Infrastructure automation can help reduce bottleneck processes, unite siloed systems and free up time for innovation and growth.
As the business potential of infrastructure automation advances, especially in a Hybrid Cloud context, so do the rumours that surround it. Like all new technology, many IT teams have reservations about what automation means for them.
Job security and complexity are common obstacles to automation, but with consultation from the right partner, they are minor. Here are 7 common myths surrounding infrastructure automation and how they can be implemented in a Hybrid Cloud environment to promote optimisation and orchestration.
1. Automation is too complex
33% of global IT decision-makers say that operational complexity and cost management are significant challenges to automation deployment. While IT leaders have a deep understanding of the technology they work with, it’s difficult to persuade the wider business on the importance of investing in a Hybrid Cloud model that is powered by automation.
Optimising Hybrid Cloud with automation allows employees to view the entire infrastructure from a single entity. This increases visibility and makes stakeholder reporting effortless. By simplifying through automation, technology and business teams all benefit.
2. Automation makes IT infrastructure vulnerable
It is true that Hybrid Cloud security is more complex than with standalone on-premises infrastructure. And while hyperscale cloud providers are responsible for the security of the cloud itself, you are responsible for everything that lies within it, such as data, middleware, applications and system configuration.
Automation of repetitive security processes provides the opportunity for IT teams to work on more sophisticated security elsewhere. It also helps to ensure that security requirements for cloud migration and maintenance are upheld consistently and without error.
3. Automation setup is time-consuming
Although the purpose of automation is to speed things up, the work involved in setting up new systems puts busy IT teams off. This initial time investment paired with Australia’s current technology labour shortage leaves automation at the end of the ‘to-do’ list.
Infrastructure automation design and deployment does take time, this is true, however this can be sped up by working with a trusted consulting partner that specialises in Hybrid Cloud infrastructure automation such as Advent One.
4. Automation jeopardises job security
This is a legitimate concern, but in the ever-changing landscape that is modern business, you need to be agile. While prioritising your workforce is essential, it must not jeopardise growth. If your company doesn’t automate the menial tasks, you will be left behind.
To avoid distress around infrastructure automation taking jobs, the Advent One team suggests businesses be transparent about how automation can benefit the workforce. Encouraging a creative and supportive mindset that looks at automation to solve frustrating problems and uses it as an opportunity to upskill staff to work more efficiently.
5. Automation is expensive to run
With budgets stretched considerably, it’s understandable that IT leaders don’t want to ask for additional funding, yet, the time saved and potential for growth through automation, makes the ROI on the initial investment pretty lucrative.
Advent One partners with infrastructure automation technology specialist Red Hat and their Ansible platform. To plan out the cost savings your organisation would achieve with infrastructure automation, check out this link here.
6. Automation replaces legacy systems and reduces shelf life
Hybrid Cloud systems powered by automation should work alongside your legacy systems and give them a longer shelf life. It allows you to harness public and private cloud capabilities, as well as connecting and orchestrating mission critical applications and sensitive data found on your legacy/on-prem infrastructure for longer periods of time, reducing the need to ‘rip and replace’.
7. Automation makes businesses inflexible
One of the main pulls of cloud computing is its ability to be customised and flexible. The value of Hybrid Cloud is your organisations’ ability to benefit from the best of both worlds – and automation allows you to enjoy these, while still creating flexibility and adaptability to changing technical demands.
Provided you observe point 6, a Hybrid Cloud model powered by infrastructure automation allows you to choose applications and processes that need less customisation and automate them. That leaves you more time for customisation on mission-critical tasks completed on-premises or with a hosted private cloud.
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Debunking automation myths with hybrid cloud infrastructure
Myths surrounding new technologies are common, but obstacles to infrastructure automation can be removed by working with a trusted partner. Advent One helps businesses regain control of their destiny by leveraging an automation-first approach that focuses on your strengths.
Optimising your Hybrid Cloud infrastructure is easier than ever. Find out more about how automation can help your business succeed by booking a meeting with an industry expert.