The Distributed Management Task Force on Thursday released version 2.0 of its Systems Management Architecture for Server Hardware Initiative, which helps provide a consistent method for automated management of computer servers from multiple vendors.

Version 1.0 of SMASH offered specifications for managing servers using a standardized command line. The latest version adds support for programmatic interfaces, Web services, and security protocols.

Used in conjunction with other DMTF technologies, such as Web Services for Management and Common Information Model, SMASH 2.0 offers software and hardware vendors a method for consistent, intuitive, and automated management services independent of machine state, operating system state, system design or access method. The new standards work across virtual and redundant servers, blades and racks, and telecommunications and high-end servers.

"SMASH 2.0 enables administrators, software and hardware vendors to create and leverage vendor-independent, platform-neutral automated server management -- ultimately leading to reduced costs," DMTF President Winston Bumpus said in a statement.

For makers of server management software, the new set of standards eliminates the need to write vendor-specific code by providing common profiles that are consistent regardless of CPU architecture, chipset, or operating environments. For hardware vendors, SMASH makes it easier to integrate third-party software to leverage the growing ecosystem of available tools and open standards.

The DMTF's SMASH Implementation Requirements Specification, Version 2.0, is available for download. More information is available on the DMTF Web site.

Supporters of SMASH 2.0 include Dell, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Microsoft and other organizations. The DMTF has more than 4,000 active participants representing 44 countries and nearly 200 organizations.