Provisioning

Definitions

1. Provisioning is the process of setting up and configuring IT infrastructure, services, and resources to make them ready for use. Server provisioning involves installing the operating system, configuring networking, setting up storage, applying security patches, and installing required software. Cloud provisioning creates virtual machines, databases, load balancers, and networking components through APIs or infrastructure-as-code tools like Terraform and CloudFormation. User provisioning creates accounts, assigns permissions, and configures access to the systems an employee needs. Network provisioning sets up routers, switches, VLANs, and firewall rules. The evolution from manual provisioning (logging into servers and running commands) to automated provisioning has been transformative: what once took days or weeks can now happen in minutes through code. Immutable infrastructure takes this further, treating provisioned servers as disposable and replacing them entirely rather than updating in place. Deprovisioning (the reverse process of tearing down resources) is equally important for cost management and security.

   In plain English: Setting up servers, networks, and other infrastructure so they're ready to use — like preparing a kitchen before you start cooking. Increasingly done automatically with code.

Related Terms

• Terraform
• infrastructure as code
• Task Scheduler
• Puppet