Abstract: A processor-executed access manager with an identity management framework receives a first query from a user of a client device connected to a network for a system. The query seeks information as to identity types supported by the system. The access manager responds to the first query with a list of supported identity types. The supported identity types include at least a hardware device, a role, and a user. The list is retrieved from a global configuration data structure in a global data store. The access manager receives a second query from the user for identities of the hardware devices associated with one of the supported identity types. And the access manager responds to the second query with the identity of a specific hardware device, if the user is permitted to access the specific hardware device according to permissions obtained through the global configuration data structure.

Abstract: A method for system management of configuration data used by server or groups of servers. In one embodiment, the present invention is comprised of providing information relative to components of the system being managed. A common language is utilized to express the information. An interface is provided to enable inputting of said information. The interface also enables management of the inputted information. In one embodiment, the information is validated during inputting. The validation of inputted information ensures that the information inputted is compliant with a schema of the information. In one embodiment, the information is comprised of defined tasks that are performed by the components of the system. The information is further comprised of specified configurations relative to the defined tasks. The information further comprises a declared schema for representing the information.

Abstract: A method for system management of configuration data used by server or groups of servers. In one embodiment, the present invention is comprised of providing information relative to components of the system being managed. A common language is utilized to express the information. An interface is provided to enable inputting of said information. The interface also enables management of the inputted information. In one embodiment, the information is validated during inputting. The validation of inputted information ensures that the information inputted is compliant with a schema of the information. In one embodiment, the information is comprised of defined tasks that are performed by the components of the system. The information is further comprised of specified configurations relative to the defined tasks. The information further comprises a declared schema for representing the information.