Kathy, While it is far from a CMDB I can say that I have seen applications developed to store data like Network devices (and their configuration), People information, Incidents, Problems, etc... all custom developed based on the base ARS tool set. So I have to say that it can be done. However, there are bound to be quiet a few differences/details in the administration and development that would be quite different between a home grown CMDB and an ARS application to hold the same kind of data. Some of those differences might be "better" in the custom application case, but I suspect that not all of them would be.
Before making that decision I would suggest that you give some serious consideration to the secondary benefits of using the OOB BMC CMDB. Like (for example and not limited to) access to AIE (Atrum Integration Engine) to populate the CMDB from other data source in your buisness. Yes you can build an "AIE" too. However, it is likely a part of the custom build that you have not yet considered. Also consider that if you buy "Service Desk" or "Change Management" or "Asset Management" then you kill several birds with one stone. Then there is the fact that BMC has published a CMDB API too. (BTW: The CMDB API sets on top of the ARS API, so it is a wrapper of sorts.) Also be aware that BMC's decision to package any of their products with any of there other products could be changed at any time. [more likely between versions/releases] Also the terms of "how you can use" such applications with custom applications could also be changed. For example, it is possible that BMC would allow you to have a "basic" (As defined by them) CMDB for use with their applications "at no additional cost", but they could also restrict your ability to customize it at some point in the future too. However, to be very clear, I know of no such intentions from BMC at this time. I have even heard some current high level people make statements about the idea that the OOB apps "will likely never" be deployed as "locked applications". As long as that attitude prevails, then I would expect the ability to customize any OOB application (or purchased sub component) to persist. (So I can see a good reason to _not_ buy such an important part of your IT infrastructure from any vendor that would later determine the rules for how you can or can not do things in the future too. But that is more of a business risk assessment. You could also choose to develop from scratch at a later point in time too. Then it could be a "panic" implementation instead of a "planned" choice.) ( As usual it comes down to a build vs buy decision for your business. ) In summary: If your management is in the mood to build, then go build. Almost no decision you make today will prevent you from doing the exact opposite tomorrow. I believe that buying "ITIL processes" is not such a great thing. Buying technologies that allow you to quickly implement ITIL practices is a better approach. At the worst case you spend a lot of time and effort to find out how much work the OOB CMDB is really worth to you and you can later go buy the features (AKA: The right CMDB for your needs) that you are struggling to implement. At the best case you are able to build only the feature you need for today and later can either move to or integrate with an OOB CMDB (maybe in ARS, maybe in other technologies.) HTH. -- Carey Matthew Black Remedy Skilled Professional (RSP) ARS = Action Request System(Remedy) Love, then teach Solution = People + Process + Tools Fast, Accurate, Cheap.... Pick two. On Nov 27, 2007 2:13 PM, Kathy Morris <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > ** > We are trying to build from scratch the functionality that Remedy offers > with the out-of-box CMDB application. > > Has anyone ever done this and what has your experience been? > > Would you recommend this approach if you have the support from Management to > build a customized CMDB? > Are there any red-flags, gotchas, future upgrade or future process > concerns that we should have? _______________________________________________________________________________ UNSUBSCRIBE or access ARSlist Archives at www.arslist.org Platinum Sponsor: www.rmsportal.com ARSlist: "Where the Answers Are"
