ITIL best practices make a strong case for Configuration Management and the CMDB as the only real solution for managing change in high volume change environments. This white paper builds the case for Configuration Management and the development of a CMDB in enterprises with fragmented and multi-functional IT infrastructures where IT 'sprawl' has degraded overall IT efficiency and control.
Development of the CMDB strategy is covered with emphasis on establishing objectives for the CMDB, benchmarking the organization's CMDB 'maturity', documenting CMDB business drivers and 'modeling' your CMDB against the desired 'end state'. A strategy for CMDB deployment is developed, the goal of which is to identify and define Configuration Items (CI's) and their relationships, record and report the status of CI's and their related Incidents, Problems and Request for Change (RFC) and verify the completeness and correctness of CI's.
Tools for gathering data for the development of metrics and ROI for this best practice CMDB/Configuration/Change Management case are provided, including:
- Business process re-engineering
- Change Management lifecycle improvements
- Change management approval board activities
- Change and Configuration management executions
- Metrics to support and make the case for improved Change and Configuration management and the CMDB
A detailed outline is provided for developing the ITIL best practice business case including:
- Change Management as a Basis for the CMDB
- Today's Market Value of the CMDB
- Business Drivers of the CMDB
- Strategy for the CMDB
- Business Value of the CMDB
- Business Case for a CMDB
Appendices also provide details on CMDB resource requirements, 'best-of-breed' vendors and potential pitfalls associated with CMDB development.
In summary, this paper profiles the CMDB as a tool crucial to the improvement of Service Level Management and an important underpinning to an accurate and effective Asset Management system.