* [Topics](/en/topics "Topics") * [Automation and management](/en/topics/automation "Automation and management") * What is an SOE? What is an SOE? =============== Published January 8, 2019•*2*-minute read Copy URL Jump to section --------------- OverviewAdvantages of SOEsSOEs and cloud computingSOEs for workstationsRed Hat and SOEs Overview -------- An SOE is a standard operating environment, or a specific computer operating system and collection of software that an IT department defines as a standard build. SOEs help if you’re managing a lot of computers and want to reduce complexity. With SOEs, IT teams can [automate](/en/topics/automation) the deployment and maintenance of servers and workstations. Advantages of standard operating environments --------------------------------------------- To understand why SOEs are important, consider that a modern enterprise might [manage](/en/topics/management) thousands or tens of thousands of servers and workstations. Deploying all these systems manually or semi-manually is expensive and error-prone. Without standardization, IT teams can be forced to create custom scripts to deploy and maintain multiple platforms. Inconsistent environments cost time and money as they require complicated maintenance. Training and support also become more expensive and complex. [SOEs are a foundation](/en/engage/it-foundation-business-s-201910251258) for predictable, repeatable, reliable [IT infrastructure](/en/topics/cloud-computing/what-is-it-infrastructure). With fully [automated provisioning](/en/topics/automation/what-is-provisioning), systems can be deployed faster and with fewer errors. Then, when systems are online, an SOE helps ensure consistent and timely patching and other maintenance. SOEs let an organization: * Eliminate error-prone manual tasks through automation and self-service. * Centrally manage provisioning, configuration, and patching. * Manage any license requirements and stay compliant with subscription agreements. * Reduce the time it takes to install, upgrade, and patch software. * Improve [security](/en/topics/security) and decrease shadow IT (individual teams provisioning their own systems outside of a standard process). [4 benefits of a standard operating environment](https://enterprisersproject.com/article/2020/11/4-benefits-standard-operating-environment-soe) Red Hat resources ----------------- [Keep reading](/en/resources "Keep reading") SOEs and cloud computing ------------------------ In [cloud environments](/en/topics/cloud-computing), infrastructure is designed to scale dynamically and elastically. Servers are treated as single-workload devices that are deployed quickly, configured automatically, and easily replaced. This approach deconstructs systems into layers and components that can be combined easily, released independently, and maintained as collections. The rise of [hybrid cloud architecture](/en/topics/cloud-computing/what-is-hybrid-cloud) has made SOEs even more important, since they help ensure consistency across physical, [virtual](/en/topics/virtualization/what-is-virtualization), container, and cloud environments. SOEs should work the same wherever they are physically deployed. By organizing SOE builds under a centralized management platform, IT organizations can deliver fully provisioned systems in minutes, regardless of the underlying infrastructure. SOEs for workstations --------------------- While SOEs are a natural choice for servers, another common use case is workstations. Enterprises can use SOEs to reduce complexity in the sprawl of employee laptops and desktops. Automation can simplify the processes of bringing new workstations online and keeping existing workstations patched with up-to-date software. SOEs are less common for personal devices such as smartphones and tablets. With the bring-your-own-device (BYOD) trend, it’s common for employees to manage their own [mobile](/en/topics/mobile) hardware. When SOE isn’t an option, enterprises turn to other solutions, such as mobile device management (MDM), to enforce policies while allowing employees to connect with work on their own smartphones and tablets. Red Hat and SOEs ---------------- [Red Hat® Consulting](/en/services/consulting-overview) helps organizations adopt SOEs by automating their infrastructure, which decreases time to market and reduces errors. Using [Red Hat Enterprise Linux®](/en/technologies/linux-platforms/enterprise-linux) and Red Hat Satellite, Red Hat Services subject matter experts establish a framework for a consistent build process and a modernized [patch management](/en/topics/management/what-patch-management-and-automation). Red Hat Consulting’s commitment to open standards, and unique insights into upcoming features and product roadmaps, make it an ideal partner for delivering automated SOE-based solutions for enterprise environments. Hub The official Red Hat blog ------------------------- Get the latest information about our ecosystem of customers, partners, and communities. [Keep reading](/en/blog "The official Red Hat blog") All Red Hat product trials -------------------------- Our no-cost product trials help you gain hands-on experience, prepare for a certification, or assess if a product is right for your organization. [Keep reading](/en/products/trials "All Red Hat product trials") Keep reading ------------ ### What is IT service management (ITSM)? IT service management (ITSM) refers to the activities IT teams perform to ensure that IT services meet customer needs and contribute to business goals. [Read the article](/en/topics/automation/what-is-it-service-management-itsm "article | what is IT service management (ITSM)?") ### What is Infrastructure as Code (IaC)? Infrastructure as Code (IaC) is the managing and provisioning of infrastructure through code instead of through manual processes. [Read the article](/en/topics/automation/what-is-infrastructure-as-code-iac "article | What is Infrastructure as Code?") ### What is a configuration management database (CMDB)? A configuration management database (CMDB) is used to manage information about IT components, including their attributes and relationships between them. [Read the article](/en/topics/automation/what-is-a-configuration-management-database-cmdb "article | what is a configuration management database (CMDB)?") 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