Provider Data Sources

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.