Configuration Drift

When using applications and cloud services, new features need to be added and existing functions updated, which can result in configuration drift. Without detection, the impact can be great on microservices, DevOps, or cloud security. Manage your drift with OpsCompass.

Why Does Drift Matter?

When implemented, a business’ cloud infrastructure is mapped out so that every aspect is known. When changes are made, an operations team may not be aware, losing visibility into the system. When changes go undetected and unmanaged, the number of adjustments build and grow within the system. Without active management and tracking of changes, IT lacks insight into how the system has evolved, leading to a number of issues that impact operational efficiency, system security, and a variety of other critical functions.

 

Potential Issues

Cloud configuration changes and resource additions contribute to configuration drift. When drift is unchecked, a number of potential issues can occur.

Security Threats

Any gap in real-time system state can open a business to security risks and exposed data. This can put your compliance posture at risk.

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Lower Productivity

Without awareness and visibility, the drift grows and requires manual intervention. You need a configuration management tool to step in.

Customer Experience

Unchecked drift can lead to system downtime, outages, or deployment failures for clients. A negative customer experience could put revenue at risk.

Cost

Drift can put a strain on time, resources, and maintenance. Sometimes a resource addition or change drive up costs in a matter of days. Alerts are here to help.

Catch Your Drift With OpsCompass Change History

Without the right tools and resources to monitor, manage, and remediate configuration drift, you may be unaware of drift – or at least the extent of it. There are a few methods for addressing drift that require varying levels of investment in time and resources:

  • Manual management
  • Timely scanning
  • Real-time monitoring

With a clear change history available, OpsCompass can help you catch your drift.

How to Manage Configuration Drift

To ensure minimal drift and prompt response, the key is real-time monitoring, like OpsCompass drift configuration, and putting a remediation process in place to fix any issues quickly.

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Manual Management

Manual management takes the most time and resources away from your IT organization, requiring manual system checks and change tracking. It also leaves the door open to human error.

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Timely Scanning

Some tools regularly scan an IT system based on a set schedule, identifying changes and gaps. While offering increased visibility, the time between scans can allow drift to grow significantly.

Real-Time Monitoring

Real-time monitoring is the best way to track changes that lead to drift by sending alerts when changes are made that impact compliance, security, or cost.

★★★★★

“I use OpsCompass daily via a pinned tab to monitor the drift in our cloud environment. Having over 2,000 cloud resources, I was able to discover all the inconsistencies we had along with some governance issues we needed to address.”

Dustin D., Director of Software Engineering via Capterra

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