Method and system for creating management information base specifications

A computer-implemented system for creating management information specifications in a schema by a user, the system comprising:

• a processor;
• means for defining a first file using a metaschema, wherein the metaschema is represented in a schema definition format;
• means for defining a second file corresponding to the first file, wherein the second file comprises directives for depicting a plurality of elements of the metaschema, and wherein the plurality of elements define a dynamic form;
• means for displaying the dynamic form for obtaining user input, the dynamic form having a plurality of fields corresponding to the plurality of elements of the metaschema to specify management information specifications, the management information specifications being stored in a document corresponding to the metaschema, wherein the management information specifications are Management Information Base (MIB) specifications;
• means for guiding the user in filling out the plurality of fields such that the management information specifications are syntactically and semantically correct;
• means for prompting the user to fill the plurality of fields with required information associated with the management information specifications, wherein the prompting the user to fill the plurality of fields further comprises:
• allowing the user to add a MIB object definition;
• and providing an option to the user to enter comments corresponding to the MIB object definition;
• means for guiding the user in filling out the plurality of fields such that the management information specifications are syntactically and semantically correct;
• means for converting the document into a metaschema document, the metaschema document representing a schema, the schema comprising the management information specifications;
• and
• means for compiling the management information specifications.

A system for creating management information specifications in a schema by a user, the system comprising:

• a processor;
• a first defining module for defining a first file using a metaschema, wherein the metaschema is represented in a schema definition format;
• a second defining module, the second defining module defining a second file corresponding to the first file, wherein the second file comprises directives for depicting a plurality of elements of the metaschema;
• a view module for viewing the management information specifications in the metaschema format, wherein the management information specifications are Management Information Base (MIB) specifications;
• a dynamic form for obtaining user input, wherein the plurality of elements define a dynamic form, the dynamic form having a plurality of fields comprised in the dynamic form corresponding to the plurality of elements of the metaschema to specify management information specifications, the management information specifications being stored as a document corresponding to the metaschema, wherein the dynamic form guides the user in filling out the plurality of fields such that the management information specifications are syntactically and semantically correct, and wherein the dynamic form further prompts the user to fill the plurality of fields with required information associated with the management information specifications;
• and
• a first converting module for converting the document into a metaschema document, the metaschema document representing a schema, the schema comprising the management information specifications, wherein the management information specifications are then compiled.

A computer-readable storage medium that stores instructions executable by the processor for creating management information specifications in a metaschema format, the computer-readable storage medium comprising:

• one or more instructions for defining a first file using a metaschema, wherein the metaschema is represented in a schema definition format,
• one or more instructions for defining a second file corresponding to the first, wherein the second file comprises directives for depicting a plurality of elements of the metaschema, and wherein the plurality of elements define a dynamic form;
• one or more instructions for displaying the dynamic form for obtaining user input, the dynamic form having a plurality of fields corresponding to the plurality of elements of the metaschema to specify management information specifications, the management information specifications being stored as a document corresponding to the metaschema;
• one or more instructions for guiding the user in filling out the plurality of fields such that the management information specifications are syntactically and semantically correct;
• one or more instructions for prompting the user to fill the plurality of fields with required information associated with the management information specifications;
• one or more instructions for converting the document into a metaschema document, the metaschema document representing a schema, the schema comprising the management information specifications;
• one or more instructions for compiling the management information specifications;
• and
• one or more instructions for providing a checklist to the user so that the user can observe and validate the management information specifications.

An apparatus for creating Management Information Base (MIB) specifications in a metaschema format, the apparatus comprising:

• a processing system including a processor coupled to a display and user input device;
• a computer-readable storage device including instructions for creating management information specifications executable by the processor, the computer-readable storage device comprising:
• one or more instructions for defining a first file using a metaschema, wherein the metaschema is represented in a schema definition format
• one or more instructions for defining a second XML file corresponding to the first file, wherein the second file comprises directives for depicting a plurality of elements of the metaschema, and wherein the plurality of elements define a dynamic form;
• one or more instructions for displaying the dynamic form for obtaining user input, the dynamic form having a plurality of fields corresponding to the plurality of elements of the metaschema to specify management information specifications, the management information specifications being stored as a document corresponding to the metaschema;
• one or more instructions for guiding the user in filling out the plurality of fields such that the management information specifications are syntactically and semantically correct;
• one or more instructions for prompting the user to fill the plurality of fields with required information associated with the management information specifications;
• one or more instructions for converting the document into a metaschema document, the metaschema document representing a schema, the schema comprising the management information specifications;
• one or more instructions for compiling the management information specifications;
• and
• one or more instructions for providing a checklist to the user so that the user can observe and validate the management information specifications.