DMTF’s Platform Management Communications Infrastructure (PMCI) Working Group recently published an overview presentation, which shares its goals and approach to a common and extensible format for the Field Replaceable Unit (FRU) Data Model Schema. This presentation, now available for download, is a Work in Progress (WIP) that lists a set of planned features while describing the benefits this new data model will provide.

With multiple industry standard consortiums (and related specifications) all seeking a method to provide device data to a consumer, there is a need for the industry to consolidate on a modern method. Recent innovation and OEM differentiation has added complexity and divergence thus forcing the need to standardize. 

This new FRU Data Model Schema will leverage modern data formats like JSON, which is easier to extend and consume, along with binary and text. The goals of the standard will eliminate existing limitations with the IPMI FRU format, such as 6-bit ASCII & 255-byte structure limits and help solve challenges with field updates when formats may need to change. Additionally, IPMI specifications are no longer maintained or updated, therefore the industry is needing a method to provide a common and extensible format. 

The PMCI Working Group, also develops the Management Component Transport Protocol (MCTP), Network Controller Sideband Interface (NC-SI), and Platform Level Data Model (PLDM) specifications that provide a comprehensive, common architecture for improved communication between management subsystem components.

Designed to be referenced by other standards organizations and developers, DMTF invites public comment on the FRU WIP before finalization. Feedback may be submitted on our website at https://www.dmtf.org/standards/feedback/. 

For more information about the PMCI Working Group and the platform management standards it defines, please visit https://www.dmtf.org/standards/pmci.