Difference Between Saltstack and Ansible

Pre-requisite: Ansible

Both Saltstack and Ansible are used for configuration management and IT automation and are open sources. Though, SaltStack is a new tool in the field still it is efficient, easy to use and scalable Let’s see what aspects they differ in.

Saltstack

Saltstack is an open-source software for IT automation. This software is Python-based and does remote task execution and configuration management. It is a simple and modern approach to infrastructure management. Also, it helps in low potency and high-speed communication. Saltstack was developed by Thomas S Hatch in March 2011. It supports most operating systems, including OS X, Microsoft Windows, and UNIX. Features include- flexibility, simplicity, remote setting, and usage of python.

Advantages

• It is very easy to install and use.
• It is best for a resilient workplace as it is highly scalable.
• For troubleshooting problems, online data is available.
• Its customer support is reliable and quite active.

Disadvantages

• It is heavy in weight.
• Web User Interface has limited features and capabilities.
• This platform is quite new and users find it difficult to install the software. 

Ansible

Ansible is an open-source software used for the deployment of applications. This software is written in Python, PowerShell, and Ruby and uses a remote power shell to do the tasks. It does not require any software for the work. Ansible was developed by Michael DeHaan in February 2012. It supports Linux, UNIX, MacOS, and Windows. Features include-  efficient automation software,  easy to understand, reliable, multiple modules, and agentless.

Advantages

• It is simple and easy to use with efficient automation software.
• It does not require any agent software like other automation tools.
• It is quite efficient in managing remote machines. Also, there is no need for custom security infrastructure.
• It uses the existing OS credentials. So, it is decentralized.

Disadvantages

• It is inefficient to work as it has an inadequate User Interface.
• It does not track dependencies as it does not have any notion of the state.
• It does not work well with large enterprises.

Difference between Saltstack and Ansible

	Saltstack	Ansible
Weight	It is heavyweight.	It is lightweight.
Speed	The speed is more.	The speed is less.
Works with	It works with the message data bus.	It does not work with the message data bus.
Security	Less secure.	More secure.
Flexible	It is quite flexible.	It is less flexible than Saltstack.
Scalable	It is scalable for different tasks.	It is not scalable for different types of tasks.
Remote Execution	Remote execution is easy.	Remote execution is not possible.
APIs	APIs are used in Saltstack.	No APIs are used in Ansible.
Agents	For smooth functioning, agents are needed.	For smooth functioning, agents are not required.
Compatibility	It is not backward compatible.	It is backward compatible.
Installation	It is easy to install.	It is hard to install.
Memory space	It takes not have much memory space.	It takes up lots of memory space.
Infrastructure	Infrastructure is immutable.	Infrastructure is mutable.
Platforms	AWS, Scaleway, and Stackstorm are supported in Saltstack.	Docker, Kubernetes, DevOps tools, and Amazon EC2 are supported in Ansible.
Documentation	No good documentation was provided.	Better documentation.
Hosting	Hosting with Saltstack is integrated with GitHub.	Hosting with Ansible is integrated with Red Hat.

Conclusion

Both tools have come a long way since their launch. Though they both have their own pros and cons they offer the best automation tools and services. Now, It is up to the users to decide what suits them better according to their system and requirements.