The Distributed Management Task Force on Thursday released version 2.0 of its Systems Management Architecture for Server Hardware Initiative, which helps provide a consistent method for automated management of computer servers from multiple vendors. Version 1.0 of SMASH offered specifications for managing servers using a standardized command line. The latest version adds support for programmatic interfaces, Web services, and security protocols.
Used in conjunction with other DMTF technologies, such as Web Services for Management and Common Information Model, SMASH 2.0 offers software and hardware vendors a method for consistent, intuitive, and automated management services independent of machine state, operating system state, system design or access method. The new standards work across virtual and redundant servers, blades and racks, and telecommunications and high-end servers.
