The next PA at Level 2 is Configuration Management (Same in CMM & CMMI). I guess this one is the most familiar one to all of you. Let us understand its essence.
The purpose of Configuration Management is to establish and maintain the integrity of the products of the software project throughout the project's software life cycle. These are ensured using identifying configuration products, controlling them, status accounting and configuration audits.
A software baseline library is established containing the software baselines as they are developed. Changes to baselines and the release of software products built from the software baseline library are systematically controlled via the change control and configuration auditing functions. Tools, as required are used for the same. Examples: Visual Source Safe (VSS), PVCS, Endevor etc.
The Goals at this level are :
1. Establish Baselines -Baselines of identified work products are established
2. Track and control changes - Changes to the work products are tracked and controlled
3. Establish Integrity - Integrity of baselines is established. Integrity here refers to correctness. These are ensured by maintaining proper records and doing audits.
Some of the activities performed at this level include : Preparation of CM Plan, following it and doing audits. All 3 goals mentioned above are addressed in the CM Plan.