What Are Java® Management Extensions?

Java® Management Extensions (JMX) technology is an addition to the widely used Java® programming language. The JMX code version 1.2 appeared in the Java 2 Platform, Standard Edition 5.0 version update. JMX tools let Java® developers work more efficiently with Java®-enabled devices, networks and Java® enterprise platforms. Java® developers and managers use JMX to install, configure and monitor Java® applications, services and error conditions.

Without any need to change existing program designs, JMX technology's integrated management components or objects improve the Java® application programming interface. Flexible options for creating and implementing new code to define Java® procedures is an important feature of Java® Management Extensions. Managers and developers can employ JMX's independent, scalable components on a variety of Java®-enabled devices and systems. Ease of integrating Java® Management Extensions with existing Java® applications and new technologies also benefits developers.

The architecture of Java® Management Extensions has three levels. The JMX technology combines tools and resources in each level based on function. Remote Management functions and procedures form the system's top level. Below this level are Java® agents, combined in the program core, the Managed Beans Server. Managed Beans (MBeans), or the Instrumentation level, is the bottom level for device and program codes.

MBeans are configurable Java® objects that developers use to customize interfaces that contain management processes and end-user options. The four types of MBeans each perform a different function in the configuration and management of a Java® interface. Within the MBeans structure, developers program the different classes to provide management notifications or user instructions or to communicate with other MBeans.

Java® agents constitute the core of the JMX system, the MBeans Server. Java® Management Extensions use these agents to execute developer and management functions. The agents must be present for the MBeans at the lower level to function. Running agents is similar to a procedure call in any operating system, so developers must define them properly for the JMX system to work properly.

Remote Management is an essential element of network management and for keeping Java® applications functioning properly. The top level of the JMX architecture addresses these needs by providing a system that developers use to monitor and change Java® applications while they are running. To perform these functions, the JMX Remote Management level uses special components, called connectors and adapters. They let the management application use common Java® protocols such as HTML to access JMX MBeans and JMX agents.