How is Application Dependency Mapping (ADM) conducted during Exploration?

Application Dependency Mapping (ADM) is a critical process in understanding how different applications within an organization interact with each other and the underlying infrastructure. During the Exploration phase, ADM is primarily conducted by classifying applications based on the running processes. This approach allows for a comprehensive view of the dependencies among applications, making it possible to identify which processes are tied to which applications, and consequently, how they interact.

Classifying applications based on running processes provides insights into their operation in real-time. It captures the dynamic relationships and dependencies that static methods like analyzing installation files or user accounts might miss. This real-time mapping is particularly valuable for identifying critical application relationships and potential points of failure in the infrastructure. It allows organizations to optimize resource allocation, improve performance, and enhance overall application management.

In contrast, other methods like analyzing network traffic can provide valuable information about communication patterns but may not adequately capture the nuanced dependencies between applications and the processes they run. Similarly, connecting applications to user accounts or surveying installation files tend to focus more on ownership and deployment rather than the actual interactions and dependencies that occur during application execution. Thus, classifying applications based on running processes offers a more comprehensive and actionable insight into their interdependencies during the Exploration phase.