Side by side
AWS CloudFormation vs Cinc Auditor
Both stand on infrastructure testing tools. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan APIiPhoneLinux+3
CloudFormation brings template-based provisioning, change previews, and drift tracking to AWS resource management. The service itself is free, but account for the costs of created resources and any chargeable provider or hook operations.
Visit AWS CloudFormation
Free plan LinuxMacWindows
Cinc Auditor offers a free route to run InSpec-compatible compliance and audit workflows across several operating systems and in CI. The main trade-offs are the lack of formal support and the absence of standard yum or apt repositories.
Visit Cinc AuditorThe facts
| AWS CloudFormation | Cinc Auditor | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | No | Not published |
| Runs on | API, iPhone, Linux, Mac, Web, Windows | Linux, Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 3 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | aws.amazon.com | cinc.sh |
| On infrastructure testing tools | #4 of 28 | #8 of 28 |
AWS CloudFormation: what it does well
- Templates use YAML or JSON.
- Change Sets preview proposed stack changes.
- StackSets deploy across AWS accounts and Regions.
- Drift Detection tracks changes made outside CloudFormation.
- Data is encrypted at rest; service channels are encrypted.
What to know first
- Created AWS resources incur their standard charges.
- Third-party provider and custom hook operations may incur charges.
- AWS recommends TLS 1.3 and requires TLS 1.2.
Cinc Auditor: what it does well
- Profiles are compatible with upstream counterparts.
- Existing InSpec automation can be redirected.
- Install options include scripts, Bundler, and packages.
- Docker image supports CI and container checks.
- Included with Cinc Workstation.
What to know first
- No formal warranties or support.
- No yum or apt repositories currently.
- Free trial is not offered.
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