A system, method and computer program product for storing configuration data for use in configuring a device while a program utilizing the configuration data is undergoing a revision at the device. The method includes a first step of providing a data structure indicating a manner in which configuration data is to be stored, and storing the data structure and current configuration data according to the data structure. Then, a revised software program in the device may identify the data structure and access a particular configuration data, along with its format; and, apply a conversion function that translates the stored current configuration data to a format compatible for use by the revised software. This is accomplished in a manner such that no configuration data is corrupted. The data structure includes data self describing the stored current configuration data, such that a conversion function can easily access the self describing information and render the stored configuration data platform independent.