CFEngine is a configuration management system designed to automate the configuration, maintenance, and compliance of large-scale computer systems. It enables organizations to define the desired state of their infrastructure using a declarative policy language, and then automatically enforces and maintains that state across servers, desktops, and network devices. CFEngine is cross-platform, supporting Unix-like and Windows systems, and is used in environments ranging from small businesses to data centers with hundreds of thousands of machines. The software is available in both open-source (Community) and commercial (Enterprise) editions.

Key Features

Declarative Policy Language Define the desired state of IT systems and let CFEngine enforce compliance.

• Policies describe end-state, not step-by-step instructions
• Supports complex and heterogeneous environments

Automated Configuration and Maintenance Automates repetitive system administration tasks.

• Ensures systems remain in the desired state
• Reduces manual intervention and human error

Cross-Platform Support Manages diverse operating systems from a single interface.

• Supports Unix-like (Linux, Solaris, AIX, HP-UX, etc.) and Windows platforms
• Scales to manage thousands to millions of hosts

Security and Compliance Built-in mechanisms to ensure security and regulatory compliance.

• Policy-driven enforcement of security baselines
• Monitors and remediates configuration drift

Lightweight and Efficient Minimal resource usage on managed systems.

• Suitable for embedded, cloud, and enterprise environments
• Runs periodic checks with low overhead

Scalable Architecture Designed for large, distributed infrastructures.

• Proven in environments managing over a million servers
• Supports both centralized and distributed management models

Benefits

Reduced Operational Overhead Automates routine configuration and maintenance tasks.

• Frees up IT staff for higher-value activities
• Minimizes downtime due to misconfiguration

Consistent and Predictable Systems Ensures all systems converge to the defined policy state.

• Reduces configuration drift
• Increases reliability and system uptime

Improved Security Posture Automates enforcement of security policies and compliance requirements.

• Rapidly identifies and remediates deviations
• Supports audit and reporting needs

Flexibility and Extensibility Adaptable to a wide range of infrastructure needs.

• Open-source and commercial editions
• Extensible via custom policies and integration with other tools