ITIL 4 Foundation Practice Exam

Which of the following best defines a configuration management system (CMS)?

1. A set of rules for network security

2. A collection of tools and data for service configuration management

3. A system for managing customer relations

4. A database for tracking project timelines

The correct answer is: A collection of tools and data for service configuration management

A configuration management system (CMS) is best defined as a collection of tools and data for service configuration management. This definition reflects the core purpose of a CMS, which is to maintain the integrity of an organization's service configurations throughout their lifecycle. The CMS enables organizations to systematically record and manage all configuration items (CIs) and their relationships, aiding in the efficient planning, delivery, and support of IT services. The importance of having a CMS lies in its ability to provide accurate and up-to-date information about the components supporting IT services. This facilitates effective decision-making, incident and problem management, and change management processes. A well-implemented CMS also helps in maintaining compliance, reducing risk, and improving overall service delivery. Other options focus on different concepts that do not align with the primary function of a CMS. For instance, a set of rules for network security pertains to safeguarding information assets but does not involve configuration management in services. Similarly, a system for managing customer relations relates to customer interactions rather than service configurations, and a database for tracking project timelines serves a project management purpose, disconnected from the service configuration management integral to a CMS.