How do you manage IT automation tools across different platforms?

1 Choose cross-platform tools

One way to simplify your IT automation management is to choose tools that can run on multiple platforms, such as Linux, Windows, MacOS, or cloud environments. Cross-platform tools can reduce the need for multiple scripts, configurations, and integrations, and make your automation workflows more consistent and portable. For example, you can use Ansible, a cross-platform automation tool, to automate tasks such as configuration management, application deployment, and security compliance across your IT infrastructure.

2 Use standard formats and protocols

Another way to manage IT automation tools across different platforms is to use standard formats and protocols for your data, files, and communication. Standard formats and protocols can ensure that your automation tools can read, write, and exchange data and files across different platforms without losing or corrupting information. For example, you can use JSON, XML, or YAML for your data formats, SSH or HTTPS for your communication protocols, and Git or SVN for your version control systems.

3 Implement abstraction layers

A third way to manage IT automation tools across different platforms is to implement abstraction layers that can hide the complexity and differences of the underlying platforms from your automation tools. Abstraction layers can provide a common interface and functionality for your automation tools to interact with different platforms, without requiring you to modify your tools or scripts for each platform. For example, you can use Docker, a tool that creates and runs containers, to abstract the platform-specific details of your applications and run them on any platform that supports Docker.

4 Test and monitor your automation

A fourth way to manage IT automation tools across different platforms is to test and monitor your automation processes and outcomes regularly. Testing and monitoring can help you identify and resolve any issues or errors that may arise from using your automation tools across different platforms, such as compatibility problems, performance bottlenecks, or security vulnerabilities. For example, you can use Jenkins, a tool that automates software testing and delivery, to run tests and generate reports on your automation workflows across different platforms.

5 Document and review your automation

A fifth way to manage IT automation tools across different platforms is to document and review your automation policies, procedures, and standards. Documentation and review can help you keep track of your automation goals, requirements, and results, as well as ensure that your automation tools are aligned with your business objectives, best practices, and compliance regulations. For example, you can use Markdown, a lightweight markup language, to create and maintain documentation for your automation tools and workflows across different platforms.

6 Learn and improve your automation

A sixth way to manage IT automation tools across different platforms is to learn and improve your automation skills and knowledge. Learning and improving can help you stay updated on the latest trends, technologies, and techniques for IT automation, as well as discover new ways to optimize and enhance your automation tools and workflows across different platforms. For example, you can use online courses, blogs, podcasts, or communities to learn and improve your IT automation skills and knowledge.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?