CMDB Link Types

You can define the types of links that can be used to link CMDB items, specifying which CMDB item types may be linked, as well as the type of relationship the two items can have.

You can also set the impact relationship for the link type.

The link types you define between CMDB Item Types will be inherited by any sub types configured for a CMDB Item Type, and will display graphically on the CMDB Linking Diagram.

You can configure more than one link type between the same CMDB Types by using different link type categories. These include Peer to Peer, Parent-Child, Container-Component, and so on. For example, you can set up Peer to Peer link, and a Parent-Child link between two CMDB item types. Each link type must be associated with a particular link type category.

You can also restrict which item types can be linked. For example, you can allow Servers to be linked to Routers, but stop Routers from being linked to Keyboards. You can also set the impact relationship for the link type.

ASM Core provides the Link Types below by default. You cannot delete these link types. However, you can rename them or edit the details:

Specific link types are targeted at Cloud Provisioning scenarios and are meant to be used in the Integration Platform when importing resources from the VMware vCloud Director. The names of these links all have the same “(vCloud)” prefix.

Creating a Link Type

Before you start

You must have CMDB Setup enabled within your General Access security role in order to configure any CMDB administration settings. Depending on if or how your system is partitioned, ensure that you are working in the correct partition.

  1. Select the Menu button, then Admin, and then select System Administration. The System Administration window is displayed.

  2. In the Explorer pane expand CMDB.

  3. Select CMDB Link Types to open the window. A browse table of all existing link types appears. (You may like to adjust the column widths to see all of the columns.)

  4. Select the New icon .

  5. Specify the CMDB Link Type Details.

6. Repeat for each link type you wish to create.

7. Select the Save icon to save the changes and close the window. Provide the Change Reasons if prompted to do so.

Updating a Link Type

  1. Select the Menu button, then Admin, and then select System Administration. The System Administration window is displayed.

  2. In the Explorer pane expand CMDB.

  3. Select CMDB Link Types to display the window. A browse table of all existing link types appears. (You may like to adjust the column widths to see all of the columns.)

  4. Select the link type you want to edit.

  5. Update the CMDB Link Type Details as necessary. You may want to rename, assign a different line style, line color, or line size.

  6. Select the Save icon to save the changes and close the window. Provide the Change Reasons if prompted to do so.

You cannot delete the default entries: Service Bundle to Service Action, Service Bundle to Service Action (optional), and Service to Service Action.

  1. Select the Menu button, then Admin, and then select System Administration. The System Administration window is displayed.

  2. In the Explorer pane expand CMDB.

  3. Select CMDB Link Types to display the window. A browse table of all existing link types appears. (You may like to adjust the column widths to see all of the columns.)

  4. Select the link type entry you want to delete.

  5. Select the Delete icon. Select to save the changes. Provide the Change Reasons if prompted to do so.

  1. Select the Menu button, then Admin, and then select System Administration. The System Administration window is displayed.

  2. In the Explorer pane expand CMDB.

  3. Select CMDB Link Types to display the window. A browse table of all existing link types appears. (You may like to adjust the column widths to see all of the columns.)

  4. Select Show Deleted to display the deleted link types as well as the active ones.

  5. Select the deleted entry you want to restore.

  6. Select the Unfdelete icon . Deselect the Show Deleted checkbox to see the link type in the active list.