What are the key features of a Configuration Management Database (CMDB)?

A Configuration Management Database (CMDB) is a centralized repository of information about the configuration items (CIs) that make up an IT system, such as hardware, software, network devices, services, and dependencies. A CMDB helps IT managers and administrators to track, monitor, and manage the changes and performance of their IT assets and services. In this article, we will explore the key features of a CMDB and how they can benefit your IT operations.

1 What is a CI?

A CI is any component or resource that is part of an IT system and has a defined configuration and lifecycle. CIs can be physical, such as servers, routers, or printers, or logical, such as applications, databases, or user accounts. CIs can also be grouped into higher-level entities, such as business services, processes, or functions. A CMDB stores the attributes, relationships, and history of each CI, such as its name, location, status, version, owner, dependencies, and configuration changes.

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2 What is a CMDB schema?

A CMDB schema is the logical structure that defines how the CIs are organized, classified, and related in the CMDB. A CMDB schema can be based on a standard framework, such as ITIL, or customized to suit the specific needs and goals of an organization. A CMDB schema typically consists of three main elements: classes, attributes, and relationships. Classes are the categories or types of CIs, such as hardware, software, or service. Attributes are the properties or characteristics of CIs, such as model, serial number, or capacity. Relationships are the connections or dependencies between CIs, such as parent-child, peer-to-peer, or supplier-consumer.

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Roy Roebuck

50 years of Holistic Management Analysis and Knowledge Representation (Ontology, Taxonomy, Knowledge Graph, Thesaurus/Translator) for Enterprise Architecture, Zero Trust, and ML/AI foundation. Published on Amazon.
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Note that a CMDB, as a general use model, metadata, and data repository, can have a hierarchy of many schemas (also called ontologies, metamodels, knowledge models), such as for ITIL for IT management, with a foundational schema that is open for tailoring for various functions.

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3 What is a CMDB federation?

A CMDB federation is the integration of multiple CMDBs or data sources into a single logical view. A CMDB federation allows IT managers and administrators to access and manage the data from different sources without having to duplicate or synchronize it. A CMDB federation can be achieved by using various methods, such as data mapping, data linking, or data exchange. A CMDB federation can help to improve the accuracy, completeness, and consistency of the configuration data and reduce the complexity and overhead of maintaining multiple CMDBs.

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4 What is a CMDB audit?

A CMDB audit is the process of verifying and validating the accuracy and quality of the configuration data in the CMDB. A CMDB audit can be performed manually or automatically, using various tools and techniques, such as discovery, reconciliation, compliance, or reporting. A CMDB audit can help to identify and resolve any discrepancies, errors, or gaps in the configuration data and ensure that the CMDB reflects the current state and performance of the IT system.

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5 What are the benefits of a CMDB?

A CMDB can provide several advantages for IT managers and administrators, such as improved visibility and control over assets and services, as well as their interdependencies. It can also lead to enhanced efficiency and effectiveness of IT processes and operations, such as change management, incident management, problem management, or service level management. Additionally, a CMDB can reduce risks and costs associated with IT changes, incidents, problems, or outages. Moreover, it can help to increase alignment and integration of IT with business goals and objectives, while improving compliance and governance of IT policies and standards.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What are the key features of a Configuration Management Database (CMDB)?

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1 What is a CI?

2 What is a CMDB schema?

3 What is a CMDB federation?

4 What is a CMDB audit?

5 What are the benefits of a CMDB?

6 Here’s what else to consider

Systems Management

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What are the key features of a Configuration Management Database (CMDB)?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 What is a CI?

2 What is a CMDB schema?

3 What is a CMDB federation?

4 What is a CMDB audit?

5 What are the benefits of a CMDB?

6 Here’s what else to consider

Systems Management

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