Ever need to make a decision based on the version of something? The version_compare() function might be useful for you.1 Over time, software changes and features are added and removed. Sometimes, we need to make a decision based on versions. For example, the Include directive in ssh_config was introduced in OpenSSH 7.3.2 Let’s take a look at how we could possibly use it. This example illustrates the basic use of version_compare()

As businesses scale, managing infrastructure becomes increasingly complex and distributed, leading to challenges in consistency, performance, and security. Manual configurations and outdated practices can no longer meet the demands of today’s highly competitive businesses. To tackle these issues, adopting a phased approach; Day 0, Day 1, and Day 2; provides a practical roadmap for scaling infrastructure automation effectively.

As networks become more complex, the demand for automation has surged. There has been a huge uptick in the concept of autonomous networks—a transformative model redefining how telecom and IT networks operate. But what are they, and why are they essential for today’s digital-first world? Let’s break it down.

Let’s face it: managing IT operations today feels a bit like spinning plates in a hurricane. Alerts are pinging, systems are stalling, users are shouting (as if that’ll help), and all the while, you’re drowning in a sea of repetitive, manual tasks. Sound familiar? Welcome to the wonderfully chaotic world of IT. But it doesn’t have to be this way.

Software deployment automation can simplify and speed up your delivery cycle. It can reduce risk, allow teams to easily test after changes are made, and help provide consistency for the overall development pipeline. If it sounds complicated, we’re here to break it down each step into a cheat sheet that provides tips and best practices for the software deployment automation process.

Every operating system has its quirks, and Linux security is no different. Whether you’re on Team Penguin or running mostly Windows boxes (or a bit of both), you’ll need to take different steps to manage security on different OSes. Like any OS, Linux security comes with its own peculiarities, pitfalls, and best practices.

Given the sophisticated nature of modern IT, today’s operations teams require more than simple step-by-step instructions—they need intelligent automation that boosts efficiency, accuracy, and accessibility throughout the organization. Runbook automation transforms traditional, manual processes into automated workflows, empowering operators to execute complex, multi-step tasks quickly and reliably.

Looking for a tool to help you format your CFEngine policy? Have you heard of cffmt? You might recall that we had a chat with the author, Miek Gieben in The agent is in - Episode 24.1 In case you missed it, cffmt is a command line tool for formatting CFEngine policy files, like gofmt for.cf files.2 Let’s take a look. Consistent formatting can really ease reading of policy, but sometimes editors are configured differently and you can end up with inconsistently formatted policy.

As telecom providers evolve to support 5G and beyond, network complexity skyrockets. That’s where a “Dark NOC” comes into play. Contrary to what it might sound like, a Dark NOC doesn’t mean a completely deserted control room. Instead, it’s a NOC that can operate with minimal human oversight thanks to advanced automation. Routine and even some complex processes run autonomously, leaving human intervention only for specific, high-stakes scenarios.

It's expensive when you don't comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) controls — take for example the €310 million fine (equivalent to $335 million dollars) that LinkedIn received from the GDPR. In this case, they shared users’ personal data for targeted advertising and behavioural analyses, without asking for user consent. Can you afford €310 million? It might be time to automate GDPR controls for 24/7 compliance.