Configuration management in a computer network refers to the process of identifying each device that is present on a network and controlling its configuration settings. This includes being able to make changes to the current settings, backing up previous settings, ensuring settings meet compliance requirements and performing troubleshooting when faults occur.
It is a process that establishes and ensures the consistent operation of devices that are present on the network throughout their life-cycle. This includes controlling their performance and functional settings to meet an organization’s business requirements, design approach and operational needs. With networks becoming ever larger and more complex, configuration management software is often used to control and automate these tasks. They aim to replace manual configuration processes in network systems in order to lower costs, reduce errors, ensure consistency and improve compliance with regulatory, policy and security goals.
