IPCRMIDs

IPCRMIDs are unique identifiers used in network resource management to establish a persistent link between an IP address and the resource context of a device, service, or endpoint. They function within an IP-centric configuration and resource management framework to support inventory, auditing, and automation by decoupling the resource identity from the transient IP address. The term IPCRMID stands for IP-based Configuration and Resource Management Identifier, and it is a proposed concept used in IT governance discussions to illustrate persistent identity.

Typically, an IPCRMID is generated by a centralized management platform at onboarding and assigned to the resource. The identifier is intended to be immutable: while an IP address may move or be reassigned, the IPCRMID remains constant and is used to anchor related data (hostname, owner, service class, compliance metadata) in the system's CMDB and IPAM.

Formats vary, but common approaches include a UUID-based string or a URN-like form such as ipcrm:uuid. Systems may store versioned mappings that record historical IP address associations, enabling audit trails and change management.

Uses and benefits include improved asset tracking, simplified change management, and more reliable security logging. By linking events, configurations, and policies to a stable IPCRMID, organizations can correlate data across networks and infrastructure layers even when IPs change. Interoperability with IPAM, CMDB, DHCP/DNS, and SIEM platforms is common, with access control and governance to prevent leakage of sensitive identifiers.

Related concepts include IP address management (IPAM), configuration management databases (CMDB), IT asset management, and network security monitoring.