Simplify WMI

Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) is a key component of any Windows-based infrastructure. WMI helps companies prepare for disaster recovery, audit patch compliance, help with security management and also with general server inventory.

However using WMI can be challenging for many reasons. The WMI API is not simple; there are many WMI classes available and knowing how to call WMI can be challenging. In addition, calling WMI requires a development platform: PowerShell, .NET or other programming language. Last but not least, getting WMI data is only half the battle: you then need to store the information so that IT Managers can consume it.

So we created a new WMI Service that allows you to query your Windows infrastructure directly, using trivial SQL commands. No more WMI API; no more PowerShell development! With just a few configuration settings, you can now easily access virtually any WMI class.

List of patches on Windows Servers

For example, if you would like to retrieve all patches on your computers, run this command (as many computers as needed can be queried in parallel so that a single output is provided):

You can also query processors on all servers, operating systems, and just about any other query you can imagine.

It is really that simple. All you need is SQL Server Management Studio, and you are in business. You can also easily save the data on SQL Server tables for later reporting, or let the service cache the results for you (with automatic refresh) so you don't have to wait for lengthy operations.

Execute WMI Operations

Last but not least, the WMI service allows you to execute certain WMI operations. For example, to restart a Windows Service on a remove machine, run this command:

EXEC WMI.RestartSvc 'machinename', 'servicename'

For more information, or to try this service free for 30 days, please check http://www.enzounified.com/wmi

About Herve Roggero

Herve Roggero, Microsoft Azure MVP, @hroggero, is the founder of Enzo Unified (http://www.enzounified.com/). Herve's experience includes software development, architecture, database administration and senior management with both global corporations and startup companies. Herve holds multiple certifications, including an MCDBA, MCSE, MCSD. He also holds a Master's degree in Business Administration from Indiana University. Herve is the co-author of "PRO SQL Azure" and “PRO SQL Server 2012 Practices” from Apress, a PluralSight author, and runs the Azure Florida Association.