Context Based Configuration Management System

Context Based Configuration Management (CBCM) is a hybrid tool-suite that directly supports the dynamic, distributed strategic planning and decision making environment. The CBCM system marries Decision Map technology with Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) configuration management work flow (Xerox Docushare), embedded component models (events models, configuration item models, and feedback models) all on top of a web based online collaboration technology (e.g., NASA/Xerox Netmark middleware engine). CBCM drives an enterprise management configuration system with built-in analysis functions, tightly interoperable with other enterprise management systems (through middleware connections) that deliver integrated reports and enable enterprise-wide inputs on decisions/actions/events, and present context-based query-driven views on configuration management information. The theory of operation flows from the most senior level of decision making and creates a master Configuration Decision Map. This map track events, configuration objects, and contexts. Additional Configuration Decision Maps can be created independently and/or as a result of the Master Configuration Decision Map by successive organizations and/or individuals in the entire enterprise. The integrated icon-objects have intelligent triggers embedded within them configurable by the users to provide automatic analysis, forecasts, and reports. All information is stored in an object-relational database that provides robust query and reporting tools to help analyze and support past and current decisions as well as track the enterprise baseline and future potential vectors.