Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) is the Microsoft implementation of Web-Based Enterprise Management (WBEM), which is an industry initiative to develop a standard technology for accessing management information in an enterprise environment. WMI uses the Common Information Model (CIM) industry standard to represent systems, applications, networks, devices, and other managed components. CIM is developed and maintained by the Distributed Management Task Force (DMTF).
Note
The next-generation of WMI, known as the Windows Management Infrastructure (MI), is currently available. MI is fully compatible with previous versions of WMI, and provides a host of features and benefits that make designing and developing providers and clients easier than ever. For example, many newer providers are written using the MI framework, but can be accessed using WMI scripts and applications. For more information about the differences between the two technologies, see Why Use MI?
Managing Remote Computer Systems with WMI
The ability to obtain management data from remote computers is what makes WMI useful. Remote WMI connections are made through DCOM. An alternative is to use Windows Remote Management (WinRM), which obtains remote WMI management data using the WS-Management SOAP-based protocol.
Programming with WMI
Management applications or scripts can get data or perform operations through WMI in a variety of languages. For more information, see the Developer Audience section at Windows Management Instrumentation.
A management application communicates with WMI by using a variety of interfaces, such as Visual Basic, C++, ODBC, and ActiveX. All the WMI interfaces are based on the Component Object Model (COM).
A format that enables you to create human-readable code, which the operating system can translate into a set of CIM classes. You can use the new classes to model and control new technologies for an enterprise.
WMI uses standard Windows security objects and procedures to control and protect access to securable objects like WMI namespaces, printers, services, and DCOM applications.
WMI IP Route Provider and network classes supply data for IPv4 addresses. Starting with Windows Vista, WMI also provides limited support for IPv6 network capabilities.
When accessing WMI local or remote data in an application or script, you may receive errors ranging from missing classes to access denied. Providers also have debugging options and troubleshooting classes available.
WMI provides a uniform interface for any local or remote applications or scripts that obtain management data from a computer system, a network, or an enterprise.
In the WMI infrastructure, the WMI service (Winmgmt) is the operating system component that acts as the mediator between management applications and WMI data providers. The WMI repository is a storage area for WMI-related static data.
This learning path covers Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) and Common Information Model (CIM). These technologies help to access information about a computer. Additionally, both technologies provide local and remote access to management information from the operating system, computer hardware, and installed software.
Plan and execute an endpoint deployment strategy, using essential elements of modern management, co-management approaches, and Microsoft Intune integration.