What Does Configuration Item (CI) Mean?In information technology, a configuration item is a component of a system that can be identified as a self-contained unit for purposes of change control and identification. In other words, version numbers and configuration item registration codes help in uniquely identifying configuration items. Configuration items play an important role in configuration management systems. The versions and changes of configuration items form a major part of any configuration audits. Show
Techopedia Explains Configuration Item (CI)A configuration item can not only be at the most atomic level, but also can consist of a more complex assembly of other configuration items. In other words, a configuration item can be a primitive component or an aggregate of other configuration items. In fact, the level at which a configuration item is considered as primitive or aggregate is often decided by the system in which it is created, maintained and managed. With the help of processes and tools, configuration management looks after the configuration items, especially with regards to change management, status accounting, identification and any audits. Common configuration types include software, hardware, communications, location and documentation. Configuration items have specific attributes as well as relationships that are often unique for configuration items underneath them in the particular system. Configuration items help in identifying the components of a system. In configuration management it helps in tracking the granular changes and helps in system maintenance as well for any possible error detection. Understanding Service Asset, CI, CMDB, CMS, DML in ITIL:Before Learning about the ITIL Service Asset and Configuration Management (SACM) process of IT Service Management (ITSM), you first need to have a clear understanding of what ITIL V3 says about the "Service Assets", "Configuration Items (CIs)", "Configuration Management Database (CMDB)", "Configuration Management System (CMS)", And "Definitive Media Library (DML)". Though these things are quite different from each other, still all of them are defined under the SACM process. Here, within this chapter, you will learn what is Service Assets in ITIL, What is Configuration Item in ITIL (CI in ITIL), What is Configuration Management Database (ITIL CMDB), What is Configuration Management System (ITIL CMS), and What is Definitive Media Library (ITIL DML)? Last updated on Nov 11, 20214331 By definition configuration management is the
process that defines and controls the components of services and products, also maintains accurate information on the historical, planned and current state of the services and products. - Organizations use a Configuration Management system (CMS) to manage large and complex IT services and products. A Configuration Management system consists of Configurable items, those of which are categorized in
different layers namely Presentation layer, Knowledge Processing layer, Information Integration layer and Data & Information sources and tools. - Configuration Management System is closely integrated with Change Management system so that configurable items are updated during a change implementation. - The key benefits of using a Configuration Management System are: All inspired to pursue learning for your foundation certification in ITIL - it's the key certification in IT Service Management. Checkout Simplilearn's ITIL 4 Foundation training. Configurable Item (CI) -A configurable item (CI) could be an asset, document, service component, or any other item, that is or will be, under the control of Configuration Management. -Different configurable items may differ in terms of complexity, size and type, ranging from an entire service or system, including all software, hardware, documentation and support staff to a single module or a component. -Different configurable items may be grouped and managed together based on above characteristics or independent of commonalities to form a release item. - Configurable items should be selected using established selection criteria and then grouped, classified and identified in such a way that they are manageable and traceable throughout the project lifecycle. Types of Configurable Item (CI) 1. Organization CI – e.g. Business strategy, regulatory requirements. Terminology used in Configuration Management System (CMS)— - Secure library – It is the collection of software, electronic or document CIs of known type and status. - Definitive Media library (DML) – It is the secure library in which the definitive and authorized versions of all media CIs are stored and protected. - Configuration Baseline – The configuration of a service or product that has been formally reviewed and agreed on. - Snapshot A view of the current state of a CI or an environment taken from a tool. - Configuration Management Database (CMDB) –
Procedure for sound Configuration Management Process 1. Develop Configuration Management Plan: First and foremost a Configuration Management plan is designed, developed and accepted by key stakeholders. Configuration Management plan is nothing but a formal document to guide the CM program that includes items such as:
2. Identification of Configuration items 3. Control of Configuration items 4.
Configuration status accounting 5.Configuration audits Reference – About the AuthorSimplilearnSimplilearn is one of the world’s leading providers of online training for Digital Marketing, Cloud Computing, Project Management, Data Science, IT, Software Development, and many other emerging technologies. Recommended ResourcesWhat is defined as the version of service or configuration item or collection of configuration items?In information technology, a configuration item is a component of a system that can be identified as a self-contained unit for purposes of change control and identification. In other words, version numbers and configuration item registration codes help in uniquely identifying configuration items.
What is considered a configuration item?Definition(s):
Item or aggregation of hardware, software, or both, that is designated for configuration management and treated as a single entity in the configuration management process.
What is a configuration item in ITIL?Defining configuration items
ITIL® 4 defines a CI as any component that needs to be managed in order to deliver an IT service. ISO/IEC 20000:2018 says a CI is any element that needs to be controlled in order to deliver a service.
What is a service now configuration item?Configuration Item (CI): Any computer, device, software, or service in the CMDB. A CI's record will include all of the relevant data, such as manufacturer, vendor, location, etc.
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