The Benefits of Configuration Management

Configuration Management, or Software Configuration Management, is the tracking and controlling of software changes in a system. Its purpose is to ensure consistency in performance, functionality, and design. In many ways, configuration management is analogous to the architectural framework of a house that sets the tone for the actual materials, such as lumber and windows. In this case, software configuration would be the framework that is intertwined with tools such as cloud computing and other forms of configuration management database, or CMDB for short.

Benefits

There are many benefits of a configuration management system, but perhaps the most appealing ones to businesses would be organization, reliability, and reduction of costs, spending, and risks:

• Organization

  Being that Configuration Management is like the framework for greater information management programs, it should go without saying that it is critical for greater management and organization of information as a whole. With a well-ordered system in place, a good IT worker should be able to see all of the past system implementations of the business, and can better address future needs and changes to keep the system up to date and running smoothly.

• Reliability

  Nothing is worse than an unreliable system that is constantly down and needing repairs because a company’s configuration management team is lacking in organization and pro-activeness. If the system is used correctly, it should run like the well-oiled machine that it is, ensuring that every department in the company can get their jobs done properly. Increased stability and efficiency of the system will trickle down into every division of a company, including customer relations, as the ease and speed in which their problems can be solved and information can be accessed will surely make a positive impact.

• Cost Reduction and Risks

  Like anything else in business, a lack of maintenance and attention to details can have greater risks and cost down the line, as opposed to proactive action before a problem arises. Configuration Management saves money with the constant system maintenance, record keeping, and checks and balances to prevent repetition and mistakes. The organized record keeping of the system itself saves time for the IT department and reduces wasted money for the company with less money being spent on fixing recurring or nonsensical issues. With an updated system, there is also reduction in risks of potential lawsuits for breaches of security because of outdated software framework, which could possibly be attributed to negligence. With the implementation of this system, there is really nothing to lose, but everything to gain.