Definition
A Change Advisory Board, or CAB, is a group of stakeholders responsible for reviewing and approving proposed changes to IT systems and services. This board typically includes representatives from IT operations, development, security, and business units. The CAB evaluates the potential impact, risks, and benefits of each change before it is implemented, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and minimizing disruption. Its primary function is to provide a structured process for managing changes, thereby enhancing system stability and reducing the likelihood of incidents. For instance, a CAB might review a plan to upgrade a critical database server, assessing downtime windows and rollback procedures. Unlike a simple request for change, the CAB involves a formal assessment and approval mechanism. Knowledge of CABs is often tested in project management certifications like PMP and CAPM.