The Configuration database is an object-oriented database. The Object Data Manager (ODM) provides facilities for accessing and manipulating it through object classes.
There are actually two databases used in the configuration process:
"ODM Device Configuration Object Classes" in AIX Technical Reference: Kernel and Subsystems Volume 1 provides access to the object classes that make up the Predefined and Customized databases.
Devices must be defined in the database for the system to make use of them. For a device to be in the Defined state, the Configuration database must contain a complete description of it. This information includes items such as the device driver name, the device major and minor numbers, the device method names, the device attributes, connection information, and location information.
Device Configuration Manager Overview.
Basic Device Configuration Procedures Overview.