How can inconsistent configurations of manually deployed compute instances be addressed?

Using a provisioning pipeline with infrastructure as code addresses the issue of inconsistent configurations of manually deployed compute instances effectively. This approach allows for the automation of infrastructure deployment and management, ensuring that systems are consistently provisioned using defined templates and scripts.

With infrastructure as code, configurations are defined in code files, which can be versioned and reviewed just like application code. This practice minimizes human error that often arises from manual deployments by allowing teams to reproduce environments consistently. By utilizing a provisioning pipeline, changes and deployments can be automated and monitored, further reducing the risk of discrepancies between instances. Furthermore, it enables easy rollback to previous versions if issues arise, promoting more reliable infrastructure management.

Manual processes and manual configuration standardization, while well-intentioned, lead to variability due to human error and lack of documentation adherence. Configuration management tools can help, but they are most effective when integrated within a broader infrastructure as code strategy that includes automated pipelines, ensuring sustained consistency across environments.