Network automation through DevOps practices has revolutionized IT infrastructure and configuration management, enabling faster deployments and improved operational efficiency. However, as networks grow more complex and diverse, solely relying on an in-house DevOps team can leave gaps in critical areas like compliance, security, and scalability. This is where Network Configuration Manager becomes indispensable.
Top 6 challenges of relying solely on in-house automation or DevOps teams
While DevOps teams bring significant benefits to managing IT infrastructures, they can face several challenges when handling network configurations:
1. Complexity of multi-vendor environments
Modern networks often include devices from multiple vendors, each with unique configurations, firmware requirements, and CLI structures. Managing these without a unified platform can lead to inefficiencies and misconfigurations. Such issues are a major cause of network outages, with misconfigurations contributing to nearly 75% of network attacks, as predicted by InfoSecurity Magazine.
2. Risk of configuration drift
Configuration drift occurs when device configurations deviate from the baseline due to manual changes or automation scripts failing to account for edge cases (i.e., how your network devices act due to unexpected bugs or scenarios). Over time, this can lead to network vulnerabilities, performance degradation, or compliance failures.
3. Limited focus on compliance
DevOps teams are typically geared toward agility and efficiency but may not prioritize regulatory compliance. Ensuring adherence to standards like the PCI DSS, HIPAA, or the GDPR requires specialized tools and processes, which are not always part of automation workflows.
4. Scalability bottlenecks
As the network expands, maintaining and updating custom scripts becomes increasingly resource-intensive. This leads to delays in configuration deployments and greater chances of human error.
5. Lack of real-time insights
DevOps automation often lacks granular, real-time visibility into network device configurations, which is critical for quickly identifying unauthorized changes, compliance issues, or outdated firmware.
6. Recovery and incident response
In case of misconfigurations or outages, manually rolling back changes or redeploying scripts can be time-consuming and error-prone. Network Configuration Manager helps reduce mean time to repair (MTTR) significantly, minimizing business disruptions.
How Network Configuration Manager helps
ManageEngine Network Configuration Manager is specifically designed to address the unique challenges of managing network configurations in dynamic environments. Here’s how it complements an in-house DevOps team:
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Centralized repository for configurations
Network Configuration Manager acts as a single source of truth for all device configurations. It helps maintain versioned backups, allowing administrators to restore previous or stable configuration states instantly during network failures or misconfigurations.
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Automated compliance audits
Network Configuration Manager automatically checks configurations against predefined compliance policies, identifying violations and providing remediation templates. This ensures adherence to regulatory and organizational standards with minimal manual intervention
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Multi-vendor support
Unlike the custom scripts used in DevOps tools, Network Configuration Manager comes with built-in support for a wide range of network devices and vendors. They simplify device management by standardizing workflows across heterogeneous environments.
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Real-time monitoring and alerts
Network Configuration Manager continuously monitors devices for unauthorized network configuration changes or potential firmware vulnerabilities. Alerts are triggered in real-time through various channels like emails, SNMP traps, syslogs, and third-party tools, enabling proactive issue resolution.
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Streamlined incident response
Automated rollback and recovery workflows in Network Configuration Manager allow network administrators to resolve issues faster than manually implemented solutions. They reduce downtime and ensure business continuity.
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Enhanced security
Network Configuration Manager’s tools identify outdated firmware, misconfigurations, or vulnerabilities, providing actionable insights such as the CVE ID, base score, and patch links from the National Vulnerability Database (NVD) and other trustable network vendors to strengthen and secure the network’s security posture.
Why pairing Network Configuration Manager with DevOps ensures future-proofed networks
ManageEngine Network Configuration Manager integrated within OpManager Plus bridges the gap between traditional network management and modern DevOps methodologies. This integration allows organizations to automate repetitive tasks, enhance collaboration between teams, and streamline configuration workflows. Here are some key benefits:
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Collaboration and visibility
With Network Configuration Manager in OpManager Plus, DevOps teams and network administrators can collaborate on a unified platform. Features like detailed logging of configuration changes and audit trails ensure complete transparency, accountability, and ease of troubleshooting.
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Enhanced efficiency
By automating routine tasks like backups, compliance checks, and configuration updates, Network Configuration Manager saves valuable time. This allows DevOps teams to focus on strategic initiatives while reducing the risk of human error in critical operations.
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Scalability and future-proofing
As networks grow, Network Configuration Manager can help scale effortlessly to manage additional devices and vendors, ensuring that your automation efforts remain sustainable.
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Integration with DevOps tools
Network Configuration Manager with OpManager Plus integrates seamlessly with DevOps tools like Ansible, enhancing their functionality. For instance, network administrators can push configurations directly into CI/CD pipelines, ensuring consistency across environments.
While in-house DevOps teams excel at automation, Network Configuration Manager provides the robust framework required to manage configurations, ensure compliance, and improve reliability. Together, they create a powerful synergy that enhances network performance, security, and scalability.
Adopting Network Configuration Manager is not a replacement for DevOps efforts but a vital complement that addresses the gaps in manual or script-based automation, readying your network infrastructure for growth and complexity. Want to try Network Configuration Manager for free? Download a 30-day, free trial or get a personalized demo to future-proof your network and strengthen your DevOps workflow today.
