Configuration Management: Information Resources For Certification

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What is Configuration Management?

Configuration Management, or CM, is a system developed by Information Technology (IT) professionals to ensure optimal system integrity. CM is integrated with the process of systems engineering. CM consists of a series of processes and procedures to control system change using a holistic approach. This means that all changes to subsystems within the larger system are considered in relation to the whole system. The result of this is to make sure that adverse effects are kept to a minimum when changes are made to any part of the system. The National Institute of Standards and Technology cites the following to categorize configuration management: “Configuration management is defined as a set of activities and associated practice that ensures full knowledge and control of the components of a system, starting with its initial development and progressing through its ongoing maintenance and enhancement.”

Broadly, the function of configuration management would be to follow the process of purposes through to outcomes. With this in mind, the duties of the configuration management lead or configuration management lead specialist can be understood, together with the associated tasks and responsibilities. The required academic qualification is generally specified as having a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent. A thorough knowledge of information technology is essential.

Benefits of Configuration Management?

CM has many benefits. These include the ability to control a configuration of items that constitute an integrated system. This integration makes it easy to identify, track, control and monitor all the items in the system. It also makes it easy to make any changes to the system and to track them. It also ensures that only authorized personnel will be the ones who can implement changes to the system.

CM also ensures that the configuration of all the components of the system is available and accurate all the time. All proposals for changes to the system will be adequately justified and implemented in a timely fashion because there is such efficient maintenance and support for the CM system. Another advantage of the configuration management system is the fact that at any time when changes are approved in the system, the impact of those changes will be understood in advance. This means that any changes to systems and operations can be anticipated.

Other benefits of Configuration Management include the fact that ongoing auditing procedures are built in to the system. This means that because the system is so well designed, duplication can be eliminated. When changes are made to any part of the system, CM has a built-in comprehensive and traceable process by which the history of that change can be tracked. Each item in the system can also be controlled by department, location, responsible personnel and other relevant factors.

When Configuration Management is standardized even across a large system, there can be agreement about standard classification schemes. This makes it much easier for new configurations to be implemented with less disruption to the system either before or after the changes take place.

Similarly, projects that impact more than one division or department are easier to control. This is because there can be a consolidation across those departments or divisions that are involved in the scope of the new configurations. Coupled with this, it will be easier to prepare the budgets for upgrades, migrations and updates to systems at all levels. It will also be possible to analyze the impact of new technologies because this research and testing instrument can be built into the system. CM makes it possible to assess the impact of strategic CM policies from the very outset because Quality Management and assessment are part of the system.

There are many other potential benefits of configuration management. One of these is that documentation, including testing, design, requirements and acceptance, is always accurate and consistent with the physical design of every item in the system. A practical consideration for such systems as transportation systems, is that an up-to-date baseline of the system will always be accurate and will always exist. This means that if disaster recovery ever becomes necessary, it can be accomplished efficiently. Another important advantage is that when decisions are made regarding administrative change, they will be made within the perspective of the entire system. Finally, the status of the system will always be able to be tracked. There will be an accurate record of maintenance and operations available at all times.

What are Configuration Management Lead Duties?

The duties of configuration management encompass the coordinating of the process, maintaining and constantly improving and enhancing development, and ensuring that aspects of the process are implemented satisfactorily. The responsibility of coordination runs all the way through, with reviews as to progress and any issues arising. Management of the configuration for all actions related to the given project includes tracking the project and the appropriate schedules. The changing of any baseline configuration details is checked and overviewed by the configuration management lead specialist and the project team members are likewise supported through the process.

Given the focus on creating the most efficient databases within the computer system a high level knowledge of database management systems is necessary. Ways to safeguard the system through security measures are implemented and systems are regularly tested. The protection of files from any possible unauthorized usage or damage is critical, so that information is not unintentionally modified or disclosed. The configuration management lead is responsible for ensuring these standards are implemented and adhered to.

Duties include ascertaining the effectiveness of programs and instituting changes where necessary. This may involve working with configuration management of computer systems, workstations, as well as aspects of software development and production, and performance tools development.

Documentation is required to track any changes and to ensure all details of the system and operations are identified. The constant updating of the configuration management database (CMDB) is crucial. Regular audits are carried out and the process is checked against any guidelines given. Auditing may include testing the configuration management database against the IT infrastructure.

The configuration management lead is considered the authority to review the software and initiate or support any changes that need to take place. There is a responsibility to see the process through all the stages, making sure that improvements are facilitated via the best working methods and equipment.

Responsibilities may also include liaising with the client so that the guidelines are satisfactorily fulfilled. When there is a configuration management board a lead specialist may be involved with providing support to the board and to project managers. Problems may need to be troubleshooted where they relate to configuration issues. Relevant data is recorded in the databases.

Further duties comprise a range of possible tasks. The management of a website, the configuration and monitoring of search engines, security safeguards, repairing broken links, calculating web usage statistics, and maintaining web quality assurance comprise part of the specifications. In addition, to allow the most efficient development of the process and project, new computer products are tested as means of improvement. The installation of new databases falls within the remit of the configuration management lead.

Quality assurance and configuration management standards are checked and maintained by the configuration management lead. Through steps of the process covering involvement from the early stage to the project completion, the configuration management lead co-ordinates, maintains, changes, improves, supports, implements, documents, reviews, to ensure efficient and enhanced systems.

Resources about Configuration Management

This Practices Guide is a brief document that provides an overview describing the best practices, activities, attributes, and related templates, tools, information, and key terminology of industry-leading project management practices and their accompanying project management templates.

Adam Meyer article about Configuration Management in the Security World

Certification Configuration Management II

Resource by E.Trio

I am an online writer and soon to be published author. I grew up in Southern California, but I currently live in the Bay Area while I work on my books. I enjoy camping and hiking with my dog Max or just relaxing on the back porch while I write. Stay tuned for my first children’s book to be released about Max.

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