Cloud computing services have facilitated the on-demand availability of computer system resources, particularly improving data storage and computing power for organisations. In fact, cloud automation is no longer a mere trend, it has become fundamental to improving efficiency and eliminating errors in the management of the cloud environment. So, let’s get stuck into what exactly cloud automation means and how it can benefit your business.
What is Cloud Automation?
‘Cloud automation’ refers to the automation of the installation, configuration and management of cloud computing services. Essentially, the goal of cloud automation is to reduce the manual effort of repetitive tasks in the cloud and to make management tasks as efficient as possible.
Deploying and operating the organisation’s computing workloads manually is inefficient and often error-ridden, with the result being increased downtime while troubleshooting occurs and, potentially, exposing the organisation’s security vulnerabilities. Automation mitigates these risks, in addition to several other key benefits.
The Benefits of Cloud Automation
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Reduced Expenses and Ongoing Costs:
Cloud services reduce the upfront expense of setting up on-site server infrastructure, while automation diminishes the amount of human effort required to manage your infrastructure. As a result, the cost of running your cloud infrastructure will be lower and fewer potentially costly errors will arise.
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Better Use of Human Resources:
Thanks to an automated cloud infrastructure, IT staff will also not need to be responsible for the day-to-day management of infrastructure, thus being free to focus on core business issues and improving strategic decisions.
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Better Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery:
If you have service level agreements (SLAs) in place with your cloud services provider, you can ensure access to vital data and applications if disaster should strike. Cloud services also enable you to quickly scale up resources to accommodate spikes in demand.
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Improved Security:
When IT tasks, particularly those that are sensitive, are automated, multiple people are not required to access mission-critical systems or information. The risks of human error and malicious intent are thus greatly reduced. Your cloud services provider can also build security best practices into automated workflows.
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Better Business and Increased Innovation:
Through automation, your team is freed up to focus on your organisation’s core business, rather than on IT infrastructure. Your organisation can also innovate at a faster rate and synergise developments and testing tasks, while the nitty-gritty of resource scalability and data centre requirements will be taken care of by your cloud services provider.
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Improved Control:
Cloud services allow you to build and implement policies for your cloud strategy from the outset, allowing better control, management and modification of ongoing processes and policies.
Start exploring cloud automation today - if you haven't yet explored cloud automation, now is the time to start. There are many different automation tools available. Begin with small manageable tasks to get a feel for how automation can streamline your cloud processes. If you are not sure where to begin and would like to partner with a premier cloud services provider, we can help you leverage the benefits of the cloud to your organisation’s advantage, seamlessly automating your cloud environment while optimising your existing IT infrastructure.
