Configuration management ensures proper configuration and maintenance of computer hardware and software systems. It outlines methods for hardware and software to ensure consistency and maintenance plans. It helps define software requirements and sets up patch schedules.
Configuration management is a discipline that focuses on the proper configuration and maintenance of computer hardware and software systems. In regards to hardware, this field illustrates the operating methods and schedules for the hardware systems in an office, building, or business. As far as software is concerned, configuration management ensures that all software packages have the same features, patches and add-ons so that there is consistency for every worker. Software configuration management is also common during the development phase as a design methodology.
There are two main areas of configuration management: hardware and software. In most cases, these two areas do the same thing, outlining the methods used to ensure the proper placement and configuration of computer resources. In most cases, the human operators of the system, rather than the system itself, use configuration management methods.
Hardware configuration management works with large-scale hardware systems. These protocols typically cover an area with multiple workstations, a configured network, and one or more servers. Smaller systems typically aren’t complex enough to require a configuration methodology.
Configuration management protocols ensure that every part of the hardware system is configured correctly and similar to every other part in the same situation. For example, a router that connects to the Internet may have a different configuration than one that connects to internal resources. If configured correctly, the two routers would have different settings from each other, but identical settings to other routers in the same situation.
Software management performs a similar task on the software side of things. This style of configuration management sets up software profiles that apply to different groups or ranks within an organization. For example, everyone in the marketing department might have a single configuration, but each person above a certain management level has a different configuration. When put together, it shows that upper management in the marketing department needs access to both configurations.
In both situations, configuration management helps with maintenance plans. With hardware, it outlines the expected working life of any component in the system, helping people determine when a piece of hardware is likely to need replacing. As far as software is concerned, it helps set up a patch schedule and ensures that the software is up to date.
When a software system is first developed, software configuration management helps define the necessary software requirements. The needs of users are brought together in a single collective. These needs are placed in the software package according to the relief of the need; the things people need most often are ranked higher in the software. Other options are grouped into conditions that users can choose to use or ignore.
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