Top 12 Effective & Popular Software Configuration Management Tools

Do you remember the last time you purchased a new laptop, tablet, or smartphone? As you excitedly powered it up for the first time, you eagerly explored the device’s capabilities, tried out some of the pre-loaded software, and got familiar with its look and feel.

But probably before you even tossed out the packaging, you were doubtlessly changing the settings, uploading new wallpapers, changing fonts, adding your favorite sound files for notifications, and inevitably deleting some of the extraneous pre-installed “free” software.

As time goes by, you get updates to the operating system, add new software and apps, and over time make the device your personal property. This behavior is perfectly normal and expected!

Now, instead of owning just one device, you’re running a network of 100 devices. Each user, unfortunately, has their preferences on how to do things. Over time, the machines are no longer standardized, and problems ensue—some minor irritations, and others far more severe.

This is a job for configuration management!

This article explores the concept of configuration management, what it is, why it’s needed, what kind of tools does it require, and which tools are best for the job.

Let’s begin with a primer.

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What Is Configuration Management?

Before we figure out the best software configuration management tools, we must ask ourselves, “What is configuration management, and why is it important?” By getting a solid grasp on the process, we can better ascertain which tools are the most effective.

Configuration management is considered a subset of systems management, a process for keeping servers, systems, and software functioning consistently within a set of established parameters. The process ensures the system and its resources perform as expected, despite updates, additions, and deletions.

So, configuration management ensures that all the devices in your network infrastructure march to the same beat, keeping everyone in line.

Configuration management tools perform various tasks to keep physical and logical assets consistent. These management tools identify and track all configuration items and document functional dependencies, helping the IT department understand how changing one configuration item affects all the others.

Many configuration management tasks are automated, reducing the likelihood of human error while freeing up staff to handle other matters.

Configuration management tools make life easier for everyone using digital assets. Their primary purpose is to keep an accurate, detailed record of computer system information and standards and update them as necessary.

Here are the most common configuration management tool functions:

• Application deployment
• Automated provisioning
• Infrastructure automation
• Node management
• Orchestration
• Role-based access control
• Task management
• Visualization and reporting

These are the chief benefits of configuration management tools:

• Diminished likelihood of outages and security breaches
• Cost-effective due to avoiding technology asset duplication
• Tighter process control by enforcing established policies and procedures
• Quicker problem resolution
• Efficient change management by reliance on the baseline configuration
• Faster service restoration turnaround

Configuration management tools in DevOps handle crucial tasks such as deploying applications, maintaining infrastructure, and provisioning environments. These functions are delicate and labor-intensive, but the tools can save time and reduce the chance of human error if they are automated.

Configuration management in DevOps is referred to as “comprehensive configuration management” and consists of:

Source Code Repository

Used mostly during the development phase, it is the main container for all code versions. Additionally, the repository usually stores build scripts, test scripts, deployment scripts, and configuration files.

Artifact Repository

Used during both development and operations phases, it is a database for storing test data, binaries, and libraries. The artifact repository stores machine-readable files.

Configuration Management Database (CMDB)

Also used during development and operations phases, this is a repository of the organization’s infrastructure devices, databases, applications, and services. It also contains the relationships between the various elements in the CMDB.

DevOps’ purpose is to develop and release software as quickly as possible. Configuration management makes that goal more attainable.