services to reduce downtime and streamline reliable performance across cloud environments. In addition, it provides visibility and control over the status of cloud assets over the entire lifecycle, helping to ensure an optimized system.

4. Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC):

With Infrastructure-as-Code, you can quickly deploy complex cloud environments in minutes. It streamlines setting up your servers, configuring services, and managing applications with greater control over scaling capacity – giving teams more agility than ever before. IaC also makes it easier to incorporate best practices for security and compliance into every deployment cycle. With its automated processes, infrastructure changes become much simpler and faster – allowing organizations to stay ahead of their competition by introducing new business initiatives or responding quickly when problems occur.

5. Patch management automation:

Patch management automation is a unique cloud-based system that has revolutionized the process of patching IT assets. It offers an automated, comprehensive, and efficient way to address security vulnerabilities quickly in order to keep up with ever-evolving threats. This highly advanced automation technology empowers businesses and SMEs by enabling them to take proactive action before any issues arise rather than playing catchup after problems occur. This system runs automated scans on every endpoint on your network to detect which devices need patching.

6. Monitoring and alerting automation:

Utilizing monitoring and alerting automation is now the norm for proactively managing cloud deployments. By automating these processes, organizations can automate their continuous performance analysis, security scans, and logs collection to get real-time insights into potential issues before they become a problem. This proactive approach helps identify areas that require attention so that solutions or remedies can be applied as quickly as possible, thereby preventing costly downtime caused by prolonged damages from an issue going unnoticed for too long!

7. Disaster Recovery (DR) automation:

You can consider Disaster Recovery as a cloud-automated insurance policy. It lets you know that if the unthinkable happens, your data is always secure and backed up in the cloud – ready for quick restoration when disaster strikes! With this type of system, there’s no need to worry about manual backups or complicated processes just to recover lost files. Everything from an entire application to stacking a single piece of information only takes minutes with DR automation.

8. Cost optimization automation:

Cost optimization automation is a valuable tool that basically offers organizations more control and visibility over their cloud expenses. This type of automation enables businesses to get the most out of their IT budgets, enabling them to allocate funds much more efficiently. Additionally, this automation can improve scalability by ensuring optimal usage across various services or instances, automatically allowing companies to use resources effectively without requiring manual intervention.

9. Security automation:

Security automation helps organizations maximize visibility and control of their cloud environments while enabling rapid scaling. It also enables businesses to quickly detect any threats or potential breaches, as well as take proactive measures against them before they become an issue. The automated security solutions are tailored to meet the distinctive needs of each organization, allowing for individualized protection with minimal effort on behalf of IT staff members involved in maintaining these systems.

10. Network automation:

Network automation is becoming increasingly popular as organizations recognize its benefits in terms of scalability and agility. By automating routine tasks associated with deploying and managing networks, organizations can save time and money while increasing the efficiency of their operations. In addition to increased resource optimization, network automation provides better infrastructure performance visibility and improved security through automated policy enforcement.

11. DevOps automation:

DevOps automation is revolutionizing the traditional way how applications are mastered, operated, and delivered. Instead of going through manual processes that take time to complete each task individually, DevOps automates almost all processes from development and operation to delivery phases giving developers and admins more control over their deployed capabilities without compromising speed or quality in any way. 

Cloud Automation Use Cases

Cloud Automation Use CasesSource

It’s incredible what cloud automation has “up its sleeve” when used effectively. Businesses can increase their overall efficiency while implementing innovative strategies such as automating time-consuming tasks, optimizing processes at scale, and improving customer experience and ROI, among others. Here are a few other useful and creative cloud automation use cases you should check out – 

1. Establishing infrastructure-as-code (IaC)

With infrastructure-as-code (IaC), cloud automation solutions paint a detailed picture of how application components are managed and configured—all without manual tinkering! Instead, automation software works tirelessly behind the scenes so that our hard work actually translates correctly within all IaC libraries.

2. Performing data back-ups

Data backup is as important as it gets when dealing with confidential information; fortunately, relying on automated processes ensures regular backups while simultaneously freeing precious man hours for other tasks at hand! Back-ups can be scheduled automatically using automation software, meaning that important data is regularly backed up at specified intervals. The reliance on data automation software can lead to more regular data backup practices and greater disaster prevention.

3. Identifying and addressing zombie cloud infrastructure

Zombie cloud infrastructure can put a strain on your company’s network security, so it is critical that any potentially unused or unmonitored resources are identified and shut down proactively. Cloud automation solutions can help make this process swift and effective while providing peace of mind for your business’s safety from potential cyber threats. 

4. Establishing version control for workflows

Setting up effective version control may not be the most desirable task, but it’s absolutely essential to ensure that your codebase is sound and protected against any mishaps during development. It can also help give you peace of mind in other areas! Using cloud automation solutions to streamline specific infrastructure processes means less manual input from developers – freeing them (and their ideas) for more complex projects elsewhere. Sounds like a no-brainer when it comes time to adopt an automated cloud strategy!

5. Optimizing cloud resources

Cloud automation solutions are a powerful tool for organizations to detect the hidden opportunities and cost savings associated with cloud computing. By identifying these underutilized resources, businesses and SMEs can realize real financial benefits from their existing traditional or hosted cloud infrastructure investments by reallocating those resources toward more meaningful organizational ventures & initiatives.

6. Automating cloud security

Cloud automation solutions can proactively monitor a cloud service’s security using cutting-edge AI algorithms. These technologies keep track of potential threats and intervene just right before any damage is done, providing an extra layer of protection for your cloud assets. By taking advantage of automated response protocols, organizations can respond quickly and accurately while ensuring that their digital resources stay safe 24/7.

Cloud Automation vs Cloud Orchestration: What’s the Difference?

Cloud Automation vs Cloud OrchestrationSource

Cloud automation and cloud orchestration are related but distinct technologies. Cloud automation is the process of automating cloud infrastructure and systems. It is an integrated combination of DevOps, Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC), automation, and orchestration. It includes all software life cycle management stages, including design, development, testing, deployments, and maintenance. 

Cloud orchestration works like a symphony conductor—it’s about bringing all the cloud elements together in harmony. By utilizing powerful automation and integration capabilities, efficient management can be achieved with minimal effort. In addition, with intuitive interface designs that make it easy to configure complex architecture, businesses have more time available for innovation instead of managing IT components manually!

What is a Cloud Automation Solution?

Cloud Automation SolutionSource

A cloud automation solution is a cloud based IT platform that combines Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC), automation, and orchestration to create a self-service application deployment platform.

The goal is to enable IT and cloud admins to automate the process of designing, building, and managing cloud resources in order to lower costs, improve scalability and accelerate the delivery of application upgrades on a self-service basis. With cloud automation, SMEs and businesses can automate and streamline traditionally manual tasks so as to deploy resources faster, reduce error-prone processes, and drive organizational innovation. 

 

5 Best Cloud Automation Tools and Software

Cloud Automation Tools and SoftwareSource

Here are some of the leading cloud automation tools and software available in the market – 

1. AWS CloudFormation

AWS CloudFormation

AWS CloudFormation is one of the leading cloud automation tools that allow coders to create & deploy cloud infrastructure with IaC in a swift manner. 

In addition, CloudFormation is a flexible and versatile tool that is equipped to manufacture and deploy AWS resources and cloud-based applications with greater speed, efficiency, and security – upscaling your projects like never before!

Pros: 

  • Easily integrate with other AWS services and clients such as Amazon EC2, Amazon S3, and Amazon DynamoDB
  • Organizes infrastructure into stacks for easy setup, management, and teardown
  • High scalability and flexible orchestration capabilities

Cons: 

  • Complex setup process that requires considerable knowledge of the AWS platform
  • Rigid language which can be difficult to understand
  • Limited support for cross-platform deployments

Pricing: 

  • Free to use with applicable AWS service fees.

2. GitHub

 GitHub

GitHub is not just a cloud automation software but an extremely powerful and versatile tool designed to streamline the latest version control and DevOps workflows. This automation tool allows businesses to promptly create, deploy & manage their cloud-based projects with ease. 

With GitHub’s automation tools and a robust suite of features, businesses can focus less on manual tasks like testing builds or tracking updates – and more time ensuring successful operations for their organization.

Pros: 

  • Easily collaborate with teammates and other developers 
  • Securely track and store code versions
  • Robust user interface and easy learning curve

Cons: 

  • No automated deployment capabilities
  • No cloud integration
  • Limited support for third-party integrations

Pricing: 

  • Basic plan – Free
  • Team Plan – $ 44 per user/year for the first 12 months*
  • Enterprise Plan – $ 231 per user/year for the first 12 months*

3. Google Cloud Deployment Manager

Google Cloud Deployment Manager

Google Cloud automation software is ideal for businesses looking to increase their operational efficiency and reap greater reliability by automating their system configurations or software deployments across multiple regions in one click. 

With this tool, businesses can also improve scalability orchestration capabilities & optimize turnaround times associated with operations staff?— driving overall system performance metrics across key areas of focus on all platforms used throughout any organization.

Pros: 

  • Highly customizable, enabling developers to deploy multiple services & software releases simultaneously
  • -ntegrates with Google Cloud Platform services, such as Compute Engine and App Engine
  • Seamless deployment process with automatic configuration

Cons: 

  • Limited to deploying resources within Google Cloud Platform
  • Less flexible than alternative platforms 
  • Can be difficult to set up for new users

Pricing:

  • Free to use with applicable Google Cloud Platform service fees.

4. Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform

Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform

Ansible Automation Platform, created by Red Hat, is another amazing automation platform designed to help developers & programmers to set up networking configurations, create applications or manage entire systems on the cloud. 

With Ansible, business owners can save time and resources by automating complex IT processes across their cloud infrastructure. From improved efficiency to scalability & cost-optimization, this tool can help take your business to the next level.

Pros:

  • User friendly interface and intuitive syntax for automation tasks
  • Built-in integration with popular infrastructure components
  • Deploy and update cloud infrastructures quickly and easily

Cons:

  • Difficult to troubleshoot due to lack of debugging tools
  • Steep learning curve and lack of support resources
  • No granular control of configuration or deployment tasks

Pricing:

  • Open-source; however, enterprise-level customers may opt to purchase Ansible Tower, which is priced per node.

5. Azure Automation

Azure Automation

Azure Automation is another robust cloud automation platform advantageous in developing and overseeing cloud-based applications that run on Microsoft Azure. 

This comprehensive automation system enables IT departments to deploy cloud resources swiftly with proficiency and possesses an in-depth suite of orchestration and automation qualities.

Pros:

  • Cross platform automation capabilities with support for Windows, Linux, and Mac 
  • Integration with Azure Log Analytics for log and metric analysis
  • Robust webhooks for triggering automated workflows

Cons: 

  • Requires Azure subscription and resources for operation 
  • The service can be expensive for small-scale deployments 
  • Not as flexible as some other automation platforms

Pricing:

  • Azure Automation is priced per minute, depending on the type and size of workloads.

Wrapping Up 

In a nutshell, cloud automation is a groundbreaking technology that offers numerous advantages and uses. It allows for the automated operation of standard activities, monitoring and managing of cloud-based systems, and provision of services on a vast and intricate scale. 

Cloud automation offers numerous advantages to businesses looking to increase efficiency and productivity. Utilizing specialized tools and software can exponentially enhance cloud automation, providing scalability, cost savings, as well as impeccable customer service. If you aspire for your business growth pursuits to be successful – then investing in cloud automation is an absolute necessity!

Cloud Automation FAQ's

Cloud automation DevOps is a robust system that leverages Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC), automation, and orchestration to revolutionize releasing applications. This cost-effective and time-saving system reduces the prolonged and tedious setup, administrative, and surveillance processes. Furthermore, Cloud automation DevOps empowers businesses to develop a self-service deployment platform that enables prompt and efficient delivery of applications.

Cloud automation permits businesses to bolster their agility and efficiency while simultaneously reducing the overall time and costs linked with manual processes. Automation solutions provide a uniform and reliable way to build, deploy and manage applications competently. It can help facilitate tedious and repetitive tasks while enhancing accuracy and eradicating human error.

cloud resources on the Amazon Web Services (AWS) platform. This automation software also helps developers to reduce time and cost as compared to manually performing these processes. Additionally, it also helps simplify the development and deployment of cloud-based applications by removing any manual labor associated with these tasks. Thus, organizations can revolutionize their operations and fully utilize the cloud's scalability and flexibility with the help of AWS cloud automation.

A cloud automation engineer is an IT specialist who works to automate cloud resources and systems. They design and configure cloud platforms to facilitate regular and secure deployment of applications. Plus, this position ensures the steady and safe operation of cloud infrastructures and software for businesses.

An example of cloud automation is using Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC for constructing and deploying cloud infrastructure, automating the setup, and configuring virtual machines and applications. This technique has proven its worth to countless establishments striving for streamlined and effortless delivery of their cloud services.

Cloud Test Automation is the utilization of software technologies to verify the performance and functionality of cloud-based services, systems, and applications. It enables the automation of routine tasks and enhances the testing process's effectiveness so one can validate the proper functioning of services, applications, and systems in the cloud.

Updated : November 26, 2023

subscribe image
Let’s Stay in Touch

Subscribe to our newsletter & never miss our latest news and promotions.

people subscribed +21K people have already subscribed
Share This