DMTF Frequently Asked Questions

In this section we try to answer some of the frequently asked questions about the organization. The questions are provided to make your search easier and the answers are cross referenced with other information available throughout our website. Click on a question below to go directly to the answer or scroll through the list of questions and answers below.

What is DMTF?

Founded in 1992, DMTF (formerly known as the Distributed Management Task Force) is an industry standards organization working to simplify the manageability of network- accessible technologies through open and collaborative efforts by leading technology companies. DMTF creates open manageability standards spanning diverse emerging and traditional IT infrastructures including cloud, virtualization, network, servers and storage.

Why are DMTF standards important to the industry?

DMTF enables a more integrated and cost-effective approach to management through interoperable solutions. It has the support, tools and infrastructure for efficient development and collaboration. Its well-established IP policies, as well as a streamlined approval process for specifications, minimize time to market and promote early adoption.

What are DMTF standards?

DMTF standards provide common management infrastructure components for instrumentation, control and communication in a platform-independent and technology neutral way. A complete list of DMTF standards is available here.

Who are DMTF's members?

DMTF has a global presence with members in multiple countries. The DMTF board of directors is led by innovative, industry-leading companies, including: Broadcom Inc.; Cisco; Dell Technologies; Hewlett Packard Enterprise; Intel Corporation; Lenovo; NetApp; Positivo Tecnologia S.A.; and Verizon. Membership is available at the Board, Leadership and Participation levels. A complete list of DMTF members is available here. For membership information please go to the Join section of the website.

What is the organizational structure of DMTF?

Collaborating closely with its members, DMTF is led by its board of directors, which is responsible for establishing direction and strategy for the organization and the standards it delivers; an Executive Committee, which oversees the day-to-day operations of the organization; a Technical Committee, which oversees the Forums and working groups that develop DMTF's standards and open source projects; an Alliance Task Force, which formalizes collaborative relationships with other standards groups and members of academic institutions and universities; and a Marketing Task Force, which directs DMTF's overall industry marketing and communications efforts. This organizational structure provides the support, tools and infrastructure for efficient development and collaboration.

Why submit technology to DMTF?

With its well-established IP policies and a streamlined approval process that minimizes time to market and promotes early adoption, DMTF welcomes technology submissions. DMTF has process alignment across all aspects of the organization, increasing efficiencies and overall agility – process overhead is now the lowest of any recognized standards body, second to none. Nationally and internationally recognized by ANSI and ISO, DMTF standards enable a more integrated and cost-effective approach to management through interoperable solutions. Simultaneous development of Open Source and Open Standards is made possible by DMTF, which has the support, tools, and infrastructure for efficient development and collaboration. In addition, DMTF has the administrative support and other resources necessary to operate and promote new standards.

Does DMTF work with other standards bodies?

DMTF works closely with other industry standards bodies, many of which have established Alliance Partner relationships with DMTF, in the development of DMTF standards. This work spans the entire spectrum of DMTF standards. Open Source development and contributing techniques supported by DMTF policies and infrastructure allow simultaneous development of standards and code. In addition, DMTF standards are nationally and internationally recognized by ANSI and ISO, and the organization has an established relationship and submission process with both bodies. Alliance partners benefit from reduced development time and greater interoperability, thereby creating larger markets for product-based systems and solutions that incorporate standards-based interfaces and technologies.

Why should my company join DMTF?

DMTF is the ideal forum for industry-leading companies to come together in a collegial and established environment to collaborate on relevant interoperable management standards. By joining DMTF, companies gain a valuable return on investment through:

  • Early access and insights into the creation of DMTF specifications, underlying technologies, the architecture and those forging it.
  • The opportunity to impact the industry by participating in the process of defining standards and programs.
  • Reduced development, design and start-up costs with access to DMTF’s collaborative development tools, experts and broad knowledge base.
  • Increased visibility through DMTF’s industry-wide marketing efforts and initiatives.

Where can I learn more about DMTF Working Groups and Committees?

You can visit the Working Groups and Committees page for more information.

Where can I get more information about DMTF and its standards, including whitepapers and overview documents?

DMTF offers a full library of educational resources in our Education section. For all of the documentation related to a specific DMTF technology - including technical specifications, white papers, and more - please visit DMTF's Standards and Technology pages.

How do I join DMTF?

The work of DMTF is funded through membership dues that are among the most cost effective in the industry. For more information on joining DMTF, please go to the Join section of the website.