Abstract: A framework for the development of applications which manage the power resources and power states of power-manageable computer systems and attached devices. In one embodiment, the power management framework comprises a plurality of Java.TM. programming interfaces (APIs) which are part of the Java.TM. Platform. Therefore, the same framework is configured to enable the same power-aware Java.TM. applications to execute on many different computing platforms, operating systems, and computer hardware. The programming interfaces comprise a system-level programming interface, a notification programming interface, an exception programming interface, and a device-level programming interface. The system-level programming interface permits Java.TM. applications to obtain a current system power state and, with the proper privilege, to influence the current system power state. The notification programming interface permits Java.TM.