Automating server management and IT processes is great in theory: it frees up time for busy IT managers, shrinks the mean-time-to-change, minimizes errors, and improves overall efficiency. But many IT pros find it difficult to bridge the gap between understanding automation's benefits and implementing an automation plan in their data center. What's the best way to get started? And what about the frequent pitfalls: devalued IT staff, a fragile scripting approach, and jeopardized dynamic provisioning?

This expert E-Guide offers beginner tips and real-life examples for automation planning and deployment. You'll also learn proven techniques to avoid or resolve common pitfalls, so you can reap all of the perks of IT automation.