How do you design a scalable and reliable CMDB?

2 Choose a suitable data model

A data model is the structure and format of your CMDB data. It defines the types of entities, attributes, and relationships that you store in your CMDB. A good data model should be flexible enough to accommodate the diversity and evolution of your IT assets, but also consistent and standardized enough to enable accurate and efficient queries and reports. You can use a predefined data model, such as the ITIL Common Data Model, or create your own custom data model, depending on your needs and preferences.

3 Implement data quality controls

Data quality is crucial for the reliability and usability of your CMDB. You need to ensure that your CMDB data is accurate, complete, relevant, and up-to-date. To achieve this, you need to implement data quality controls, such as data validation, deduplication, reconciliation, and verification. You also need to monitor and audit your CMDB data regularly, and fix any errors or inconsistencies as soon as possible. Additionally, you need to establish clear roles and responsibilities for data ownership and governance, and enforce policies and procedures for data access and modification.

5 Optimize data storage and performance

As your CMDB grows in size and complexity, you need to optimize data storage and performance to ensure that your CMDB can handle the increasing volume and variety of data, and deliver fast and reliable results. You can use techniques, such as data partitioning, indexing, caching, compression, and archiving, to improve data storage and performance. You can also use tools, such as database management systems, query languages, or analytics engines, to manage and analyze your CMDB data effectively.

6 Review and improve your CMDB

Your CMDB is not a static entity, but a dynamic and evolving one. You need to review and improve your CMDB periodically, to ensure that it meets your changing needs and expectations. You can use feedback mechanisms, such as surveys, interviews, or metrics, to collect and evaluate the opinions and experiences of your CMDB users and stakeholders. You can also use methods, such as testing, benchmarking, or best practices, to assess and enhance the functionality and performance of your CMDB.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?