What is a configuration management database (CMDB)

Last updated: 2024-06-02

CMDB (Configuration Management DataBase) is a central repository that storing information about your IT environment, it configuration, relations and dependencies. 

  • Configuration and context information is necessary to manage changes in your IT environment because you need to know what will be affected by the change
  • CMDB provides a common place to store information associated with IT assets
  • IT assets are called configuration items (CI) and are fundamental building block of a CMDB
  • Each configuration item contains all the necessary information to manage it (configuration)

CMDB enables organizing IT assets

CMDB stores information about software, hardware, servers, laptops, software licences, printers, network components, other IT equipment and their relationships

  • helps track entire IT environment in the company
  • allowing IT managers to understand all dependencies across IT assets 
  • allowing track and manage changes in IT environment 
configuration item in CMDB - example

CMDB enables manage IT services

IT Service management requires maintaining a well-organized IT environment in CMDB

  • knowledge and understanding of IT assets is the basis for IT service management
  • The CMDB serves as a reliable central repository of IT elements that makes this possible
  • reliable central IT repository, knowing and understanding IT assets, is a cornerstone for managing IT services
  • ITSM involves managing the entire lifecycle of IT assets, from acquisition to disposal
  • Proper organization of IT assets ensures efficient utilization, cost control, compliance, and effective support
  • ITSM covers service management like incident handling, change management, based on asset management (CMDB)

How Aptien can help with CMDB

Your CMDB if IT consist of several interrelated repositories, which can be easily extended and customized