WBEM is an industry-wide initiative that includes standards for web-based management of systems, networks, and devices on multiple platforms. This standardization enables system administrators to manage desktops, devices, and networks.
At this time, WBEM is designed to be compatible with the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP).
WBEM encompasses the following standards:
Common Information Model (CIM) – Information model for describing managed resources.
Managed Object Format (MOF) – Language for defining CIM classes and instances.
eXtensible Markup Language (XML) – Markup language for describing managed resources on the web.
The Distributed Management Task Force (DMTF), a group that represents corporations in the computer and telecommunications industries, is leading the effort to develop management standards. The goal of the DMTF is to develop an integrated approach to managing networks across platforms and protocols, and consequently promote cost-effective products that interoperate as flawlessly as possible.