Using Ansible for Automation with IBM Power Systems
A draft IBM Redbooks publication
Updated 20 December 2023
IBM Form #: SG24-8551-00
(394 pages)
View online
Authors: Tim Simon, Jose Martin Abeleira, Shahid Ali, Vijaybabu Anaimuthu, Sambasiva Andaluri, Marcelo Avalos Del Carpio, Thomas Baumann, Ivaylo Bozhinov, Carlo Castillo, Rafael Cezario, Stuart Cunliffe, Nilabja Haldar, Munshi Hafizul Haque, Subha Hari, Andrey Klyachkin, Osman Omer, Rosana Ramos, Prashant Sharma, Stephen Tremain, Prerna Upmanyu, Sundaragopal Venkatraman
Abstract
This IBM Redbooks publication will help you install, tailor and configure an automation environment using Ansible in an IBM Power server environment. Ansible is a versatile and easy to use IT automation platform that makes your applications and systems easier to deploy and maintain. With Ansible you can automate almost anything: code deployment, network configuration, server infrastructure deployment, security and patch management, and cloud management. Ansible is implemented in an easy to use and human readable language (YAML) and uses SSH to connect to the managed systems, hence with no agents to install on remote systems.
Ansible is an Open Source solution that is gaining market share in the automation workspace as it can help you automate almost anything. This IBM Redbooks publication will show you how to integrate Ansible to manage all aspects of your IBM Power infrastructure, including server hardware, the hardware management console, PowerVM, PowerVC, AIX, IBM i, and Linux on Power. We provide guidance on where to run your Ansible automation controller nodes and demonstrate how it can be installed on any operating system supported on IBM Power and also show you how to set up your IBM Power infrastructure components to be managed using Ansible.
This publication is intended for use by anyone who is interested in automaton using Ansible whether they are just getting started or if they are experts on Ansible and want to understand how to integrate IBM Power into their existing environment.
Table of contents
Chapter 1. Introduction to Ansible and IBM Power
Chapter 2. Ansible architecture and design
Chapter 3. Getting started with Ansible
Chapter 4. Automated Application Deployment on Power Servers
Chapter 5. Infrastructure as Code Using Ansible
Chapter 6. Day 2 Management Operations
Chapter 7. Future Trends and Directions
Appendix A. Unveiling IBM i Merlin
The material included in this document is in DRAFT form and is provided 'as is' without warranty of any kind. IBM is not responsible for the accuracy or completeness of the material, and may update the document at any time. The final, published document may not include any, or all, of the material included herein. Client assumes all risks associated with Client's use of this document.