4 min read
Keep your CMDB up to date automatically: how it works with Frends and Jira Assets
Why manually maintained CMDBs go out of date and how to merge data from every source automatically: with Frends, for Jira Assets or other systems.
Platforms & implementation
CMDB & data integration
We build your CMDB and keep it up to date automatically with Frends, no matter which systems the data comes from and whether the target is Jira Assets or another solution.
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Partnership:
Independent of source and target systems
Jira Service Management Assets or another CMDB or ITSM solution: we connect the systems you already have.
Automated data maintenance with Frends
Data is merged, reconciled and kept current automatically instead of being maintained by hand in spreadsheets.
On-premises, hybrid or cloud
Frends agents collect the data where your systems run: in your own data centre, in the cloud or hybrid.
A CMDB is only as good as its data
A configuration management database (CMDB) maps your IT landscape: servers, clients, software, licences, cloud resources and how they depend on each other. Maintained by hand, it goes out of date quickly. The data is scattered across many systems, and every discrepancy erodes trust in it. Yet a lot depends on it:
- Incident and change management: you see straight away which services, systems and users are affected by an outage or a change.
- Licence and cost control: installed software can be matched against licences and contracts, so over- and under-licensing stand out.
- Information security: the asset inventory required by ISO 27001 and NIS2 stays current without extra effort before the audit. Findings from vulnerability scanners can be assigned to the affected systems and services.
- Lifecycle: warranties, end of support and upcoming renewals are on your radar in good time. Many manufacturers provide warranty data automatically by serial number.
Data from every source, merged automatically
Sources
- Directory services
- Endpoint management
- Cloud & virtualisation
- Network monitoring
- Security & backup
- ERP, purchasing & HR
Frends agents
on-prem, hybrid or cloud
- Merge
- Reconcile
- Link
Your CMDB
Jira Service Management Assets or another system
With Frends we collect the data where it is created and merge it into your CMDB:
- Any source: for example directory services such as Microsoft Entra ID, endpoint management such as Microsoft Intune or baramundi, mobile device management such as AppTec360, network monitoring such as Observium, virtualisation, backup, cloud management, Microsoft 365 licences, mobile contracts, HR, purchasing or ERP. For SSL/TLS certificates we have developed our own check that verifies their validity and remaining lifetime directly in the local network.
- Agents where your systems run: Frends agents operate on-premises or hybrid in the cloud and bundle the data.
- Reconciled, not duplicated: records are merged, normalised and written to the CMDB together with their relationships.
- Gaps made visible: comparing the sources reveals what no single source shows, such as devices on the network without endpoint management, servers without a recent backup, or devices and licences of employees who have left the company.
- Any target system: Jira Service Management Assets or another CMDB or ITSM solution.
The integrations overview shows which sources and target systems we have already connected.
Consulting and implementation under one roof
We support you from concept to operation, whether we set up a new CMDB or connect your existing one:
Clarify goals and data needs
Which questions should the CMDB answer, and which data do you really need for that?
Design the data model and maintenance processes
Object types, attributes and relationships, plus rules on which source is authoritative for which attribute.
Connect the sources
Frends agents collect the data from your systems, whether on-premises, in the cloud or hybrid.
Reconcile and populate
Records are merged, cleaned up and written to the CMDB together with their relationships.
In operation, we look after the integrations and extend them with you to cover new sources and requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Can’t find your question? Ask us directly: Contact
What is the difference between a CMDB and asset management?
Asset management looks at assets across their lifecycle: procurement, licences, contracts and costs. The CMDB describes configuration items and their relationships so that you understand the impact of incidents and changes. In practice the two go hand in hand, often in the same system such as Jira Service Management Assets.
Do we need Jira Assets for this?
No. We feed the CMDB you use or plan to use, whether Jira Service Management Assets or another solution. We are happy to advise you on the choice.
Do we have to start over if we already have a CMDB?
No. We connect your existing CMDB, clean up the data and automate its maintenance. Rebuilding only pays off if the data model or the system no longer fits your requirements.
Which data sources can be connected?
In principle, any source with an interface or export, for example directory services such as Microsoft Entra ID, endpoint management such as Microsoft Intune or baramundi, mobile device management such as AppTec360, network monitoring such as Observium, vulnerability scanners such as Tenable or Rapid7, virtualisation, backup, cloud platforms, Microsoft 365 licences, mobile contracts, SSL/TLS certificates, the HR system, purchasing, ERP or the manufacturers' warranty data. If there is no API, Frends usually still finds a way, for example via databases or file exports.
What happens to duplicates and conflicting data?
Together we define which source is authoritative for which attribute and how an object is uniquely identified, for example by serial number or host name. Duplicates are then merged automatically, and discrepancies can be reviewed specifically instead of slipping into the CMDB unnoticed.
How current is the data in the CMDB?
Synchronisation runs automatically, scheduled or event-driven, depending on what the source systems offer. Manual follow-up largely disappears.
Does our data have to go to the cloud?
Not necessarily. The Frends agents run where your systems are: on-premises in your network, in the cloud or hybrid. Together we decide which option fits your security requirements.
Does a CMDB help with ISO 27001 and NIS2?
Yes. ISO 27001 requires an inventory of information and other associated assets (Annex A 5.9), and NIS2 explicitly lists asset management among its cybersecurity risk-management measures. An automatically maintained CMDB keeps this inventory current and traceable, between audits too.
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Let’s talk about your plans.
Whether it’s a first idea, a project already under way or an existing IT landscape: we listen, put things into context and show you concrete next steps.
Your contacts: Christian, Tobias and Michael, the founders of AmberTech Solutions.