In computer networks or communications, a configuration of a network refers to the configuration of each of its principal units, based on their nature, function and configuration. Often, network configuration refers to the selection of appropriate hardware, firmware, operating system, and software. It also involves the assignment of network devices like routers, switches, internal IP phones, fax machines and so forth. Network configuration is typically done during installation or when required for security purposes. In simple terms, it is the process of determining the best ways to configure a computer system to provide the most optimal service.
The entire computer configuration management process is complex, involving an elaborate set of projects that aim at enabling the system to function more reliably and efficiently. The computer configuration management project encompasses a wide range of activities like server selection, server deployment, client training, maintenance, upgrades and so on. In order to make the computer as fast, flexible and powerful as possible, these projects aim at improving the IT infrastructure and developing the computer architecture. These efforts are taken to enable the system to run faster, generate more data, store more information and become more efficient in computing.
The entire computer configuration management project aims at achieving this by ensuring that the changes implemented do not conflict with previously installed applications and software. Computer configuration management is a complex task that involves a series of activities. It starts with selecting the correct system for the job. The selected system is then evaluated to identify any flaws that might be present and workarounds to these flaws. Changes are then implemented if required, either to enhance the product's performance or correcting any flaw that was identified.
Once the new system is certified, it is deployed and the operating system, applications and other components are installed. This enables the system to function as expected, providing maximum efficiency to the company while reducing costs due to increased efficiencies. Computer configuration management also includes the use of service management and service scheduling to ensure smooth and consistent service delivery.
One of the primary goals of computer configuration management is to allow an organization to make the most of its hardware resources, thereby enabling the system to grow at a steady rate. It can be considered a form of supply chain management in that the configuration of the computer hardware is optimized to yield the greatest possible return on investment. There are several benefits to this approach, which include increased operational productivity, less manual labor and a reduction in total cost of ownership. All computer hardware components in a computer system are optimized in terms of power, speed, reliability and security.
Computer systems are managed in terms of storage capacity. This is accomplished through the implementation of data deduplication, which moves data off-site to a low-cost, high capacity storage device. Another component of data deduplication is the addition of duplication to the existing management process. Data duplication is used not only for the storage of data, but also for archiving purposes in order to reduce the time necessary for retrieval of data.
Networking is an integral part of operating a computer network. Computer networks are comprised of different computer devices connected through a Local Area Network (LAN) or Wide Area Network (WAN). LAN networks are typically structured to carry data between computers within an organization. On the other hand, WAN networks are used to connect various computer devices to each other using a Wide Area Network (WAN) connection.
Computer configuration management is a science that has changed considerably over time. It originally began as a tool for control of manufacturing, but is now applied to a wide variety of business applications. With advancements in computing technology, this process has become much more flexible and accessible to many different types of organizations. As a result, computer users can gain greater control over their computer systems and can use them to improve their businesses. Computer configuration management, therefore, has become an integral part of virtually every type of organization.
