While it may not be the first thing that comes to mind when considering cloud computing’s advantages, the capacity for automation saves time, increases productivity and streamlines workflow. Using the cloud in the most efficient manner gives your business a competitive edge — but only if you take the time to figure out what your needs are and how to automate them. Explore some of the database management tasks commonly automated within the cloud, and then decide what’s right for you.
Cloud Automation
- Configuration: Employees need not spend time configuring applications to run efficiently on the cloud when configuration automation can take care of the fine details. IT staff can set scaling rules, configure application runtime and define application stacks.
- Deployment: While automated deployment used to be a luxury, experts are deeming it a necessity when it comes to the cloud. Cloud databases support both automated deployment for cloud-native applications and deployment tools for applications not developed in the cloud, saving time and providing a consistent user experience.
- Patching: At present, network administrators apply a series of system patches every three months on average, which equates to a significant amount of staff time — often night and weekend time — spent preparing for and applying issued patches. As resources grow, patching takes more time. Automation greatly reduces the time spent on patching by allowing network administrators control over the process while automating the most tedious components.
- Access Control: Access control keeps cloud systems secure and protects enterprise data by ensuring that only authorized users access applications. Configure access control privileges once, and then rely on the automated cloud system to perform access control each time users want to access resources.
- Scalability: As enterprise needs change, businesses can easily scale cloud services up or down to use the right amount of resources. Automation can assist this process to meet the business’s needs while taking up a minimum of staff time.
Benefits
In addition to the productivity benefits realized by all, automation of cloud databases also frees up valuable staff time. IT staff that have tended to routine maintenance can take on additional challenges since they no longer have to worry about maintenance and upkeep. As automation performs routine tasks, it can notify IT staff when the system requires a human operator to make a choice.
Additionally, since you pay for only the resources that you need, cloud automation often reduces expenditure. Your business can grow in other ways by making smart purchases, upgrading legacy equipment or dedicating more staff time and resources to other projects. Determining what makes the most sense to automate requires a thoughtful breakdown of existing services, deployment and applications as well as an eye toward current challenges and future growth.
Whether you already use the cloud or are considering moving to the cloud, talk to the cloud database hosting provider about ways that automation can assist business growth and offer that competitive edge. There are so many wonderful ways that cloud can help businesses grow that there really are no downsides to cloud databases.