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- What it is
- A capability of AWS Systems Manager that keeps managed instances in a defined, consistent state — automated configuration management.
- How it works
- You create an association: an SSM document + targets + a schedule.
- Systems Manager re-applies the document on that schedule, correcting drift.
- Typical uses
- Ensure anti-virus/agents stay installed.
- Enforce a firewall or registry setting.
- Bootstrap instances at launch to a known configuration.
- Not to be confused with
- Run Command — a single manual execution. State Manager runs continuously on a schedule to hold desired state.
- AWS Config — detects drift and reports compliance. State Manager corrects it.