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CMDB systems can handle the cloud

Virtualization and cloud computing change IT so much that many legacy technologies are simply not able to remain relevant in light of new operating conditions. As physical machines are virtualized, creating an environment where operating systems are no longer inherently restricted to a single hardware item, traditional management tools are often ill-equipped to properly monitor the movement of virtual machines and properly maintain IT operations. This is not the case when it comes to CMDB systems, which are rapidly diversifying in light of the move to the cloud, a recent study from the Enterprise Management Associates found.

According to the EMA, many experts believed CMDB would drift into irrelevance as virtualization and cloud computing became more popular. They are quickly being proven wrong as more vendors offer solutions that are not only capable of handling the cloud, but ideally suited to maintaining service management and delivery principles in IT departments using the technology.

Dennis Drogseth, vice president of research at EMA, said the study found that CMDB and central management systems are not only staying relevant, they are emerging as more important solutions than ever before.

"Many have erroneously declared that the CMDB is dead or unsuited for new technologies such as cloud. However this research validates that the CMDB, especially as it evolves towards a federated set of reconciled resources in a CMS, is becoming more critical than ever. This research not only captures and assesses nine leading vendor technologies, it provides deeper insights into how and where CMDBs are being deployed successfully as the technology matures and, in many instances, far transcends the limitations of earlier deployments," said Drogseth.

Citing one of its earlier studies on CMDB and CMS infrastructure, EMA pointed out that no business should ever invest in CMDB systems just for the sake of having one. Instead, they need to go into implementation with specific usage models in place, allowing them to optimize the deployment for their operational requirements.

CMDB systems are integral parts of an IT service management platform, as they allow organizations to streamline change management by adding a layer of transparency to IT. At its core, CMDB is simply a relational database that showcases how different IT elements are dependent on each other, making it easier to evaluate the full implications of any configuration changes. This function is essential when it comes to effective ITSM, as service-based IT departments tend to face frequent configuration shifts.