Configuring CMDBs

Configuration Management Databases (CMDBs) are containers like address books or workspaces and you configure them using the same type of interface. You can create a CMDB in the following ways:

• Use a template
• Use an existing CMDB and copy its structure
• Create a CMDB entirely on your own

You can import CI data into FootPrints from BMC Client Management (BCM), a CSV file, or a SQL database. You can import the data on-demand by going to the Task Scheduler page and running the import immediately or schedule the import to run at a more convenient time. Any data that can be saved in a CSV file or SQL database table can be imported, including the output of bar code scanners.

Before you import any data into your CMDB, you must create your CI types, attributes, relationships, and statuses. When importing from BCM, the DeviceID attribute is required as it is used to map CIs between BCM and FootPrints.

You can create record definitions for each type of CI (such as servers, routers, applications, and so on), and there are a number of built-in relationships available. In addition, you can link CIs to services in your service portfolios. For more information, see the Related topics.

To create a CMDB

1. Click the Administration tab.

2. In the CMDBs section, click Create.

   The Create new dialog box appears.

3. In the Container Name field, enter a name for the container.

4. (Optional) To use an existing template:

   • Select Create from Template.
     A file selection field appears.

   • Click Browse and select an XML template file.

5. Do either of the following:

   • To configure the container before publishing, click Create.

   • To publish the container and configure it later, click Create and Publish.
     The container details page appears.

6. To configure your CMDB, it must be open for editing. If your CMDB is not open, double-click the CMDB that you want to modify.
7. Configure the details of the CMDB, clicking the headings in the left pane to work with CI item definitions, relationships, or shared fields.
   For more information about these options, see:
   • Configuring items
   • Configuring relationships
   • Creating shared fields

8. If you make further changes after completing step 7, republish the CMDB to implement your changes:

   1. If not already on the CMDB Administration page, in the breadcrumb trail, click the CMDB link.

   2. Click Save and Publish.

      A confirmation message appears.

   3. Click Yes.

      The Publication Succeeded message appears, showing the number of errors and warnings.

Next steps

Remember to assign user roles to access this new CMDB. You may also want to select a work schedule other than the System Default schedule.

Related topics

Editing CMDBs

Deleting CMDBs

Creating CIs

Configuring fields

Configuring forms

Getting started quickly for administrators