AWX Ansible vs. Ansible

Attribute	AWX Ansible	Ansible
Open Source	Yes	Yes
GUI Interface	Yes	No
Job Scheduling	Yes	No
Role-based Access Control	Yes	No
REST API	Yes	No

Introduction

Ansible is a popular open-source automation tool that simplifies the process of managing configurations and deploying applications. AWX Ansible, on the other hand, is the upstream project for Ansible Tower, which is a web-based solution that adds more features and capabilities to Ansible. In this article, we will compare the attributes of AWX Ansible and Ansible to help you understand the differences between the two.

Installation and Setup

One of the key differences between AWX Ansible and Ansible is the installation and setup process. Ansible is typically installed on a single server or workstation, making it easy to get started with automation tasks. On the other hand, AWX Ansible requires a more complex setup, as it is designed to be deployed in a containerized environment using tools like Docker or Kubernetes. This can make the initial setup of AWX Ansible more challenging for users who are not familiar with containerization technologies.

User Interface

Another important difference between AWX Ansible and Ansible is the user interface. Ansible is primarily a command-line tool, which means that users interact with it through the terminal. While this can be efficient for experienced users, it may be less intuitive for beginners or users who prefer a graphical interface. AWX Ansible, on the other hand, provides a web-based interface that allows users to manage their automation tasks through a visual dashboard. This can make it easier for users to create and monitor their automation workflows.

Features and Capabilities

When it comes to features and capabilities, AWX Ansible offers more advanced functionality compared to Ansible. For example, AWX Ansible includes role-based access control, job scheduling, and a REST API for integrating with other tools and services. These features make it easier for organizations to scale their automation efforts and collaborate on complex projects. While Ansible can be extended with plugins and modules, it does not offer the same level of out-of-the-box functionality as AWX Ansible.

Community Support

Both AWX Ansible and Ansible benefit from a large and active community of users and contributors. This means that users can find plenty of resources, tutorials, and documentation to help them get started with automation tasks. However, AWX Ansible may have a slight edge in terms of community support, as it is the upstream project for Ansible Tower, which is a commercial product with dedicated support from Red Hat. This means that users of AWX Ansible may have access to additional resources and assistance compared to users of Ansible.

Scalability and Performance

When it comes to scalability and performance, both AWX Ansible and Ansible are designed to handle large-scale automation tasks. However, AWX Ansible may offer better performance in certain scenarios, as it is designed to be deployed in a containerized environment that can be easily scaled up or down based on demand. Ansible, on the other hand, may require more manual intervention to scale up to handle a large number of automation tasks. This can make AWX Ansible a better choice for organizations with complex automation needs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both AWX Ansible and Ansible are powerful automation tools that can help organizations streamline their IT operations and improve efficiency. While Ansible is a great choice for users who prefer a command-line interface and simple setup, AWX Ansible offers more advanced features and capabilities for organizations with complex automation needs. Ultimately, the choice between AWX Ansible and Ansible will depend on your specific requirements and level of expertise in automation technologies.