There are two important reasons for the automation of IT infrastructure:
- it looks better
- it works better
Appearance translates into user experience. Typically, provisioning a new server takes weeks. The physical set-up might take days, but approval, ordering, applying security policies and integrating the new server into the business model and backup plans will take weeks. In today’s dynamic business environment this rarely suffices. The testing environment must be created when needed, not when possible.
Automation enables the introduction of cloud computing to enterprises. Developers, application owners and service managers may order a server or storage from a service catalog. Requirements for data protection and performance may be specified in full view of associated costs. Smart decisions can be made about resource usage. The result: a better user exprience and optimal resource usage. The service-oriented IT department is no longer mere hype.
Automation improves the availability of IT. One major reason for downtime of applications is human error. Automation eliminates human error by always following processes. The new server always gets the right backup, the right security and the right business continuity policy. The IT team may then focus on improving the process itself rather than spending time on routine day-to-day operations.