Configuration Management
Definitions
In this chapter we constantly refer to a range of concepts such as configuration items (CI), configuration management database (CMDB), etc. It is therefore worth pausing a moment to define these terms precisely.
Configuration Items: both the components of IT services and the services these provide are configuration items. For example:
- Hardware devices such as PCs, printers, routers, monitors, etc. and their components: NICs, keyboards, CD drives, etc.
- Software: operating systems, applications, network protocols, etc.
- Documentation: manuals, service level agreements, etc.
In short, all the components that have to be managed by the IT organisation.
Configuration Management Database: this database must include:
- Detailed information about each configuration item.
- Interrelations between the different configuration items, such as "parent-child" relationships, or logical and physical interdependencies.
The CMDB is not just a list of the stock or parts. It should give a global view of the organisation's IT structure.
