CONFIG

Background

A configuration management database (CMDB) contains configuration items and their relationships to each other. Configuration items represent servers, databases, software, buildings, documents, etc that need to be managed to ensure a successful service delivery. A CMDB is part of a broader configuration management system (CMS), and usually provides a refined, cleansed, and verified system of record, encapsulating the important elements of the greater whole, structured to deliver specific benefits in support of service management. A CMDB represents an investment in, for example, licensing and infrastructure. It also has a, not insignificant, ongoing operational cost, maintaining the functionality and the data content. The purpose of a CMDB is to support decisions, processes and workflows. The value of a CMDB comes from its effective use. The value created from a CMDB must be greater than its cost.

CONFIG, target audience, and benefit

CONFIG is designed to raise awareness around the above three bullet points. As with all the Game-changing Insight simulation games, CONFIG focuses on business value creation contextualised within a scenario. For CONFIG, the scenario is establishing a CMDB. So, who should play the game? Broadly speaking, we are looking at four groups that will benefit from the CONFIG experience. The first group enters during the acquisition phase, where tenders are invited, supplier decision taken, and contracts negotiated. This group comprises of the leadership team and/or steering group members, where CONFIG will help them understand that there is an ongoing commitment required in implementing and running a CMDB, with organisational and cost implications, if the goal is to achieve a great return on investment. The remaining three groups are brought in when establishing and improving a CMDB. These groups include: The Leadership team tasked with the management of the CMDB and steering of the Service Configuration Management practice The service and product owners Those tasked with operating the CMDB and populating the data All three groups will need to work together to understand, document, and deliver value from the CMDB, whilst minimising operational costs.

Insights gained by those who play CONFIG, will lead to better appreciation of what it takes to have a successful CMDB and, by extension, avoid significant wasteful expenditure and delays in value creation.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the game is to create the greatest amount of business value after a 6 month gaming period. This is achieved through understanding the configuration requirements for the various services and implementing it within the CMDB. The requirements change as the services become more mature.

Running a session

CONFIG is a fully co-operative game, meaning that all players take part as a single group. A game session is best run with up to six participants. The game itself will take around 60-90 minutes depending on engagement and discussion. Ideally, the game should be followed by a further hour of discussions, leading to some concrete actions. A facilitator, whilst not needed to play CONFIG, can maximise the insights gained, through guided discovery, and steer the discussion, both during and after the game. Someone with service configuration management knowledge, or specific understanding of CONFIG, would be recommended as the facilitator, at least when first-time players are involved.