Cmdbuild is an open‑source, web‑based software platform designed to manage configuration items (CIs) within a Configuration Management Database (CMDB) and to support associated business processes such as workflow, reporting, and service‑desk functions. The application is written primarily in Java, utilizes a relational database (commonly PostgreSQL or MySQL) for data storage, and is distributed under the Affero General Public License (AGPL).
History and Development
The project originated in Italy in the mid‑2000s as a collaborative effort among public‑sector organizations seeking a customizable CMDB solution. Initial releases were made publicly available under an open‑source license, and development has continued through contributions from a community of developers and commercial partners. Over time, the platform has evolved to include additional modules for asset management, process automation, and integration with third‑party tools.
Architecture and Features
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Core Engine | Provides the data model for storing CIs, their attributes, and relationships. |
| Workflow Engine | Implements business process automation using BPMN‑compatible definitions. |
| User Interface | Web‑based graphical interface built with standard web technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript). |
| Reporting | Integrated reporting capabilities through JasperReports or similar engines. |
| Extensibility | Supports custom data models, plug‑ins, and RESTful APIs for integration with other systems. |
| Security | Role‑based access control and authentication mechanisms, including LDAP integration. |
Applications
Organizations employ Cmdbuild for a variety of purposes, including:
- IT asset and configuration management.
- Service‑desk ticketing and incident management.
- Business process modeling and execution.
- Governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) data collection.
Licensing and Distribution
Cmdbuild is released under the Affero General Public License, which permits free use, modification, and redistribution provided that source code modifications are also made available to downstream users. The software can be obtained from public code repositories (e.g., GitHub) and is also offered by commercial vendors that provide professional support, hosting, and customization services.
Community and Support
A community of users and developers maintains mailing lists, forums, and documentation portals. Periodic releases are announced on the project's official website and include bug fixes, security patches, and feature enhancements. Commercial partners may offer additional support contracts and training programs.
References
- Official Cmdbuild website (https://www.cmdbuild.org) – provides documentation, download links, and release notes.
- Source code repository (e.g., GitHub) – contains the project's codebase under the AGPL license.
Note: The information presented reflects publicly available, verifiable sources as of the latest known release. No speculative or unverified claims are included.