What does a configuration manager do?

1 Configuration items

A configuration item (CI) is any element that has a distinct identity and can be configured, such as a router, a switch, a firewall, a server, or a software application. Each CI has a set of attributes, such as its name, location, version, status, and dependencies, that define its characteristics and functions. A configuration manager is responsible for identifying, documenting, and maintaining the inventory of all CIs in a network, as well as their relationships and dependencies. This helps to ensure that the network is well-organized, up-to-date, and compliant with the standards and policies.

2 Configuration baselines

A configuration baseline is a snapshot of the state of a CI or a group of CIs at a specific point in time, such as before or after a change, an update, or a deployment. A configuration manager is responsible for creating, storing, and restoring configuration baselines, using various tools and techniques, such as backup software, version control systems, or configuration management databases. This helps to ensure that the network can be recovered in case of errors, failures, or incidents, as well as to track and audit the changes and updates that occur in the network.

3 Configuration changes

A configuration change is any modification or adjustment that affects the attributes or functions of a CI or a group of CIs, such as adding, removing, replacing, or upgrading a network device or system. A configuration manager is responsible for planning, implementing, and verifying configuration changes, using various tools and techniques, such as change management software, scripts, or commands. This helps to ensure that the network is aligned with the business needs and objectives, as well as to minimize the risks and impacts of configuration changes on the network performance and security.

4 Configuration audits

A configuration audit is a review or inspection of the actual state of a CI or a group of CIs against the expected or desired state, such as the configuration baseline, the standards, or the policies. A configuration manager is responsible for conducting, reporting, and resolving configuration audits, using various tools and techniques, such as audit software, checklists, or reports. This helps to ensure that the network is consistent, reliable, and secure, as well as to identify and correct any discrepancies or deviations that may affect the network quality and compliance.

5 Configuration skills

A configuration manager needs to have a combination of technical and soft skills to perform the configuration management process effectively and efficiently. Technical skills required include knowledge of network devices, systems, protocols, and architectures; configuration management tools, techniques, and best practices; backup, version control, change management, and audit software and systems; scripting languages such as Python, PowerShell, or Bash; and network security principles, standards, and policies. Soft skills include communication to interact with stakeholders, team members, and vendors; analytical abilities to analyze and troubleshoot network issues; organizational capabilities to manage and document network configuration items; problem-solving aptitude for planning and implementing configuration changes and audits; and attention to detail to guarantee accuracy and consistency of network configuration.

6 Configuration challenges and benefits

A configuration manager may experience various challenges and benefits in their role, depending on the size, complexity, and dynamics of the network. Challenges may include dealing with frequent and complex configuration changes and updates, managing multiple and diverse configuration items and baselines, ensuring compatibility and interoperability of network devices and systems, maintaining network performance and security amid configuration changes and audits, as well as keeping up with the evolving network technologies and standards. On the other hand, some of the benefits include improving network efficiency and effectiveness by optimizing configuration items and baselines, enhancing network reliability and availability by preventing and recovering from configuration errors and failures, increasing network security and compliance by enforcing and monitoring configuration standards and policies, supporting network innovation and transformation by facilitating configuration changes and updates, as well as developing network expertise and skills by learning and applying configuration management tools and techniques.