Solution
Chef for Agentless IT Automation: Maximum Control, Zero Overhead
When Would an Agentless Approach Make Sense?
Some environments are better suited for an agentless approach. Whether due to security restrictions, lightweight infrastructure or the need for rapid, on-demand actions, an agentless approach extends automation capabilities to a broader range of devices.
Network Appliances
- Routers
- Switches
- Firewalls
IOT Management
- IP Phones
- Sensors/Monitors
Vendor Appliances
- IPS/IDS
- Backup Suite
- Virtualization
Edge Devices
- Terminals
- IADs
- PBX
Chef in Agentless Mode
The Progress® Chef® platform empowers organizations with the flexibility to choose the right approach for their unique needs, including network devices, cloud resources and edge systems, where installing agents isn't preferred.
Whether it's configuration changes, maintaining continuous compliance or conducting rapid, agentless assessments, the Chef solution enables you to efficiently manage and secure your infrastructure at scale with automation, consistency and compliance.
Watch WebinarBenefits of Using Progress Chef in Agentless Mode
Leveraging the Chef solution with an agentless execution provides an alternative for organizations looking to extend automation to systems where installing agents with the same Chef trust may not be preferred.
Remote Execution
Use existing communication channels and protocols to run commands and apply configurations efficiently instead of relying on an agent.
Faster Time to Value
Skip the need for agent installation and scan and manage nodes instantly.
Optimized Resource Utilization
Reduces CPU and memory usage, making it ideal for lightweight compliance checks and cloud environments.
Secure and Efficient
Utilizes SSH for remote execution, maintaining a minimal system footprint and reducing the attack surface.
Scalability
Managing the agents on many devices does not involve overhead, making it suitable for scaling the deployment across many devices.
Reduce costs
Minimize administrative overhead by removing the need for agent deployment and maintenance across nodes.
Why Choose Agentless Automation?
What is Agentlesss Deployment?
- No agent installation needed - executes over existing SSH protocols.
- Offers broad, high-level visibility across infrastructure without system-level access.
- Executes tasks remotely over standard protocols like SSH without requiring a persistent connection.
- Hybrid cloud setups, network automation and managing highly dynamic infrastructure.
- Leverages existing security frameworks and protocols - less intrusive but dependent on external enforcement.
What is Agent-based Deployment?
- Requires installing an agent on each node - ideal for long-term control and stability.
- Provides real-time, deep-level insights into system state and health.
- Requires agent rollout for each node. Agents register with the Chef Infra Server and maintain a persistent connection.
- High-security environments, sensitive workloads and continuous enforcement of policies.
- Direct endpoint monitoring and enforcement - provides granular control and immediate response to threats.
Additional Resources
FAQs
Chef 360
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Chef is part of the Progress product portfolio. Progress is the leading provider of application development and digital experience technologies. Progress and certain product names used herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of Progress Software Corporation and/or one of its subsidiaries or affiliates in the U.S. and/or other countries. See Trademarks for appropriate markings. All rights in any other trademarks contained herein are reserved by their respective owners and their inclusion does not imply an endorsement, affiliation, or sponsorship as between Progress and the respective owners.