Book Reviews
Data management is challenging not only for quality, logistics, and transparency but also for the engineers or stakeholders making requirements. A big problem in software is that programmers can tend toward perfection and make things better exceeding the approved requirements and if another subroutine uses the same code, strings, variables and algorithms can suffer. In hardware and firmware, changes are often made without documentation or control with same consequences, especially with interfaces. As I tell my folks, just ask what data is needed or desired, ask what reports they need to generate to make decisions, look at the verification and validation requirements. Metadata is more for trends and analysis of those trends but CM data is for status accounting, trace-ability and change control for baseline effectivity.
But, you are correct there is a need for this type of book at least to standardize theory, practice and applications of data for quality, life-cycle management, change control, trace-ability, disaster recovery, security (i.e. FISMA requirements), test acceptance criteria, maintenance procedures, operations and logistics of configuration items (CIs).
– Jack Wasson 5/4/2015
Overall, the book captures the essence and significance of Configuration management. It provides the framework, tools and practices that will enable any enterprise to successfully create and manage a framework for CM in a mass customization world. These practices, many of which even though developed for the US government initially, can form a framework around which any enterprise can tie its cross-functional efforts and practices towards managing its product platforms and hierarchies more efficiently. A much-needed book and discussion at a critical time in the age of mass customization!! The book definitely addresses a subject need in an area which is critical to businesses but is much under the radar in many enterprises, in terms of formal implementation and significance on a daily basis. This is a topic that needs to be emphasized in organizations along with Stage Gate development, Product numbering structures, PLCM strategy efforts, IT frameworks and Supply chain integration. The authors have done a nice job in emphasizing CM frameworks and integration methods in a value stream of a business.
– Sundar Ananthasivan Director of Global Engineering -Couplings at Rexnord 7/19/2014
“It was fantastic reading and I enjoyed it a lot. Finally, a universal CM Guidance which explains, by using practical examples, why Configuration Management is not only beneficial to the government area but adds tangible value across all market segments.”
– Dirk Wessel Chief CM Section NATO Communications and Information Agency 7/29/2014
Kim and Jon have written the definitive guide to Configuration Management. No Configuration Manager should be caught without a copy of this book. They explore not only the technical aspects of the field, but the practical applications of Configuration Management in a wide variety of industries, not just the technology field. Whether you are new to Configuration Management or an old pro, this book will give you not only reasons why our field is important and necessary, they give you the tools to “sale” Configuration Management to your organization. This is a must read and a worthy addition to the canon of Configuration Management books that already exist.
-Joe Townsend, Configuration Manager Indiana Public Retirement System (INPRS) 6-22-2014
Bravo!! Finally someone has taken the time to write an overall CM Guide Book in layman terms, too many times as CM Professionals we forget the ones who are just learning the CM disciplines. Unfortunately by neglecting this group of practitioners, numerous unfamiliar CM practices have appeared. This book clarifies the individual elements of CM and demonstrates how they are interconnected with all other functional groups by using analogies in a brilliant cohesive structure.”
-Fay McGuigon – LCS MCM MP Configuration Manager 7/29/2014
Great book, lots of information, easy read, and applicable. About time for this book. Many of the concepts apply to everyday world and not just the corporate or government worlds.
-Steve Nissen –Software Quality Assurance, Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corporation 7/29/2014
A comprehensive look at Configuration Management and its theories. Well written and laid out to make it understandable, even to inexperienced CM practitioners. A recommended read.
-Sunil Mavadia – Manager, Deployment & Environment Management Digital Globe 7/31/2014
“This books takes a broader view on CM than other books on CM. It shows that CM is in much more places than expected.”
-Dick Terleth – Senior Consultant at ADSE 08/04/2014
Just finished reading “Configuration Management”, and I must say this is the most comprehensive document I have ever read on the subject. It addresses theory , practice, and application (and reality) , with many real-world examples of what happens when the principles of product/configuration management are not followed! My compliments, this is an excellent piece of work, the book is very comprehensive , and very well done.
-Bill Dawson, SVP Product Management, Volvo Group 2014/08/04
I received this book for free through http://booktasters.net
This is not a book for beginners or newbies to configuration management. In a nutshell, CM is everywhere: the clothes we wear, the cars we drive, the coca cola we drink.. It has all been developed using a predefined and tested workflow, making sure the result is standardized.
If this is something you have been dabbling in, then this is a book for you. Otherwise.. watch out. I picked this up for my own interest in IT but It gets really advanced really quickly. The first few chapter are entry level but it quickly turns up the pace and it lost me at a point. Nearly half the book I read at high speed because I didn’t understand most of the concepts handled.
The writing style is pretty typical for this kind of book. Main flow of the writing is clear and fluid but I was annoyed by the number of acronyms used overall. Almost every page (re)introduces acronyms and it’s confusing to keep up. Some of the graphs got a bit dull and I missed a bit of color. The themes are all really branched out but still connected at the core. Chapters are built up individually, so you can pick it up where you want to.
Conclusion: It’s a good book for people in the field but I wouldn’t recommend it as an introductory book.
– Jonas 2018-3-21 https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/26812784-jonas
Configuration management (CM) is not an easy subject, and it is one of the most complicated processes in IT, while also serving as basis for every other IT (and not only IT) process.
This is a very thorough book, which not only describes the process and particulars of configuration management, but also gives some historical background for the involvement of CM and particulars of different practices. It also includes case studies and examples of when poorly implemented (or absent) CM lead to major problems and losses in business.
The book is well structured and interesting to read if you are willing to take your time to get yourself well-acquainted with the subject. It’s easy to see that the authors have put a lot of thought and research into this book. I particularly enjoyed short stories of how CM existed even in ancient times, unbeknownst even to those practicing it.
However, I would not call this a reference book, which you can keep on your desk and use it for some daily activities. It is not built in a way that would provide you with templates and a quick reference for finding answers. It includes references as to how CM is done in various frameworks (ITIL, Six Sigma, etc.) but it does not include a deeper analysis of those. If you are interested in specific frameworks you will need to read books devoted to CM within the framework of your choose. This book is not a substitute for them.
In my opinion, this book should work well to those who already have had some experience with CM and would like to get a structured introduction and guidance on how to deepen their expertise in the field.
– Lia 2018-3-23 https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2333527291
Superb survey of the transferable skill of Configuration Management, verification and Control
The subject of Configuration Management is one that applies to us all whether we like it or not. You don’t have to be a project manager or IT Professional to appreciate its importance as it underpins all aspects of product development and product life-cycle management irrespective of discipline. This book contains a veritable treasure trove of information from authentic and highly regarded sources and it’s consistent application will no doubt make the world a much better place!
I recently connected with the author of this text, the very knowledgable and experienced Jon M. Quigley via twitter, e-mail and also via blog posts via the Value Transform site.
For any prospective reader I highly recommend doing the same as it will add great value to your journey through the text.
The book consists of chapters that logically flow form one to the other with reference to details of case studies from disciplines from Engineering to Software development and Risk mitigation strategies (for when things go wrong) together with plenty of historical anecdotes to underpin any theories discussed – which I really appreciated. I also welcomed the comprehensive glossary of commonly used terms and their definitions.
Overall many thanks to Mr Quigley for publishing an excellent book, that I highly recommend it and will certainly refer to it for many years to come. I just wish I had it when I first embarked on Project Management many years ago!
– Adisha 2018-7-18 https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/review/1482229358/R1J62L8484MR2K/ref=cm_cr_dp_mb_rvw_1?ie=UTF8&cursor=1
