The true heart of any CMDB is its configuration data. Samantha^TM not only has heart, but also a soul - rooted deep in the infrastructure.

We start with the infrastructure hierarchy - Sites => Data Centers => Servers => Applications. Unlike most CMDBs, we have port-level interconnections; connecting servers to switches through network interfaces, down to the port.

Keep information on the location of your infrastructure; Racks, Wiring Closets, Floors, and Buildings. All of your network elements are included - Routers, Switches, Firewalls, WAPs, Load Balancers and Terminal Servers. Don't forget your Circuits - wide area, campus fiber links, MPLS, DSL, T1, T3s and POTs lines.

Be sure to include your logical assets - DNS Addresses, IP Addresses, VPNs, URLs, Registered Domain Names, Certificates. Native discovery from your DNS Server makes it easy.

Configuration information includes manufacturer, model, RAM, operating system, system name, CPU speed, dates of purchase, purchase cost, and other descriptive information.

Next, overlay your application architecture - Applications, Databases, Data Files, Scripts, Utilities and key Application Files. Map the interrelationships of your applications into Application Suites, indicating dependencies and data exchanges between elements. Export your application maps using Visio^TM, keeping up-to-date dynamic Application Dependency Mapping. Native discovery of SQL Server databases makes your mapping job easy.

Perhiperals are important. If you like, include Tape Drives, Storage Arrays, SANs, UPS', and environmental components like PDUs and Air Conditioners. If your business has unique network attached devices, they can be added too listing their asset descriptions and interconnection relationships.

Finally, link your applications to people - Companies, Client Groups, Departments, Partners, Vendors, Contacts, Individuals, and VIPs. Native integration with Active Directory imports Users, Groups, OUs, and Contacts.

End-user computing is included at no additional cost - Personal Computers, Workstations, Printers, Smartphones. Software Asset Management is a subset, creating enterprise-wide inventories and definitive software listings.