There has been quite a difficulty in explaining and elaborating configuration management for reason of its technicality that many non-technical personnel and even some neophyte in configuration management technology fail to comprehend. Configuration management has therefore been considered by many as the "holy grail" of software and information technology. While there can be limitations in defining the concrete meaning of configuration management, it can well be described and explained according to its goals and purposes.

Configuration management makes it easier for computer systems to evolve with the changes in software and computer technology. The ever growing and the increasing complexity of information technology require upgrades to many computer systems and networks. The problem with configuring computer system to newer versions, however, is that it sometimes results in error and damages to the system. Configuration management technology prevents the occurrence of such problem by recording the details of changes that are done to the components and devices of a computer system. This way, it would be a lot easier to track changes and more importantly errors that could have resulted in network downtime and outages. In addition to this, configuration management maintains the integrity of the whole computer system by assuring that all changes and configurations that have been deployed are appropriate for all components in the system.

Configuration management makes it less risky and less difficult to configure computer systems. While change and configuration are required to catch up with the evolving needs and demands in information technology, configuration can be quite risky. Systems and even security solutions such as firewalls tend to be more hazardous when misconfigurations occur. Configuration management makes it less difficult to change configurations and set ups of computer systems by providing a fall back option when a new configuration version or upgrade backfires. Configuration management softwares do this by enabling the computer system to turn back to a previously good configuration set up when new configuration versions fail. This will not only reduce configuration risks but will also minimize network downtimes that can result in costly losses among organizations.

Configuration management enhances the security features of a computer network. With a configuration management software in place, all processes, configurations and changes that take place in a computer system or network can be easily tracked. This greatly reduces the vulnerabilities of a computer system from non-authorized intrusions that can come from internal and external sources.

While the concept of configuration management is difficult to grasp, it can well be understood by the purpose and goals of configuration management technology. Configuration management makes it easier for computer systems to evolve with the changes in technology. It also makes it less risky to configure computer systems and enhances the security features of a computer network.

About the Author

Jeff Dodd is an expert in the field of Configuration Management. Please visit us at http://www.configurations-management.com.