What Is a CMDB? Configuration Management Database

CMDB databases are often referred to as the heart of an ITSM system. Their role is crucial, as they take part in many operational decision-making processes. What are they, how do they work, and what benefits can their use bring to the daily work of an organization? You will find answers to these and other CMDB-related questions below.

What Is a CMDB?

A CMDB is a configuration management database within an ITSM system. It contains information about configuration items (CIs) and the relationships between them within an organization’s IT infrastructure. A CMDB is a kind of decision-making engine whose purpose is to streamline operational decision-making. If the knowledge base is populated with accurate CIs, it enables quick assessment of the impact of changes or disruptions on services and infrastructure.

Thus, a CMDB serves as a repository storing information about components that form the IT infrastructure. It includes a list of CIs, their attributes, and the relationships between them. The role of knowledge bases is very important; however, it is essential that the tool be tailored to the needs of a particular company and the industry in which it operates. These types of systems can be found, among others, in OXARI’s offer.

One of the basic functions of CMDB databases is supporting the management of:

• incidents,
• problems,
• changes,
• releases,
• assets.

It is worth noting that the usefulness of a configuration management database is determined by the CIs stored in it and the relationships between them. This is why it is so important that all information is properly recorded in the CMDB.

What Does a CMDB Contain?

A CMDB knowledge base includes many different components. Most commonly, these include:

• computers and their peripherals,
• servers,
• switches,
• routers,
• software (operating systems, databases, programs, and applications).

Importantly, a CMDB also contains information about employees, their positions, and the permissions assigned to them.

How Does a Configuration Management Database Work?

A CMDB is a database containing information about CIs and the relationships between them, often presented as a list. In many organizations, CMDBs are part of a larger whole. They enable efficient management of assets and configuration. The knowledge base allows users to browse CIs and work with the available data. Information obtained this way is often used during other ITSM processes.

Because of the large amount of information stored in the configuration database and the fact that it is typically presented in rows, employees rarely have direct access to CMDB resources. However, they can use reporting modules if the tool offers such functionality. This is extremely helpful in organizing, analyzing, and utilizing data.

Why Is It Worth Using a CMDB?

Implementing a CMDB in an organization provides many different benefits. Here are the most important ones, showing how a knowledge base can contribute to better IT infrastructure management:

• First and foremost, a CMDB provides full visibility into the list of CIs and the relationships between them.
• It provides access to information needed when making important decisions regarding IT infrastructure.
• It increases the ability to accurately analyze IT incidents and changes.
• It supports tracking and managing components that are particularly important for IT infrastructure from a business perspective.
• It helps improve critical incident management processes.

As you can see, configuration management databases are called the heart of ITSM systems for a reason. They significantly contribute to improved management of not only IT infrastructure, but also the entire organization—including from a business perspective. The knowledge base should be tailored to the company’s needs to gain the greatest possible benefits from its implementation.

Learn more about other OXARI software solutions, which include, among other things, a module using Android remote desktop for managing mobile devices in a company.