Configuration management (CM) is the detailed recording and updating of
information that describes an enterprise's computer systems and networks,
including all hardware and software components.
Such information typically
includes the versions and updates that have been applied to installed software
packages and the locations and network addresses of hardware devices. Special
configuration management software is available.
When a system needs a hardware
or software upgrade, a computer technician can accesses the configuration
management program and database to see what is currently installed. The
technician can then make a more informed decision about the upgrade needed.
An advantage of a configuration management application is that the entire
collection of systems can be reviewed to make sure any changes made to one
system do not adversely affect any of the other systems
Configuration management is also used in software development, where it is
called Unified Configuration Management (UCM). Using UCM, developers can keep
track of the source code, documentation, problems, changes requested, and
changes made.
