Knowledge Work

A group of systems and software vendors (led by BMC, Fujitsu, IBM and HP) are pushing for standards for the databases that track IT assets and how their configurations change over time:

Such a repository, called a Change and Configuration Management Database (CMDB), is called for by ITIL (IT Infrastructure Libraries), a framework that provides terminology and a way to organize best practices around IT service delivery. CMDBs have been among the most elusive holy grails in optimizing delivery of IT service.The dilemma is that in most companies if these data are stored at all, chances are they reside in multiple, vendor-specific repositories that are difficult, if not impossible, to synchronize. For instance, one system may store desktop and laptop client images or configurations, while other systems may be devoted to servers, storage pools or networks.

Furthermore, existing asset management systems, where they exist, may not always be up to date with the latest changes to infrastructure. The result is that admins and beleaguered help desk representatives may be dealing with dated information when they try to resolve trouble tickets or operational issues.

BMC, Fujitsu, IBM, HP launch CMDB initiative - Computer Business Review