HP WBEM Services Software Developer's Kit for HP-UX Provider and Client Developer's Guide A.01

Glossary
Appendix F148
The actual item in the system environment that is accessed by the
provider. For example, a Network Interface Card, an Operating System
kernel parameter, a system user, a print spooler.
Managed Object Format (MOF)
A compiled language for defining classes and instances. The MOF
compiler compiles .mof text files, adding the data to the CIM Object
Manager Repository. MOF eliminates the need to write code, thus
providing a simple and fast technique for modifying the CIM Object
Manager Repository. DMTF makes their schemas available as MOF files.
Management Application
An application or service that uses information or request operations
from one or more managed objects in a managed environment.
Management applications retrieve this information and request
operations through calls to the CIM Object Manager API from the CIM
Object Manager and from providers.
MOF File
A text file that contains definitions of classes and instances using the
Managed Object Format (MOF) language. Such files can be used to load
descriptions of schemas supported by providers (via the cimmof
command).
Multiple Operation
A CIM request that requires the invocation of more than one method.
namespace
A directory-like structure that can contain classes, instances, and other
namespaces. Objects are located within a namespace, and have unique
names (specified by one or more key values) within that namespace.
Objects in different namespaces can have the same keys, yet are unique
since they reside in separate namespaces. Access to a namespace can be
restricted to an authorized set of users.
Provider
An executable that can return/set information, execute methods,
generate indications, or respond to other requests regarding a given
managed object.
Provider Data Sheet (PDS)