DCML
Encyclopedia
Data Center Markup Language (DCML) is an XML
-based markup language
which provides a means for describing data center environments such as dependencies between data center components and managerial policies governing those environments with an open, vendor-neutral language.
DCML can be used to, for example, link a server provisioning system with a server monitoring system so that when a new server is provisioned, it is also automatically monitored. The DCML document transmitted to the monitoring system in this instance would include information about the machine's IP address
and any special ports and services running on the machine that are to be monitored. The DCML document would also contain information about what application the server belongs to and whom to contact, as well as how to contact them, when it goes down. This information is imported into the system that is available to NOC
personnel for consultation when an alert occurs.
DCML is being developed by the Data Center Markup Language Interest Group in conjunction with OASIS
. In 2004 it was still in its early stages of development in draft form.
XML
Extensible Markup Language is a set of rules for encoding documents in machine-readable form. It is defined in the XML 1.0 Specification produced by the W3C, and several other related specifications, all gratis open standards....
-based markup language
Markup language
A markup language is a modern system for annotating a text in a way that is syntactically distinguishable from that text. The idea and terminology evolved from the "marking up" of manuscripts, i.e. the revision instructions by editors, traditionally written with a blue pencil on authors' manuscripts...
which provides a means for describing data center environments such as dependencies between data center components and managerial policies governing those environments with an open, vendor-neutral language.
DCML can be used to, for example, link a server provisioning system with a server monitoring system so that when a new server is provisioned, it is also automatically monitored. The DCML document transmitted to the monitoring system in this instance would include information about the machine's IP address
IP address
An Internet Protocol address is a numerical label assigned to each device participating in a computer network that uses the Internet Protocol for communication. An IP address serves two principal functions: host or network interface identification and location addressing...
and any special ports and services running on the machine that are to be monitored. The DCML document would also contain information about what application the server belongs to and whom to contact, as well as how to contact them, when it goes down. This information is imported into the system that is available to NOC
Network Operations Center
A network operations center is one or more locations from which control is exercised over a computer, television broadcast, or telecommunications network....
personnel for consultation when an alert occurs.
DCML is being developed by the Data Center Markup Language Interest Group in conjunction with OASIS
OASIS (organization)
The Organization for the Advancement of Structured Information Standards is a global consortium that drives the development, convergence and adoption of e-business and web service standards...
. In 2004 it was still in its early stages of development in draft form.