Configuration Manager Management Point Interface Architecture
Applies To: System Center Configuration Manager 2007, System Center Configuration Manager 2007 R2, System Center Configuration Manager 2007 R3, System Center Configuration Manager 2007 SP1, System Center Configuration Manager 2007 SP2
The management point interface, in Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager 2007, is a set of COM objects that facilitate the sending and receiving of client management data from clients to a Configuration Manager 2007 management point.
Client management data is sent as an XML message using the management point interface to the management point. Specifically, it is sent to a management point endpoint for the type of message being sent. For example, software inventory messages are sent to the MP_SinvEndpoint endpoint. Messages are created and sent by using the ISmsMessaging Interface interface. For more information, see About Configuration Manager Management Point Interface Messages.
The management point interfaces can be used in two different scenarios that affect the architecture of a deployment.
ISV Proxy Scenario
The ISV proxy scenario allows Configuration Manager 2007 to manage multiple clients through the use of a single proxy component. Typically, this scenario is used to manage clients that are not running Windows operating systems, such as Unix or hand-held device clients that are not running Windows CE. The ISV proxy processes proprietary management data that is received from clients, and forwards it, using the management point interfaces, to the management point. The ISV proxy also receives data that is sent back from the management point and, using the client's proprietary protocols, sends it to the client.
Typically, the ISV proxy resides on the management point. In this case, the communication between the management point interfaces is through DCOM. Placing the ISV proxy on a computer other than a management point is also supported. The clients can be at any location, and it is the responsibility of the ISV Proxy to manage client-to-ISV-Proxy communication. The management point interfaces do not provide any client-to-ISV-proxy communication support.
Warning
The security of communication between the ISV clients and the ISV proxy is the responsibility of the ISV software. For more information, see Configuration Manager Management Point Interface Security.
Single Client Scenario
The single client scenario is used to submit management data on behalf of a single Windows client only. It is used to provide additional functionality outside of that provided by the Configuration Manager client software. For example, it can be used to generate and send bespoke inventory and discovery client data. Alternatively, it can be used to modify management data before it is sent to the management point.
In this scenario, the management point interfaces reside on the client computer and communicate through them to the management point. Because the management point is at another computer, communication is through HTTPS.
Management Point Communication
The management point interfaces can be installed on the management point or on a remote computer. When installed remotely, communication takes place through HTTPS requests. When installed on the management point, communication takes place through DCOM.
Note
Although you can make calls by using HTTPS to the management point when it is on the same computer as the management point interfaces, this is not recommended for performance reasons. For more information, see ISmsMessaging::Invoke Method.
Depending on the message type, you set the communication method by using either ISmsMessaging::Invoke Method or ISmsMessaging::Post Method.
For more information about the message schema, see Configuration Manager Management Point Message Schema.
See Also
Concepts
Configuration Manager Management Point Interface
Configuration Manager Management Point Interface Workflow
Configuration Manager Management Point Interface Security