SC Operations Manager 2007 - Deploying the Windows Server Base OS Management Pack

By the time we arrive at the point of installing the Management Packs in SC OM2k7 we are beginning to configure settings that will 'harvest' vast amounts of worthwhile information about our computing environment.  Management Packs are the defined Rules, Performance Values, Knowledge Base Data, Monitors, Attributes and Objects that work on our behalf through the Agent.  Our first step in deploying a Management Pack is to import the Management Pack into the SC OM2k7 Management Console.



In this example you can see many of the Management Packs already imported.  A 'Signed' Management Pack comes from Microsoft or an OEM Vendor who uses a Code Signing Certificate to 'Seal' the Management Pack.  The Windows Base Server OS Managment Pack is a Sealed Management Pack directly from Microsoft Corporation.



The SC OM2k7 CD/DVD Media contains a folder with numerous Management Packs available at time of Release to Manufacturing (RTM).  The Online Management Pack Catalog holds MPs made available Post-RTM and by 3rd Party Vendors.  I have selected the files associated with the Windows Server Base OS Management Pack.  The Windows Server Base OS Management Pack Deployment Guide detailed for me the specific .mp (Sealed Management Pack) files required.

The 'Import Managment Packs' interface indicates the Version Number of the Management Pack.  Additionally, had I previously imported the same MP the interface would indicate as such.

Success in importing this Management Pack.  Now the coolness begins behind the scenes.  The Management Pack is deployed through the Agent to all Servers/Workstations meeting basic criteria.  In this example it would be to all Windows Servers (Win2k, Win2k3) with an Agent Installed (deployed).  We can use the granular capability called 'Overiding' to exclude/include specific Servers to which this MP should be deployed.  This is one of those MPs that 'all Windows Servers with an Agent' should have in my opinion.  It is the basis for Aggregate Rollup of a number of data points into the SC OM2k7 Data Warehouse.



Moving back to the SC OM2k7 Management Console I see a new object for the 'Microsoft Windows Server' Management Pack just imported.  'Views' are the basis of interpreting the data and offer various 'viewing angles' to see the data compiled as collected through the Agent.  We can add additional views to our custom created Management Packs. 



I have now moved in the SC OM2k7 into the Authoring Space of the Management Console and selected 'Object Discoveries' to show some examples of the Discovered Objects that are part of the Windows Server Base OS Management Pack.  Management Packs may offer a mechanism (many do) to 'Discover' Servers/Devices with a specific Servers, Function, Role or Capability installed.  Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) is used heavily by Microsoft Management Packs for example.  WMI queries allow the Agent to correctly derive granular information about a Server or Workstation that is then consumed by the Discovery Object.



Here I 'ReScope' to view the specific Management Pack object of interest. 



The 'Re-Scoped Target' of interest is the 'Windows Server 2003 Physical Disk' Object. 



I am now setting an 'Override' for a specific Object Type.  This provides the ability to specific 'for these Servers be sure to Discover the Windows Server 2003 Physical Disk Attributes'.  Summary - I should Discover the Physical Disk Attributes on the Win2k3 Servers specified.

Lynn Lunik
Independent Security Consultant
Windows(R) Platform
IT Pro Secure Corporation
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exchangesummit.net
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