An information model for metering and accounting

This paper proposes extensions to DMTF's CIM Metrics model and introduces a new CIM schema for representing metering and accounting information. Usage accounting is an essential component of a service provider's management infrastructure. It is needed for purposes such as resource provisioning, capacity planning, auditing, and for charging the customers. Though some efforts are on in this direction, currently there is no standard defined which allows metrics and usage accounting information to be specified in a way that is uniform across management applications. This paper attempts to achieve that by formalizing the concepts involved, through an information model that is independent of the actual metrics used. The proposed information model enriches the CIM Metrics schema with the notions of composite metrics and monitoring records. Further, new classes have been defined to formalize the representation of metering and accounting information. We also describe some applications of the proposed information model.