common information model (NM) (CIM)

The Common Information Model (CIM) is an object-oriented specification originally developed by the Desktop Management Taskforce( DMTF) that defined the data formats that can be exchanged between management tools and the objects to be managed. CIM is divided into the core model and the general model. The core model targets high- level concepts, systems and devices.

In contrast, the general model describes specific problems related to the computer system, network, or user. Therefore, CIM describes both the management data and the relationship of the data to the network, computer system, network component, application, software, user, and device. CIM is applied in the context of Directory Enabled Networks( DEN) and defined by the Unified Modeling Language( UML).

Common Information Model is a management definition that combines Common Management Information Protocol( CMIP), Common Object Request BrokerArchitecture( CORBA), Component Object Model( COM), Desktop Management Interface ( DMI), High Level Entity Management System ( HEMS), Java, SNMP, or any other proprietary protocol. Functionally, CIM translates any protocol type. Another component of the CIM model is Extensible Markup Language(XML), which is used to exchange CIM information.