Configuration item

Configuration item (CI) is hardware, software, or composite item at any level in the system hierarchy designated for configuration management. (The system and each of its elements are individual CIs.) CIs have four common characteristics: 1. defined functionality 2. replaceable as an entity 3. Unique specification 4. formal control of form, fit, and function.

Definitions

According to the INCOSE Systems Engineering Handbook (4th edition),

Configuration item (CI). A hardware, software, or composite item at any level in the system hierarchy designated for configuration management. (The system and each of its elements are individual CIs.) CIs have four common characteristics: 1. defined functionality 2. replaceable as an entity 3. Unique specification 4. formal control of form, fit, and function.

According to the ITIL Foundation 4e by Axelos,

Configuration item (CI). Any component that needs to be managed in order to deliver an IT service.