Providers can retrieve data from the following sources:
Non-persistent data – Variables that are local to the provider class that exist only when the provider's methods are run.
Persistent memory that is local to the provider – Used by creating global variables in the provider class. This provider memory is erased when the CIMOM is stopped and restarted.
CIM Object Manager Repository – This persistent memory is erased when Solaris WBEM Services software is uninstalled. The provider must use CIMOM handles and an internal provider to access this memory through the CIMOM.
Files and databases maintained by the provider, or dynamic data – Providers can generate data dynamically by retrieving data from a system. For example, a provider can make a system call to retrieve the number of processes currently running.