Puppet vs. Ansible: What's the Difference?

The key difference lies in scope and scale. Puppet is designed to manage complex, hybrid infrastructures at scale and over the long term, while Ansible is typically used for smaller and simpler deployments.
Puppet delivers both desired state automation, ensuring consistent and compliant server configurations across large environments, and flexible task execution, enabling management of network and edge systems where installing agents isn’t practical.

By contrast, Ansible depends mainly on task-based workflows and requires additional effort to achieve the same level of declarative control.
Download the solution brief to see how Puppet compares to Ansible across key use cases like continuous compliance.

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Solving Infrastructure Complexity with a Dual-Model Approach

Modern infrastructure spans servers, cloud, network, and edge devices – each with unique requirements. Desired state automation enforces predictable configurations and compliance across thousands of systems, while task-based workflows deliver agility for targeted changes and agentless environments. 

Puppet unites these models in one platform: 

  • Concise, reusable code defines configurations that would otherwise require hundreds of lines of playbook logic. 
  • Unified orchestration extends control to all layers – from servers to edge devices – without sacrificing visibility or compliance. 

The result: streamlined operations, improved security, and consistent control across your hybrid infrastructure. 

Why Puppet Stands Out

Puppet’s advantage is clear when viewed through the lens of scale, compliance, and adaptability. 

  • Continuous compliance: Desired state automation keeps servers consistent and audit-ready without endless script maintenance.
  • Targeted flexibility: Task-based automation delivers speed and precision across network and edge devices where agents aren’t practical. 

Together, these approaches ensure that your infrastructure remains secure, consistent, and responsive to business needs. 

Download the Puppet vs Ansible Solution Brief

Learn how Puppet combines flexibility and control in one strategic platform. 

Get The Solution Brief