Skip to main content

Cornell University

Term: Configuration Items

This article applies to: IT Service Management Program

"Configuration Items" is a term used for the base-level components of an organization that are tracked by systems like IT@Cornell's TeamDynamix. They can include:

  • Hardware
  • Software
  • Applications
  • Services
  • Documentation
  • Phone numbers
  • Accounts

IT Service Management programs oversee the life of configuration items through identification, change management, status accounting, dependency mapping, and audits. 

The definition of a configuration item isn't based on size or whether it is the smallest component of a larger entity. Instead, it's the level that makes the most sense for an organization to treat as a single entity. Each configuration item's listing and definition should act as a common vocabulary across all groups connected to the product. They should be crafted in a way that all groups in the organization can agree to a common definition when they use the name of the configuration item. 

Comments?

To share feedback about this page or request support, log in with your NetID

At Cornell we value your privacy. To view
our university's privacy practices, including
information use and third parties, visit University Privacy.