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ITAM: A Prerequisite for Building a CMDB (Part 3/6) – “4 Reasons Why ITAM is a Prerequisite for a CMDB”

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This article series has been contributed by Peter Salfi at Provance.

In this series Peter explains why an Asset Registry, created within an IT Asset Management program, comprised of the appropriate mix of people, process and technology, is often an overlooked prerequisite to creating a CMDB.

It describes a less painful approach to creating a reliable and accurate CMDB that allows organizations to realize a high return on their investment in time, effort and expense.

Part Three – 4 Reasons Why ITAM is a Prerequisite for a CMDB

  1. The “dots” need to be identified before you start connecting them.  Build an Asset Registry first.  Focus on identifying and understanding “what” you have to work with before worrying about how they need to come together to form a service.
  2. An IT Asset Management program allows you to maximize the use of what you have.  The appropriate mix of people, processes and technologies provides the necessary foundation for comprehensive and accurate asset information.  Once in place, the necessary relationships to define services that drive client-centric value and operational-centric efficiencies can be established.
  3. Building a CMDB is a journey, not a destination.  Starting with a CMDB is impossible.  A fundamental core set of data that you can rely on is needed first.  Evolve from an Asset Registry to a CMDB.  Building a CMDB from scratch cannot be done easily, if at all.
  4. Starting with Asset Management is the responsible thing to do.  Without a reliable starting point, building a CMDB will be time consuming, labor intensive and costly.  Establish a proper roadmap to assure your organization takes the right steps in the appropriate sequence to save on effort and expense.

Continues….

Peter Salfi, Provance

Peter Salfi, Provance

Read Part Four ‘Why Building a CMDB is Challenging‘.

This article series has been contributed by Peter Salfi. To find out more about Provance IT Asset Management for Microsoft System Center visit Provance.

About Martin Thompson

Martin is owner and founder of The ITAM Review, an online resource for worldwide ITAM professionals. The ITAM Review is best known for its weekly newsletter of all the latest industry updates, LISA training platform, Excellence Awards and conferences in UK, USA and Australia.

Martin is also the founder of ITAM Forum, a not-for-profit trade body for the ITAM industry created to raise the profile of the profession and bring an organisational certification to market. On a voluntary basis Martin is a contributor to ISO WG21 which develops the ITAM International Standard ISO/IEC 19770.

He is also the author of the book "Practical ITAM - The essential guide for IT Asset Managers", a book that describes how to get started and make a difference in the field of IT Asset Management. In addition, Martin developed the PITAM training course and certification.

Prior to founding the ITAM Review in 2008 Martin worked for Centennial Software (Ivanti), Silicon Graphics, CA Technologies and Computer 2000 (Tech Data).

When not working, Martin likes to Ski, Hike, Motorbike and spend time with his young family.

Connect with Martin on LinkedIn.

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