PC Backups as Configuration Items?

[KevinL194086803]

Has anyone out there leveraged the CMDB to track specific PC Backups?

We have a couple business cases where we need to track a specific backup of a physical or virtual PC (not a server).  These backups need to be held and secured until such time as they can be released for deletion/destruction.  The backup may be any version of a physical HDD, USB stick or snapshot taken with a number of software solutions.  The notion is that having a CI representing the backup gives more confidence these items won't be lost/destroyed because they are visible/trackable with a lifecycle in the CMDB.

Neither the CMDB nor CSDM explicitly talk about PC Backups.  Pondered using existing OOTB CI Class like "Storage", but not sure I want to lump these in with storage devices.

Am of mind at the moment to create a custom CI class off of Computer called "PC Backup" and just roll with that unless there are some other experiences or guidance out there on good/best practices relative to a PC Backup.

What say you, community?

[Vishnu-K]

Hi @KevinL194086803 ,

In this scenario, I believe it would be more appropriate to use the Asset Management concept rather than creating a new CI class or dumping into another CI class.

If I were implementing this, I would approach it as follows:

• Create a new Model Category without associating it to any CI class, and ensure the related asset class is alm_hardware.

• Add a custom reference field (e.g., "Backup") on the Computer table, referencing the alm_hardware table.
  This would allow each Computer CI to reference its associated backup device (HDD, USB, snapshot media, etc.).

This approach keeps the CMDB clean by avoiding the creation of a new CI class for something that is not an operational infrastructure component. At the same time, it ensures the backup items are properly tracked, visible, and managed through Asset Management processes, including lifecycle and custody tracking.

The above recommendations are based on my understanding of CMDB and Asset Management best practices.

If this answers your question, please mark it as helpful and accept the solution for better community visibility.

Thanks,

Vishnu

[KevinL194086803]

@Vishnu-K  - Thanks for this!

I do like getting away from the CMDB and treating these a bit more like assets - digital or physical.

I have pushed back on this conversation as to whether or not we really need this tracked in the system at this level or would triggering requests to perform/release the backup be sufficient.  At some level there is technical and administrative debt by taking on this work.