(DMI) A specification from the Desktop Management Task Force (DMTF) that establishes a standard framework for managing networked computers. DMI covers hardware and software, desktop systems and servers, and defines a model for filtering events and describing interfaces.

DMI provides a common path for technical support, IT managers, and individual users to access information about all aspects of a computer - including processor type, installation date, attached printers and other peripherals, power sources, and maintenance history. It provides a common format for describing products to aid vendors, systems integrators, and end users in enterprise desktop management.

DMI is not tied to any specific hardware, operating system, or management protocols. It is easy for vendors to adopt, mappable to existing management protocols such as Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP), and can be used on non-network computers.

DMI's four components are:

Management Information Format (MIF) - a text file containing information about the hardware and software on a computer. Manufacturers can create their own MIFs specific to a component.

Service layer - an OS add-on that connects the management interface and the component interface and allows management and component software to access MIF files. The service layer also includes a common interface called the local agent, which is used to manage individual components.

Component interface (CI) - an application program interface (API) that sends status information to the appropriate MIF file via the service layer. Commands include Get, Set, and Event.

Management interface (MI) - the management software's interface to the service layer. Commands are Get, Set, and List.

CI, MI, and service layer drivers are available on the Internet. Intel's LANDesk Client Manager (LDCM) is based on DMI.

Version: 2.0s (as of 2000-01-19).

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