Are there two common approaches to configuration management, agent-based and agent-less?

The assertion that there are two common approaches to configuration management, specifically agent-based and agent-less, is indeed true.

Agent-based configuration management involves installing agents on the target systems that actively monitor, gather, and manage configurations. These agents act on the instructions provided by the central configuration management system, allowing for more detailed and continuous oversight of the system’s state. This method can be very efficient in environments where real-time updates and monitoring are crucial, as the agents facilitate instant communication and action.

On the other hand, agent-less configuration management does not require installing any software on the target systems. Instead, it utilizes existing protocols such as SSH or WinRM to manage configurations. This approach can simplify the management process in environments where installing agents is not feasible or desired, such as when dealing with a large number of systems or in scenarios with stringent security policies that limit software installations.

Both approaches have their respective strengths and use cases, making them valid methods for configuration management in diverse environments. Thus, recognizing the distinction and usability of both agent-based and agent-less configurations is essential for robust system management.