Architecture

Server Automation is based on the IBM® BigFix architecture. The only additional component required to use Server Automation is the Automation Plan Engine. The Automation Plan Engine processes your Automation Plans by running each step in the Automation Plan. You install the Automation Plan Engine using a Task. The Automation Plan Engine is located on the same system as the IBM BigFix server.

Server Automation integrated in IBM BigFix

The following diagram shows the IBM BigFix architecture with the Server Automation component displayed in red. Server Automation is a BigFix application, similar to the other Lifecycle applications. You access and use Server Automation using the IBM BigFix console.

The Automation Plan Engine communicates with the IBM BigFix server via the REST API. The BES server plug-in service is required on the IBM BigFix server. Server Automation requires no additional components. Server Automation can operate with or without relays.

For information about configuring the BES server plug-in service, see Server plugin service configuration information.