Configuration Items (CIs) in ServiceNow
In this video I cover what a configuration item (CI) is, and what the different between an asset and a CI is.
I then take you through how to create a configuration item in ServiceNow.
What is a Configuration Item?
A configuration item, also known as a CI, is a component that is managed in order to deliver an IT Service. Configuration items are stored in the CMDB also known as the configuration management database.
Configuration items can consist of hardware, software, documentation, devices, services and locations.
Tracking configuration items is an important practice for any organization, as it allows you to track the upstream and downstream dependencies for components that support your IT services.
Configuration Items also contain all of the configuration information relating to it’s CI. For example, the Configuration Item of a computer can include information such as:
It’s hard drive capacity
It’s RAM
It’s IP address
It’s MAC address
It’s installed software
What is the CMDB?
A Configuration Management Database (CMDB) is a centralized repository that contains information about the configuration items (CIs) in an organization's IT infrastructure. Configuration items can include hardware, software, networks, servers, databases, and other components that are essential to the delivery of IT services. The CMDB provides a comprehensive and structured view of the relationships and dependencies between these configuration items.
Key features and purposes of a CMDB include:
Configuration Item (CI) Management: The CMDB stores detailed information about each configuration item, including its attributes, relationships with other CIs, and its current state. This information helps in understanding how different components of the IT infrastructure are connected and how changes to one component may impact others.
Relationship Mapping: The CMDB establishes and maintains relationships and dependencies between various configuration items. This relationship mapping is crucial for understanding the impact of changes, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring a holistic view of the IT environment.
Change Management: CMDBs play a vital role in change management processes by providing visibility into the current state of the IT environment. Before making changes, IT professionals can assess the potential impact on other components and make informed decisions to avoid disruptions.
Incident and Problem Management: In the event of incidents or problems, the CMDB helps IT teams quickly identify the affected configuration items and their relationships. This accelerates the resolution process and minimizes downtime.
Asset Management: CMDBs often integrate with IT Asset Management (ITAM) processes to provide a comprehensive view of hardware and software assets, their configurations, and their lifecycle status.
Service Management: CMDBs are closely associated with IT Service Management (ITSM) processes. They contribute to service catalog management, service level management, and other ITSM activities by providing a foundation for understanding how services are supported by underlying infrastructure.
Documentation and Compliance: The CMDB serves as a documentation source for the IT environment, aiding in compliance efforts and providing a historical record of changes.
If you'd like to learn about hardware asset management in ServiceNow, check out my course on Udemy: https://www.udemy.com/course/hardware...
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