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configuration management database

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- A configuration management database (CMDB) is a database that contains all relevant information about the components of the information system used in an organization's IT services and the relationships between those components. A CMDB provides an organized view of data and a means of examining that data from any desired perspective. Within this context, components of an information system are referred to as configuration items (CI). A CI can be any conceivable IT component, including software, hardware, documentation, and personnel, as well as any combination of them. The processes of configuration management seek to specify, control, and track configuration items and any changes made to them in a comprehensive and systematic fashion.

The IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL) best practices standards include specifications for configuration management. According to ITIL specifications, the four major tasks of configuration management are:

Identification of configuration items to be included in the CMDB
Control of data to ensure that it can only be changed by authorized individuals
Status maintenance, which involves ensuring that current status of any CI is consistently recorded and kept updated
Verification, through audits and reviews of the data to ensure that it is accurate.

Learn more about Configuration and change management

Server configuration tools ease downtime: Early adopter IT shops and the big systems vendors are investing in configuration management software to alleviate downtime.
Tips for implementing IT Service Management in a down economy: Data center budgets are tight, but this economic downturn is a great opportunity for IT process improvements like implementing a CMDB and ITIL processes.
CMDB special report: Many systems management vendors are looking at the CMDB as a fundamental building block for implementing ITIL. But a CMDB is only as accurate as its implementation.
Data center consolidation strategy can benefit from ITIL lifecycle: Data center consolidation projects can be complex and risky, but if IT organizations use the ITIL lifecycle to document the process, it can help smooth the transition.
CMDB Federation specification may ease configuration management system integration: The new Configuration Management Database Federation spec may ease integration problems for shops implementing a configuration management system with multiple data sources.
Using ITIL to bridge the IT-facilities gap, boost data center efficiency: Data center energy efficiency can't become a reality until the IT and facilities departments communicate effectively. ITIL best practices can help bridge the IT-facilities gap.

LAST UPDATED:

11 Dec 2006

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More resources from around the web:

-	This SearchDataCenter.com article explains how to 'Get to know your data center with CMDB.'
-	Another SearchDataCenter.com article explains that 'CMDB success depends on autodiscovery, federation.'
-	ITIL provides details about configuration management.
-	BMC Software offers a podcast about CMDB.

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