cmdb "form factor" field

[sry]

Hi,

        Recently i got a requirement to add "form factor" field for different classes of CI's. I see this field "form factor" is available in cmdb_ci_computer, cmdb_ci_memory_module tables. I want this field to be available in cmdb_ci table and also to the chirdren table that are extending cmdb_ci table. My main question is, is this field OOB field? why its not visible in cmdb_ci table. if not OOB do i need to manually add this field at cmdb_ci table? what is the purpose and benefit of having this field?

appreciate any kind of help.

thanks,

sy

[Deepak Ingale1]

Hi Sry,

I don't know what is the use of that field, but if it is available on cmdb_ci_computer other tables which are extended from cmdb_ci table and also if it is not available on cmdb_ci itself, I don't think you can add it to base cmdb_ci table. You will be thrown with an error message that field exists for one of the extended table from cmdb_ci.

[Stijn Verhulst3]

Hi sry,

more information about the concept of form factors can be found here:

What is form factor? - Definition from WhatIs.com

Computer form factor - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

So the field it's purely used to track the size of hardware components like Memory Modules or the chassis size of a Computer. The field defined on both tables is indeed OOB.

It's up to you or your business to decide for which CIs you want to track & maintain this kind of data. In case you want to use the field, you can always add it to any CMDB table but do keep in mind it's advised to first list all the CIs which will maintain this type of data.

Afterwards; review the list and see how the relations between the tables are built-up. Then, try to define the new field on the highest table in the hierarchy as possible as the field can be addressed on children table.

Kind regards,

Stijn

[sry]

Hi Stijn,

                          Sorry for the late reply, yeah I just find that we have to add that field at cmdb_ci table level and passed on to childrens. your points are valuable,

thanks,

sry

[akash_mehta]

sry:   I would like to just add one point - having been asked to add form factor many times, can I suggest adding this to the model table.   This way you don't have to manage this at individual ci records and form factors won't change for that model...so it keeps the data consistent.

This is the way I have handled this before.

-Akash