If I use VMware studio to deploy a virtual appliance, the appliance will be configured with a CIM provider:
https://www.vmware.com/support/developer/studio/studio21/va_user.pdf
What does that give me that I wouldn't have without a CIM provider? We have some appliances that report all the information about their IP address, tools status, hardware version and alot of other information and some that don't provide as much information. Does the CIM provider expose more information about the virtual appliance hardware, tools etc to vCenter than would be available otherwise? What exactly does CIM give me?
Thanks!