Virtual Configuration Item Management for CMDB Complexity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current configuration management systems face challenges in efficiently managing a large number of configuration items, particularly in complex environments like industrial devices and electric home appliances, where manual management becomes cumbersome and error-prone.
Innovation Solution
A computer system and method that combines multiple configuration items into a virtual configuration item, allowing dynamic management by detecting and tracking attributes and relationships, thereby simplifying the management process and reducing the number of items to be monitored.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple configuration items are managed individually in a CMDB, then comprehensive tracking and discovery can be performed, but the management complexity and workload increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple configuration items into a single virtual configuration item when they form a logical group or serve a common function. This combining approach maintains comprehensive tracking capabilities while significantly reducing management complexity by treating grouped items as one unified entity in the CMDB.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual configuration item serves multiple functions: it represents a group of individual configuration items, enables consolidated discovery and tracking, and provides a simplified management interface. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain detailed information about individual items while presenting a simplified view for management operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual management methods are used for configuration items, then flexibility in customization is maintained, but errors increase and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automated self-service capabilities where the discovery section automatically detects configuration items and their relationships, and the virtual configuration item creation is automated based on predefined criteria. This automation eliminates manual errors while maintaining flexibility through configurable discovery rules and virtual item templates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the management parameter from individual item handling to grouped item handling through virtual configuration items. This parameter change transforms the management approach from low-efficiency manual individual management to high-efficiency automated grouped management, while flexibility is preserved through configurable discovery and grouping parameters.
3Productivity
If the number of configuration items to be monitored is reduced by combining them, then management efficiency improves, but the level of detail and precision in tracking may be lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where individual configuration items are contained within virtual configuration items. This nesting allows the system to track and manage items at multiple levels of granularity: the virtual configuration item provides consolidated management for efficiency, while the individual nested items preserve detailed tracking information for precision when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the configuration item management into two distinct layers: virtual configuration items for high-level consolidated management and individual configuration items for detailed tracking. This segmentation enables the system to simultaneously achieve management efficiency through virtual items and tracking precision through individual items, without compromising either aspect.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a method for managing a plurality of configuration items. The method includes holding, at a repository, for each configuration item, one set of data indicating at least one predetermined attribute of the configuration item and a relationship with another configuration item. The method also includes detecting, at a discovery section, information on configuration items. The discovery section performs subsequent detection based on at least one of a predetermined attribute and a predetermined relationship in a new set of data created from the information detected by the discovery section.