Configuration management database definition
Configuration management database (CMDB) is a repository that acts as a data warehouse for various IT installations. It’s often stored in a cloud server but can also be managed on-premises. Repositories, such as CMDB, can store documentation, code, and other project-related files, providing an organized view of data and means to examine data from every angle. This is crucial for effective IT service management, risk assessment, change management, and ensuring that IT processes align with business needs.
The CMDB does not store the actual installations of software or hardware. Instead, it keeps information about these installations. This information includes details about the configuration items (CIs) and their dependencies. For example, a CMDB will store data about what software is installed on which server, but the actual software and servers exist physically or virtually elsewhere.
See also: network database, operational database
Where is the configuration management database used?
- IT service management. CMDB helps these processes quickly identify the causes of incidents.
- Change and release management. Organizations use it to analyze the potential impact of a planned transition before implementing any change.
- Asset management. It provides comprehensive data about IT assets, helping track and manage them effectively.
- Performance analysis. It can be used to analyze the performance of IT services and infrastructure.
