Author : Mayank Sharma, Associate Engineer – CloudDevOps
Original Published Date : June 26, 2023
Run-deck is an open-source operations management platform that helps to automate routine operational procedures in data center or cloud environments. It enables you to run tasks on any number of nodes from a web-based or command-line interface.
It provides easy to use user interface by which we can Centralize, Automate and schedule our routine or ad-hock operational work. and CLI and API support which allows Rundeck job to be integrated from the upstream systems/integrations.
We can access control policy which can be used to grant users and user groups certain privileges to perform actions against Rundeck resources like Projects, Jobs and Workflows.
How Rundeck is used for Run-book Automation
Rundeck is widely used for runbook automation. Runbook automation involves automating the execution of operational procedures, commonly referred to as runbooks, to streamline and enhance various IT operations processes.
Core features of Rundeck
Organizations are looking for ways to stay nimble while improving system availability, quality of operations, and keeping control over costs. With Runbook Automation, platform engineering and SRE teams are able to standardize and automate cloud ops. Below are some benefits of Runbook Automation.
- Easy integration with Cloud Services
Receiving events from external providers into Rundeck do not have to open their firewalls for inbound notifications. - Start in minutes!
Immediate access to a dedicated Rundeck without needing to provision, install or manage infrastructure or software. - Automatic Updates Runbook Automation will be updated without any effort. No need to worry about coordinating and verifying upgrades.
- Built for Availability
Runbook Automation will manage all aspects of high availability and reliability. You don’t have to invest time in configuring the redundancy, load balancing, data layer or monitoring the Rundeck Cluster environment. Runbook Automation is built upon PagerDuty’s decade of experience in providing a resilient SaaS environment. - Hardened Security
Runbook Automation will take care of security patching, protection, monitoring, and ensuring compliance with industry standards.
Key Components of Rundeck
Commands
A command is a single executable string executed on a Node. Rundeck invokes commands on nodes via a node executor which evaluates the command string and executes it. Node executors evaluate the command string in a data context containing information about the Node resource. Command strings can reference this data and thus avoid hard coding node or environment specific values.
The Rundeck graphical console provides the ability to execute commands to a set of filtered Node resources. The Command page can accept any command string you might run via an SSH command or via the rd ad hoc shell tool.
Plugins
Process Automation is a sophisticated orchestration platform with numerous types of integrations called plugins.
The functionality of plugins ranges from executing commands on nodes, performing steps in a workflow, sending notifications about job status, gathering information about the hosts on a network, copying a file to a remote server, storing and streaming logs, and much more.
Plugin Link: — Rundeck Plugins | Rundeck Docs
Nodes
A Node is a resource that is either a physical or virtual instance of a network accessible host. Nodes have a few basic attributes, but a Node’s attributes can be extended to include arbitrary named key/value pairs. Each node has a uniquely identifying name. In addition to name, some pieces of metadata are required (like hostname and username) and some are optional. Attributes typically describe the properties of a node or reflect the state of the node. One of a Node’s built in attributes is called tags which is a list of classifications or categories about that Node.
Jobs
Jobs are the core building blocks in Rundeck. They represent the tasks or operations you want to automate. A job can consist of a series of steps, such as running scripts, executing commands, or invoking API calls.
Workflows
Workflows in Rundeck enable you to define complex sequences of jobs and their dependencies. You can create workflows to automate multi-step processes, where the outcome of one job triggers the execution of subsequent jobs.
Execution History and Logs
Rundeck keeps a record of job execution history, including details such as start time, duration, and output. It also provides access to log files generated during job execution, helping with troubleshooting and auditing.
API and CLI
Rundeck exposes an API that allows you to programmatically interact with the platform, enabling integration with external tools and systems. Additionally, Rundeck provides a Command-Line Interface (CLI) that allows you to interact with Rundeck from the terminal.
Environment variables
Environment variables are no different than variables you use in any other programming language. You set values to them so later you can reference it by name. However, in context that we use them in Rundeck is for storing details about database connection and by that we typically need database user and password for the user (since it is not advisable to have user credentials in your source code). When using environment variables, it is important to remember that Rundeck is using prefix of RD_OPTION_YOUR_ENV_NAME. Since, if you have environment variables on your local machine that are only YOUR_ENV_NAME without prefix RD_OPTION_ and you use some function to load environment values from variables, Rundeck is not going to recognize them. Under Add New Option insert and choose values you need.
Rundeck Key Storage
Rundeck provides key management features that allow you to securely store and manage sensitive information such as passwords, API keys, and other credentials used by your jobs and workflows. This helps ensure that sensitive data is not exposed in plain text and is accessible only to authorized users.
Why Rundeck ?
While there are other automation and orchestration tools available, Rundeck stands out with its focus on simplicity, usability, extensibility, and key management capabilities. It offers a comprehensive solution for managing and automating tasks across diverse environments and systems. Ultimately, the decision to choose Rundeck depends on your specific requirements and use cases. However, if you are looking for a user-friendly, flexible, and extensible automation and orchestration platform with key management capabilities, Rundeck is worth considering.
Benefits of Using Rundeck
- Leverage Existing Skills and Investments
Large enterprises or industries that operate on traditional architecture will not have to replace their existing infrastructure. This is because Rundeck can be easily implemented on traditional architectures without having the need to replace the organization’s existing tools, scripts, API calls, or manual commands. Therefore, it saves a lot of time and expense for businesses as they do not have to update older architectures just to implement automation.
2. Diagnose and Resolve Issues Quicker
There are several API’s and web interfaces from Rundeck that enable employees in the industry to safely administer diagnostic procedures or error correction strategies.
Sometimes, the need for human intervention can be completely eliminated as Rundeck is capable of virtually administering correction protocols. These protocols would have been previously executed by QA experts or team leads.
Therefore, Rundeck makes the job easier for QA teams by providing support and making improvements by itself.
3. Increase Compliance and Security Posture
As mentioned earlier, access to automation tools, AI services, Machine Learning, and other technologies are purely based on roles or responsibilities. Even though every employee can access Rundeck, they will have been given individual access based on their profile.
Unauthorized access or entry into the admin panel will be reported immediately to the decision-makers who can easily identify the perpetrators. Therefore, even though a large enterprise employs several automation tools, technologies, or interconnected devices, Rundeck will ensure full security and compliance oversight.
Wrapping up
As we know, automations is essential for enterprise efficiency, it reduces time consumption and makes it easy for employees to work effectively. But similar to all other innovative technologies, automation needs proper management and control.
With Rundeck, enterprises that employ automation can make the most out of their tools, technologies, and resources through a single platform. Standardize the way you operate your diverse business domains and technology stack.
Leverage Rundeck to implement your custom and complex automation strategies where an end-user can safely utilize it and make business management efficient.
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