Configuration Management Database (CMDB)

Thomas Black

What is Configuration Management Database (CMDB)? A Configuration Management Database (CMDB) is a repository that acts as a data warehouse for information technology (IT) installations. It holds data relating to a collection of IT assets (commonly referred to as Configuration Items), as well as descriptive relationships between such assets.

The CMDB is a fundamental component of the ITIL framework's Configuration Management process. It typically contains information about hardware, software, documentation, people, and even processes. Each CI stored in the CMDB has a set of attributes, including owner, status, version, and relationships to other CIs.

Key aspects of a CMDB include:

  1. CI identification and recording
  2. Relationship mapping between CIs
  3. Change tracking and version control
  4. Integration with other ITSM processes
  5. Data quality management
  6. Reporting and analysis capabilities

An effective CMDB contributes to improved decision-making, faster problem resolution, more efficient change management, and better overall IT service delivery. It provides a single source of truth for IT infrastructure information, supporting various ITSM processes and enabling more effective IT governance.