Using WMI for Retrieving Remote Information

The program uses WMI (Windows Management Instrumentation) technology for accessing remote computers and collecting inventory data.

Pros of working with WMI:

• Does not require configuring remote computers in the majority of cases (when a domain and the administrative rights are available).
• No need to install additional components on remote computers.
• Users with no administrative rights cannot prevent the gathering of information.
• The polling is invisible for network users.
• Actual information can be obtained at any moment on demand.

Cons:

• Requires the administrative rights on remote computers.
• May require the adjustment of security policies and firewalls on computers (see WMI troubleshooting).
• It is hard to poll computers that run rarely.

When computers cannot be accessed with WMI, the polling can be organized using a client (even from computers that are not connected to the network) and the agent service (when the administrative rights are unavailable).