List of Top Configuration Management Databases 2023

What are Configuration Management Databases?

Configuration management databases (CMDB) are centralized repositories for IT resource configurations. They collect and manage hardware and software data for both on-premises and cloud assets. CMDB software maintains the composition, structure, configurations, and relationships of IT assets and tracks any changes or updates made to them. This information offers insights into and control over each component (commonly referred to as a configuration item, or CI) used to deliver IT services.

CMDBs commonly support dependency mapping, compliance reporting, system rebuilds, and analytics. Their data visualization tools help chart the relationships and dependencies among CIs.

CMDB software captures data from a variety of CIs, including applications, databases, containers, VMs, operating systems, servers, networks, ports, and the business and technical services they all support. Non-technical data can include entities that are dependent on or potentially impacted by CIs, such as users, customers, organizations, locations, and service agreements.

CMDB tools are often part of IT Service Management (ITSM) platforms. These broader platforms usually incorporate asset discovery, IT Asset Management (ITAM), and change management features that support and utilize CMDB functionality.

Differences Between CMDB and ITAM

CMDB software provides information about the way current IT resources are configured, how they are being used, and the business services they deliver. ITAM manages the end-to-end life cycle of IT assets, including procurement, license management, and valuation.

Configuration Management Database Features

CMDB software commonly offers many of the following features.

• Collect, create, update, and centralize CI data
• Automated discovery of CIs across on-premises and cloud installations
• CI visualization of relationships and dependencies
• Service dependency mapping
• Workflows for creating and updating CI data
• CI ownership, incident, and issue data
• CI metrics and analytics dashboards
• Compliance reporting
• Integrations with ITSM, ITAM, asset discovery, and change management tools

Configuration Management Databases Comparison

Consider the following when purchasing CMDB:

Point solution or suite: Configuration management database functionality can be acquired as part of an ITSM platform or can be purchased separately as a standalone module. If you choose a point solution, make sure it integrates well with existing ITSM or ITAM tools your organization is using.

Automated discovery: To maximize a CMDB’s value, look for a product that includes or readily integrates with automated asset/configuration (CI) discovery. This can lessen the need for manual setup and configuration and help ensure that your CMDB is up to date and complete.

Pricing Information

Pricing for configuration management database software isn’t readily available, so you’ll need to contact a vendor for a quote. Vendors commonly offer free trials of their products.