There are countless tools and technologies available to help an organization stay on top of its IT assets, and a configuration management database (CMDB) is an extremely useful one. The database keeps track of relevant information regarding various hardware and software components and the relationships between them. It allows IT teams to have an organized view of configuration items (CIs) that can enable more streamlined processes when it comes to IT work.

So many times, we hear companies say, “Our tools are just like Tripwire’s,” “We do configuration management just like Tripwire” and “We can push out policy just like Tripwire.” But as we say, this just ain’t necessarily so. You might be able to do configuration management using a “Tripwire-like” tool. You might configure it and use it set up a policy or a configuration of a system.

Proper functioning of IT service operations is necessary for business continuity. No sooner your service operations break down such as slowing down of the Email server than your entire business operations can be put on the verge of destruction.

Today’s cybersecurity threats are so fast and sophisticated that they can disrupt IT functions for hours, days, and even months. For example, the ransomware attack prevents users from accessing their systems or files unless they pay a ransom to notorious extortionists. Under such circumstances, having an effective incident management program is always necessary.

I’ve written about ITIL and Tripwire Enterprise, offering a secure approach to managing your Change Management processes, but ITIL’s guidelines offer more than just recommendations around ensuring changes happen as expected. Problem management is another key area where Tripwire Enterprise can help you on your ITIL journey. ITIL sensibly focuses on root-cause analysis for problem management.

When I speak with clients about their approach to managing their IT services, many organisations mention ITIL practices as a cornerstone to their approach. This is hardly surprising since the ITIL framework describes a sensible methodology for IT management, looking at the use of technology through the lens of what the business needs.