26 Intel Server Board S845WD1-E Product Guide
System Management BIOS (SMBIOS)
SMBIOS is a Server Management Interface (DMI) compliant method for managing computers in a
managed network.
The main component of SMBIOS is the Management Information Format (MIF) database, which
contains information about the computing system and its components. Using SMBIOS, a system
administrator can obtain the system types, capabilities, operational status, and installation dates for
system components. The MIF database defines the data and provides the method for accessing this
information. The BIOS enables applications such as third-party management software to use
SMBIOS.
The BIOS stores and reports the following SMBIOS information:
• BIOS data, such as the BIOS revision level
• Fixed-system data, such as peripherals, serial numbers, and asset tags
• Resource data, such as memory size, cache size, and processor speed
• Dynamic data, such as event detection and error logging
Non-Plug and Play operating systems, such as Windows NT
†
, require an additional interface for
obtaining the SMBIOS information. The BIOS supports an SMBIOS table interface for such
operating systems. Using this support, an SMBIOS service-level application running on a
non-Plug and Play operating system can obtain the SMBIOS information.