scope:

This Recommendation|International Standard defines the metric objects and attributes function. The metric objects and attributes function is a systems management function which may be used by an application process in a centralised or decentralised management environment to interact for the purpose of systems management, as defined by CCITT Rec. X.700|ISO/IEC 7498-4. This Recommendation|International Standard defines a function which consists of generic definitions. This function is positioned in the application layer of the OSI reference model, CCITT Rex. X.200|ISO 7498, and is defined according to the model provided by ISO 9545. The role of systems management functions is described by CCITT Rec. X.701|ISO/IEC 10040.

This Recommendation|International Standard

- identifies the set of requirements satisfied by the function;

- provides a model for the behaviour of general metric objects;

- provides a model for the behaviour of the metric objects defined in this Recommendation|International Standard;

- specifies the management requirements of the function and how these are realised by specification of managed objects and their behaviour;

- specifies the abstract syntax of the parameters of the MAPDUs that will be used to refer to managed objects and their attributes; and

- defines managed objects.

This Recommendation|International Standard

- does not define the nature of any implementation of this Recommendation|International Standard;

- does not specify the manner in which management is to be accomplished by the user of this Recommendation|International Standard;

- does not define the nature of any interactions which result in the use of this Recommendation|International Standard; 

- does not specify the services necessary for the establishment, normal and abnormal release of a management association;

- does not define the interactions which result by the simultaneous use of several management functions; and

- does not define connection establishment or authorization requirements for the use of these functions or for any associated activity