Between AMIs, Configuration Engines, and things like http://susestudio.com/ http://susestudio.com/ make it simpler to create auto-scaling infrastructure. http:

Between AMIs, Configuration Engines, and things like http://susestudio.com/ http://susestudio.com/ make it simpler to create auto-scaling infrastructure. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_open_source_configuration_management_software http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_open_source_confi... Granted that process is still under refinement, but with dedication you can achieve those goals. Conversely, again with cost analysis, which is cheaper, a developer who can manage all that, or a sysadmin? I am sure there is a curve, small end a sysadmin, large end automation.