Select Page

Ansible

Dynamic IT orchestration

Optimize your IT automation with Ansible. It transforms complex IT operations into easy-to-manage processes and optimizes your configuration management. See for yourself how easy it is to implement powerful automation strategies with Ansible.

Ansible

IT automation made simple and efficient

Ansible is a flexible solution for IT automation. It combines the strengths of command line-based control with the accessibility of graphical configuration options. The open source platform is ideal for efficient configuration and software provisioning in Unix and Linux environments, but is also suitable for Windows-based systems.

Ansible’s modular architecture makes it possible to effectively overcome IT challenges and implement solutions on a variety of systems. The combination of user-friendliness and advanced functionality makes it ideal for management and automation in various IT environments.

Agentless architecture

Ansible does not require installation on the target devices. This simplifies deployment and preserves system integrity. At the same time, maintenance effort and security risks are reduced.

Idempotent operations

Ansible only executes tasks when required.
Repeated execution of the same task does not lead to a different result unless changes or adjustments have been made.

Modular expandability

Numerous modules and plugins are supported, which enable the functionality to be adapted and extended. This means that Ansible can be used in most environments.

Versatile support

Ansible offers a wide range of supported environments. In addition to Unix and Windows systems, for example, various network devices.
This enables flexible and comprehensive automation.

Features

Core functions: Playbooks and inventories

Playbooks are powerful automation scripts that map complex IT processes in an understandable syntax. Inventories organize and define target devices for automation.

These functions form the basis for powerful and targeted automation with Ansible.

Playbooks

Intuitive workflow configuration

Playbooks are the heart of Ansible. Here, configuration details are summarized in a clear and understandable language. They can be easily applied to the systems recorded in the host inventory and enable fast and precise configuration.

Ansible’s push method, which only requires SSH and Python on the target devices, makes it much easier to get started. This means you can get started with Ansible without any further preparatory work, as it can get started directly on the target device without any additional software.

 
 
 
---
- hosts: webservers
  vars:
    http_port: 80
    max_clients: 200
  remote_user: root
  tasks:
  - name: ensure apache is at the latest version
    yum:
      name: httpd
      state: latest
  - name: write the apache config file
    template:
      src: /srv/httpd.j2
      dest: /etc/httpd.conf
    notify:
    - restart apache
  - name: ensure apache is running
    service:
      name: httpd
      state: started
  handlers:
    - name: restart apache
      service:
        name: httpd
        state: restarted
 
 
 
[linux_unix]
linux_host_01 ansible_host=192.168.1.10
linux_host_02 ansible_host=192.168.1.11
[windows]
linux_host_01 ansible_host=192.168.1.10
linux_host_02 ansible_host=192.168.1.11
[monitoring]
linux_host_01 ansible_host=192.168.1.10
linux_host_02 ansible_host=192.168.1.11
linux_host_01 ansible_host=192.168.1.10
linux_host_02 ansible_host=192.168.1.11
monitoring_master ansible_host=fd12:3456:789a:1::1

Invetories

The backbone of Ansible

Inventories form the basis for targeted automation. They define the systems on which your playbooks are executed. Hosts are organized in them individually or in groups, which enables a differentiated and flexible approach.

The ability to use dynamic inventories simplifies integration into cloud environments and other dynamic infrastructures. This makes them a powerful tool for managing and automating IT resources in a diverse and constantly changing IT landscape.

Graphical user interface

Visualization meets automation

In addition to the powerful command line interface, Ansible also offers graphical user interfaces for more intuitive editing and management. These graphical tools, such as Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform or Semaphore, allow you to create, manage and run playbooks without having to dive deep into the command line.

They provide a visual representation of workflows and facilitate troubleshooting. This makes Ansible more accessible and user-friendly, especially for teams that prefer graphical interaction.

The web interface of Semaphore. You can see 3 running tasks, one has run successfully, the others have failed. On the right side there is a bluish menu bar in which the items "Dashboard", "Task Templates", "Inventory" "Environment", "Key Store", "Repositories" and "Team" are displayed. At the bottom of the bar there is a slider for a dark mode and you can see that a user named "Admin" is logged in

Ansible & Foreman

The perfect integration

Foreman – the lifecycle management tool for physical and virtual servers. The Foreman is an open source project that helps administrators manage their systems throughout the lifecycle, from provisioning and configuration to orchestration and monitoring.

Reporting

Foreman offers the most important reporting functions for Ansible – so you have all the important information from orchestration and configuration management at a glance.

Inventory

Ansible collects all the relevant information of the target systems with every run of a playbook. Foreman can display this information and sort it for the user.

Control

Foreman is able to control individual playbooks or complete bulk processes via the web interface, which means a significant reduction of work in Ansible’s everyday life.

Integration into Foreman

Foreman – the lifecycle management tool for physical and virtual servers. The “Vorarbeiter” is an open source project that supports administrators in managing their systems throughout their time of use (lifecycle), from provisioning and configuration to orchestration and monitoring.

Service

Ansible Consulting

We help you with the conception, installation and integration of your environment – for more power, know-how, peace of mind!

Power

Years of Experience

We have been supporting our customers in operating their IT infrastructures for many years. Industries, tools, operating systems – we’ve seen, operated and built everything. We know the best practices with Ansible, Puppet & Co. and many topics related to Open Source and Linux.

Know How

Full Understanding

We not only understand your IT systems and services, but the big picture and the countless aspects of operating complex IT infrastructures. There is often a lack of time and personnel with increasing complexity and a rapidly changing IT world.

Peace of Mind

Targeted Reinforcement

As Linux generalists and open source experts, we have a broad base and are well integrated into the open source communities. With us you are never alone! Whether as an IT consultant, engineer, support or architect – we strengthen your team and relieve you of work.

Everything from a single source

The holistic portfolio of NETWAYS

You need support with the planning, implementation and operation of your Ansible environment. NETWAYS supports you in all matters relating to consulting, outsourcing and, of course, training.

IT Outsourcing

As an external IT department, we take over the complete operation of entire environments. We take care of all the necessary systems from the open source world and work with you.

Support

With us you get quick help from your personal systems engineer. Whether by phone, chat, email or ticket: we are always there for you! Ansible not doing what it’s supposed to? Get it contact with us!

Trainings

We are happy to pass on our extensive and profound practical knowledge to you in our training courses and workshops. Of course, as face-to-face and of course online training.

News

Articles from our Blog

Was ist Ansible Semaphore?

Was ist Ansible Semaphore?

Als Open Source Consultants müssen meine Kolleg:innen und ich uns regelmäßig mit neuen Technologien, Tools oder anderen Neuerungen auseinandersetzen. Dabei testen wir besonders neue Software die uns und unseren Kund:innen das Leben potenziell leichter machen können...

Webinars

Our webinar archive

Just contact us. We look forward to seeing you!