CMDB vs CSDM — Scope and Purpose Explained

Although often used interchangeably, CMDB and CSDM serve fundamentally different purposes. Confusing the two is one of the main reasons 75% of the CMDB initiatives fail. What Is the CMDB? The Configuration Management Database (CMDB) is an operational data store. CMDB scope The CMDB contains: Deployed configuration items (CIs) Runtime instances and their technical relationships Discovered and federated infrastructure and platform components Service instances and their dependencies Operational attributes required for ITSM, ITOM, SecOps, and risk use cases CMDB characteristics Focused on runtime [...]

By |2026-01-03T17:14:30+02:00December 23rd, 2025|Information, TBM/CSDM/CMDB|Comments Off on CMDB vs CSDM — Scope and Purpose Explained
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How to Operationalize CSDM5? Transition from CMDB Burden to meaningful Business Value

Industry figures consistently show that only about 25% of organisations realise meaningful value from their CMDB investments. In most cases, the CMDB data model is implemented from a predominantly technical perspective. As technology stacks grow more complex, the CMDB becomes increasingly difficult for business stakeholders to understand and use. The consequences are familiar: outdated operating models remain in place, modern practices are only partially adopted, data quality declines, operational costs rise, and the promised benefits of the CMDB fail to materialise. Experience across CMDB [...]

By |2026-01-03T17:14:30+02:00December 21st, 2025|ServiceNow, TBM/CSDM/CMDB|Comments Off on How to Operationalize CSDM5? Transition from CMDB Burden to meaningful Business Value
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Drift Management: Why It Matters, Who Needs It, and How to Get It Right

IT environments rarely break because of one big dramatic event. More often, they erode slowly: a configuration flag quietly flipped, a firewall rule added “just for testing,” a VM resized without documentation, a registry key tweaked by an engineer in a hurry. Individually harmless. Cumulatively fatal. That creeping erosion is configuration drift—and left unmanaged, it undermines security, stability, auditability, and engineer sanity. This blog outlines what drift management is, why organisations benefit from it, and what you actually need to implement it effectively. 1. [...]

By |2026-01-03T17:14:30+02:00December 5th, 2025|IT4IT|Comments Off on Drift Management: Why It Matters, Who Needs It, and How to Get It Right
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Change and Drift Mngt in 2025

Despite rapid advances in cloud computing, DevOps, automation, and Infrastructure-as-Code, many organizations still struggle with a fundamental question: What actually constitutes a “change” in 2025 — and what does not? Is every drift detected, to be managed via change? Misclassification leads to unnecessary workload for change managers, friction for engineering teams, and reduced operational clarity. At the same time, under-governance creates unacceptable risk. Modern Change Management must therefore strike a careful balance between speed and control, using clear decision criteria and placing each activity [...]

By |2026-01-03T17:14:30+02:00December 4th, 2025|IT4IT, ServiceNow, Uncategorized|Comments Off on Change and Drift Mngt in 2025
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You want a better CSDM, for less money, and you want it now?

That is possible by making the contents of the CSDM almost Zero-touch. You can import a product-agnostic Service Portfolio which does not have to be updated whenever you change a product. If you link IT service delivery process to asset management, you can update your asset repository (almost) automatically, You can update the CMDB automatically using Automated Discovery/Federation. And lastly you can map those items to the Service Instances that you defined. The only thing that your architects and data stewards need to do [...]

By |2026-01-03T17:14:30+02:00September 13th, 2025|TBM/CSDM/CMDB|Comments Off on You want a better CSDM, for less money, and you want it now?
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Meet our Digital Portfolio Manager: ChatGPT 5 Pro!!

Recently, I asked ChatGPT 5 Pro to define the artefacts and their relations that need to be registered in ServiceNow. In this article, you will find what went surprisingly well and what failed miserably. The detailed results (which considered compliance with the CSDM 5 and TBM 5 Standards) that the ChatGPT Chatbot generated are shown as well. Spoiler Alert: ChatGPT proves to be a great assistant that probably has read all CSDM5 and TBM5 documentation from beginning to end, but the Bot will [...]

By |2026-01-03T17:14:30+02:00September 11th, 2025|TBM/CSDM/CMDB|Comments Off on Meet our Digital Portfolio Manager: ChatGPT 5 Pro!!
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CSDM5 explained in 10 minutes…

There are hundreds of interpretations of the ServiceNow Common Service Data Model (CSDM). In this article, you will find the how CSDM5 is construed and implemented in ServiceNow. Different lenses, different focus. Program/Project Managers manage the Project/Demand Portfolio. Enterprise Architects manage the Application Portfolio Product Owners manage the backlog for their components in the Product Portfolio Service Owners manage their artifacts in the Service Portfolio Configuration Managers track their IT Inventory in the Configuration Management Database (CMDB) Asset Managers track the book value, operational [...]

By |2026-01-03T17:14:30+02:00September 6th, 2025|TBM/CSDM/CMDB, Uncategorized|Comments Off on CSDM5 explained in 10 minutes…
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Why reinvent the wheel? Use TBM 5.0 Content in the CSDM 5.0 Data Model

ServiceNow defined a Common Service Data model (CSDM5) without content. The TBM Council defined both a data model (TBM5) and its content. This article describes how to populate the content of TBM5 into CSDM5. TBM5 defined/described (relations between) artifacts for "Technology Consumers" (who?), "Technology Solutions" (what?), "Technology Resource Towers" (how?), and "Technology Cost Pools" (how much?). You can download a free copy of the TBM 5.0. CSDM5 defined/described who, what, how, and how much, albeit its focus is more on ITSM/ITOM than on ITAM/ITFM. [...]

By |2026-01-03T17:14:31+02:00August 22nd, 2025|ServiceNow, TBM/CSDM/CMDB, Uncategorized|Comments Off on Why reinvent the wheel? Use TBM 5.0 Content in the CSDM 5.0 Data Model
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Rethinking IT Foundations: From SaaS to Services, Products, and Beyond

For years, we’ve relied on concepts like SaaS, PaaS, IaaS, and DCaaS to describe how technology is delivered. These terms still exist, but they no longer fully capture today’s reality. Why? As platforms become software-defined, AI prompts are replacing software code, and information is scattered across multiple repositories, each serving the different needs of different types of stakeholders. To manage this complexity, we need a sharper lens and a common language, for the things we share. Baselines vs. Instances: Two Different Worlds In modern [...]

By |2026-01-03T17:14:31+02:00August 16th, 2025|IT4ESM, IT4IT, ServiceNow, TBM/CSDM/CMDB|Comments Off on Rethinking IT Foundations: From SaaS to Services, Products, and Beyond
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What are AI Agent Cards in A2A?

An AI Agent Card is a structured, discoverable configuration file—essentially a digital resumé in YAML+ format—that describes an AI Agent according to the Agent-to-Agent (A2A) Protocol. It typically includes metadata such as the agent’s name, provider, capabilities, skills, API endpoint (URL), authentication mechanism, tags, and governance characteristics. These cards are either served directly by the AI Agent itself or hosted on an A2A-compliant server that can register and expose multiple AI Agents. The goal: make it easy for other agents, systems, or orchestration [...]

By |2026-01-03T17:14:31+02:00May 17th, 2025|AI4IT|Comments Off on What are AI Agent Cards in A2A?
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ServiceNow published CSDM 5

On May 8, 2025, ServiceNow released its long-anticipated Common Service Data Model (CSDM) 5 white paper. This 63-page document marks a significant evolution of the data model that underpins many ServiceNow implementations across IT organizations globally. CSDM 5 introduces a refined structure consisting of seven domains, each representing a core capability area: Ideation & Strategy Design & Planning Manage Portfolio Build & Integration Service Delivery Service Consumption Foundation Compared to the previous CSDM 4 -released four years ago- the updated model brings several [...]

By |2026-01-03T17:14:31+02:00May 11th, 2025|IT4IT, TBM/CSDM/CMDB|Comments Off on ServiceNow published CSDM 5
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ServiceNow AI, Update April 2025

This article outlines key developments and expectations in the rapidly evolving world of AI—particularly as it is being embedded and operationalized within the ServiceNow platform. By now, most professionals have interacted with some form of Generative AI—be it Co-Pilot, ChatGPT, Gemini, LLaMA, DeepSeek, or others. Many have also activated NOW Assist within ServiceNow and are exploring its Generative AI features, accessible through Virtual Agent, the Employee Self-Service portal and Fulfiller Workspaces. AI at Work: How ServiceNow is Transforming Enterprise Automation with AI Agents [...]

By |2025-05-17T13:53:39+02:00April 18th, 2025|AI4IT|0 Comments
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AI will reduce Total Cost of Ownership of IT between 25% and 40% by 2030

Many people are currently producing business cases for AI in IT. In this article the considerations and a rough outline of the changing costs. is provided Of course, each organization and each AI implementation are different. The rough numbers here must be customized for your use cases and the current and future state that apply for you. Considerations: AI will do a lot of work that IT Staff currently does. However, that does not mean the loaded labor cost will be reduced pro [...]

By |2025-05-17T13:57:27+02:00March 19th, 2025|AI4IT|0 Comments
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Proposal for ServiceNow Platform Technical Agile ITSM Implementation

There are several ways to approach sourcing for a ServiceNow project in the Netherlands. You can opt to manage it internally, bring in temporary expertise, or partner with one of the Big Five consultancies—be it through local, nearshore, or offshore resources. Each of these options comes with its own set of pros and cons. Factors such as cost, quality, risk, and timelines will likely vary across these choices.Below, you’ll find a proposal generated based on market rates that are typically seen in the industry [...]

By |2025-05-17T14:12:26+02:00January 13th, 2025|ServiceNow|0 Comments
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CMDB Variations: Why One Standard Does Not Fit All

Organizations frequently experience confusion regarding Configuration Management Databases (CMDB's). This confusion arises because there is currently no single, universally followed standard. Various authorities, governance bodies, auditors, and technology vendors have each introduced overlapping frameworks. As a result, the definitions of key concepts—such as Configuration Items, CMDBs, and Assets—often differ depending on the source. Even within a single organization, multiple frameworks can coexist, some of which may be outdated or only partially adopted. Inconsistent Approaches to “What” and “How” Enterprises vary significantly in: What info [...]

By |2025-05-17T14:12:45+02:00January 5th, 2025|ServiceNow|0 Comments
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One Real-time Configuration and Asset Database for the Enterprise?

The Future of Configuration and Asset Databases (CADB) in an AI-Driven IT Landscape: A Vision for 2027 In today's rapidly evolving IT environment, traditional Configuration Management Databases (CMDBs) are increasingly falling short. They lack fine-granular data, are rarely updated in near real-time, and struggle to keep pace with the fragmented nature of modern IT infrastructures. Yet, these shortcomings aren't necessarily detrimental—at least not immediately. By 2027, the role and functionality of CMDBs will have fundamentally transformed, driven by the integration of Artificial Intelligence [...]

By |2025-01-05T16:32:56+02:00January 3rd, 2025|IT4CSM, IT4ESM|0 Comments
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Can we talk about the elephant in the room?

As you may have noticed, things are rapidly changing in IT. The biggest change is the automation of tasks that used to be done manually. New frameworks such as DevSecOps and new Technologies such as AI are emerging, It probably is not discussed publicly that billions of Euros investments in legacy technologies/practices will vaporize in the next five to ten years. It is time to discuss the elephant in the room. During research on IT Tools that are used to manage IT, I [...]

By |2025-01-02T14:19:51+02:00December 26th, 2024|IT4ESM|0 Comments
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Business Capabilities for the Enterprise Support Domain

At the end of the year, some look back and—more importantly—some look forward. I did both. When looking backward, I noticed many people complaining about getting value for money from their IT4IT investments. After two decades, Gartner stopped publishing the Magic Quadrant for ITSM tools. Configuration Management (as a process to maintain CMDB content) is now rarely done manually or governed by Change Management. Instead, CMDB content is increasingly maintained via discovery and federation—zero-touch CMDB has become the norm. When code is now automatically [...]

By |2025-01-04T15:52:18+02:00December 25th, 2024|IT4ESM|0 Comments
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The ultimate list of (700+) IT Management Tools, December 2024

Below is an overview of 727 IT management tools meticulously grouped into eight primary categories. This compilation highlights the breadth and depth of the IT management landscape, from strategic planning and governance to day-to-day operations and security oversight IT Enterprise Architecture (EA) – 33 Tools Focused on aligning technology strategies with overarching business objectives, facilitating structured frameworks, and ensuring that IT investments support long-term organizational goals. IT Development Operations (DevOps) – 85 Tools Emphasizes the synergy between software development and operations, streamlining processes [...]

By |2025-05-17T14:14:40+02:00December 24th, 2024|IT4IT, Uncategorized|0 Comments
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From IT Service Management to Enterprise Service Management

The landscape of IT management is undergoing a seismic shift. Traditional IT service management (ITSM) tools, once the backbone of IT operations, are no longer sufficient to meet the growing demands of modern organizations. Technologies such as Enterprise Architecture (EA) tools, Observability platforms, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Continuous Delivery as a Service (CDAAS), SecOps, and DevOps are not just supporting IT operations. Still, they are gradually overtaking the roles traditionally played by ITSM platforms like ServiceNow. The ITSM platforms are making a shift toward Enterprise [...]

By |2024-12-24T15:31:19+02:00December 24th, 2024|IT4ESM|0 Comments
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Enterprise Service Management

Enterprise Service Management (ESM) is the practice of applying service management principles—traditionally used in IT Service Management (ITSM)—to other areas of an organization, such as HR, finance, facilities, legal, or customer service. Essentially, it extends ITSM's structured approach to managing and delivering services across the entire enterprise. Key Features of ESM Unified Service Delivery: ESM centralizes support requests and workflows across various departments through shared tools, such as service portals or ticketing systems. Process Standardization: It enforces consistency in how services are managed and [...]

By |2024-12-20T21:38:14+02:00December 14th, 2024|IT4ESM|0 Comments
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A new era for Configuration Management: The Zero Touch CMDB

What was once known as ITIL configuration management no longer exists in the same form or approach. However, the core principles – recording what will come, what currently exists, and what once was – remain intact. Those familiar with PRINCE2 might recall that it also had a configuration management component, though its meaning differed from what ITIL specialists referred to. In the past, architects documented IT landscapes in designs and architectural blueprints. Risk and continuity managers focused on CIA ratings, audits, and findings concerning [...]

By |2025-05-17T14:14:54+02:00November 30th, 2024|IT4IT, TBM/CSDM/CMDB, Uncategorized|0 Comments
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Transition from “obligations of means” to “obligations of result”

Companies typically innovate and maintain hosted solutions that differentiate them from the competition, often with support from the Platform Supplier or a 3rd Party. Ever-changing business requirements drive the rapid innovations of these solutions. Commodity solutions, on the other end, are frequently innovated and maintained by Managed Service Providers and often are consumed “as a service”. The sourcing/operating models in the IT industry currently are changing as a result of the following: The effort/labour to develop and maintain IT solutions is reduced by [...]

By |2024-11-30T03:38:23+02:00November 27th, 2024|ServiceNow|0 Comments
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Best Practice Data Model tips for ServiceNow (CSDM 5.0)

Introduction In the expansive world of ServiceNow, structure and clarity are key. ServiceNow's Common Service Data Model (CSDM) offers a recommended framework to bring order to IT ecosystems. While the CSDM is sound, it leaves considerable room for interpretation—making consistent application across an enterprise crucial for achieving meaningful results. Based on best practices and experience, here’s a guide to ServiceNow modeling for services, assets, and configuration items. Best Practices in ServiceNow Modeling 1) Understand Products vs. Instances A Product (often called a baseline, model, [...]

By |2024-11-13T13:21:40+02:00November 13th, 2024|ServiceNow, TBM/CSDM/CMDB|0 Comments
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How to Manage Innovation and Maintenance of the ServiceNow Platform

I often get asked how to best manage the ServiceNow Platform. I typically advise the following basic concept and then customize my advice to make it fit for purpose and audience: First get the recommended Principles endorsed up to CIO/CTO Level. ServiceNow is a platform that enables market standard practices, out of the box. The Platform is pre-configured (by ServiceNow) to support the documented processes incl. its defined roles, flows and metricsThe Enterprise adopts the ServiceNow practices and its roles, rather than customizing the [...]

By |2024-11-29T19:41:41+02:00November 3rd, 2024|ServiceNow|0 Comments
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