Mmc Overview

[pic]®

[pic]Windows NT® Server
Server Operating System

Microsoft Management Console: Overview


White Paper

Abstract

Microsoft® Management Console (MMC) is an ISV-extensible, common console framework for management applications. MMC does not provide any management functionality, but instead provides a common environment for Snap-Ins. Snap-Ins are managementcomponents integrated into a common host—and this host is MMC. Each Snap-In provides one unit of management behavior, and multiple Snap-Ins can be combined to build a custom management tool. Snap-Ins allow a system administrator to extend and customize the console to meet specific management objectives.

MMC is a core part of Microsoft’s future management strategy and will be included in thenext major release of the Microsoft Windows NT® operating system. In addition, Microsoft development groups will use MMC for future management applications.

© 1997 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.
The information contained in this document represents the current view of Microsoft Corporation on the issues discussed as of thedate of publication. Because Microsoft must respond to changing market conditions, it should not be interpreted to be a commitment on the part of Microsoft, and Microsoft cannot guarantee the accuracy of any information presented after the date of publication.
This White Paper is for informational purposes only. MICROSOFT MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, IN THISDOCUMENT.
Microsoft, BackOffice, the BackOffice logo, Windows, and Windows NT are registered trademarks and ActiveX, NetShow, and Visual InterDev are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
Other product or company names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.Microsoft Corporation • One Microsoft Way • Redmond, WA 98052-6399 • USA
0797



Contents

INTRODUCTION 1
Why is Microsoft Developing MMC? 1
What is MMC? 1
Do Non-MMC Tools Work with MMC? 3

The MMC User Interface 4

How MMC Works 7
MMC Architecture 7
Snap-Ins 9
Tools Are Created from Snap-Ins 9
Obtaining Snap-Ins 10
Types ofSnap-Ins 10
Stand-Alone Snap-In 10
Extension Snap-In 10
Dual Mode Snap-In 11
Console Extensibility Mechanisms 11

Why Should Customers and ISVs Use MMC? 13
Customers 13
ISVs 13
Should I Develop My Administrative Tools for MMC Now? 14

Comparing MMC to Other Tools and Platforms 15
How MMC Can Work with Enterprise Console Products 15
Scenario 1: Enterprise Console Launches MMC 15Scenario 2: MMC Offers Views into an Enterprise Console 15
How MMC Can Work with Java, Microsoft Internet Explorer, and ActiveX 16
How MMC Can Work with Control Panel Applications 16
How MMC Can Work with Shell Extensions 16
Why is MMC not Simply Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0? 17
For More Information 17

Glossary 18

Introduction


Microsoft® Management Console (MMC) is anISV-extensible, common console framework for management applications. MMC will be released as part of the next major release of the Microsoft Windows NT® operating system. When released, MMC will run on both the Windows NT (4.0 and later versions) and Windows® operating systems (current and future versions).
MMC itself does not supply any management behavior, but instead provides a common environmentfor Snap-Ins, which will be written by both Microsoft and independent software vendors (ISVs). Snap-Ins define the actual management behavior. Snap-Ins are administrative components integrated into a common host (MMC). The MMC environment provides for seamless integration between Snap-Ins(even those provided by different vendors. (For further details on Snap-Ins see the section on “How MMC...