Tracking IT assets using ITAM best practices can be confusing for organizations looking to use a Configuration Management Database (CMDB). The confusion stems from a perception that managing a configuration item (CI) and managing an IT asset is the same or very similar. In reality, ITAM and CMDB objectives are quite different.

If you were looking to travel from New York (NY) to London, you would identify the flight to London by a flight number. For example, let’s say the flight you book is identified as flight #192. The airline’s database for flight #192 from NY to London would have a date, time, plane, crew, gate, and any relevant information needed to complete the flight service offering.

In addition to a database that tracks flights, airlines also have a database that tracks aircraft.  Click to see the entire article.

This year, I decided to make some landscaping changes around my property. I have been repairing fences, planting new gardens, and pulling up trees in my efforts to meet the landscaping goals I set. Throughout the process, I learned I do not own the correct tools for many of the tasks I intended to complete. On several occasions, I have improvised using tools in my possession instead of purchasing the recommended tools. For example, I wonder if I should have purchased and used a chain saw to cut down a tree, or was the hand saw I currently own sufficient? And will it continue to be efficient? Only time will tell, but I do fear the outcome from some of my decisions.

To CMDB or Not to CMDB?

For IT asset management and support, ITIL and ITAM provide guidelines for best practices.  To see the entire article, click here.

Contributors to this Blog:

Co-Authored by Patricia Adams

Graphic by Nicole Shaw @nshaw1991 (copyright)

Edits by Carrie Shaw @carrieshaw and Chase Christensen @chasechris8 >> THANK YOU!!