Overview
ISO/IEC 10164-18:1997 - "Information technology - Open Systems Interconnection - Systems Management: Software management function" defines a systems-management model for managing software as part of the OSI systems-management framework. The standard specifies managed objects, attributes, actions, services and protocol procedures needed to support software lifecycle operations such as delivery, installation, execution, validation, backup and restore. It is a reference for consistent automation and interoperability of software management across heterogeneous systems.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Software management functional model: Defines high-level functions (Create, Delete, Deliver, Install, Execute program, Validate, Revert, Set administrative state, Terminate Validation) and supporting operations.
- Managed objects: Standard object types include Software Unit, Executable Software, and Software Distributor, with lifecycle states and relationships described.
- Attributes and metadata: Common attributes enumerated (examples found in the standard) include checksum, fileLocation, fileSize, dateDelivered, dateInstalled, appliedPatches, identityOfCreator, noteField, and backup/restore metadata.
- Actions and services: Canonical actions such as deliver, install, execute program, backup, restore, revert, and validate are defined along with service semantics (e.g., Backup Service, Deliver Service, Auto backup/restore reports, Deliver result notification).
- Notifications and parameters: Standard notification types (autoBackupReport, autoRestoreReport, deliverResultNotification) and service parameters (e.g., alarmEffectOnServiceParameter, softwareProcessingFailureParameter) to support automated monitoring and error handling.
- Protocol procedures and functional units: Describes procedure elements for each service (deliver, install, execute, backup/restore, revert, validation termination) enabling consistent implementation of management protocols.
- Conformance guidance: Includes management information model definitions, CMIS references, and guidelines for managed-object definitions and name bindings.
Applications and practical value
- Enables automated, interoperable software lifecycle management in distributed and multi-vendor environments.
- Supports design of network and systems management tools (software distribution, patch management, remote install/execute).
- Useful for building management information bases (MIBs) or management agents that expose software state and control operations.
- Supports backup/restore automation and auditability for enterprise and carrier-class systems.
Who would use this standard
- Systems integrators and network/system management product developers
- Vendors of software distribution, patching, and configuration management tools
- Architects implementing OSI-compliant management frameworks or MIBs
- IT operations teams seeking standardized software lifecycle automation across heterogeneous platforms
Related standards
- Part of the ISO/IEC 10164 series for OSI systems management. Implementers typically refer to other OSI systems-management parts and CMIS-related standards for full protocol and information-service context.
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