8Introduction
• The CIM data model abstracts and describes all elements in a network
environment. The CIM schema provides the actual data model
descriptions and arranges the network into a series of managed objects,
alli nterrelated and broadly classified.
• The CIM schema is defined by the Managed Object Format (MOF) file,
which provides a standardized model for describing management
information between clients in a management system. The MOF file is not
bound to a particular implementation, and it allows the interchange of
management information between many different management systems
and clients.
WMI OverviewWMI is Microsoft's implementation of CIM instrumentation. WMI supports
CIM and Microsoft-specific CIM extensions. The WMI management
infrastructure also includes the CIM Object Manager (CIMOM), which is
the interface and manipulation point for CIM objects and information.
It acts as a facilitator in gathering information and manipulating object
properties. OMCI provides data to WMI, which is the common interface
to WMI management applications. For more information, see"Windows
Management Instrumentation."
Data Sources Used by OMCIOMCI contains the underlying driver set that collects system information from a
number of different sources on the client system, including the BIOS, CMOS,
System Management BIOS (SMBIOS), System Management Interface (SMI),
operating system, Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), Dynamic Link
Libraries (DLLs), and registry settings. OMCI exposes that information through
the CIMOM interface of the WMI stack and enables IT administrators to
remotely collect asset information, modify CMOS settings, receive proactive
notification of potential fault conditions, and be alerted to potential security
breaches.