Device types can be classified into the following three categories: computing, accessories, and networking, each of which can be further classified into detailed categories. The default device types are listed in the table below.

By precisely managing device types, you can retrieve the desired device information quickly from a device management job, and can also simplify contract and license management. Furthermore, if management history information is used for preventive maintenance, precise management of device types makes thorough security measure implementation possible.

You can use device type information to delete unnecessary types from the management targets or to add necessary types. For details about how to change the default types, see 4.8 Adding and changing types and statuses (Code) in the manual Administrator's Guide.

By associating information such as group names and location names with devices and managing such information, Asset Information Manager can efficiently manage devices. The following types of information can be associated with devices and managed:

• Group name, user, and location name
  You can manage the names of groups that use a device, the device users, and device locations. Group names, users, and location names can be used in all device management jobs, including stocktaking of devices and quick troubleshooting.
  Not only can you use window operations to register the group name, user, and location information, but you can also acquire this information from JP1/Software Distribution's user inventory information and directory information. Furthermore, you can automatically set the corresponding group and location names from IP addresses.
  
• Contract information
  You can use contract information to manage device maintenance as well as lease and rental contract details. By registering the contract information, you can manage it in association with the devices covered by the contract.
  
• Problems
  When an error occurs in a device, you can register the error details as problems and manage them. You can use this information to devise countermeasures against the same kind of problem, or use it in device purchasing or replacement jobs.
  You can also register JP1 events of JP1/IM and share the problems on the asset management system. For details about linkage to JP1/IM, see 2.2.1 Managing problems by linking to JP1/IM.
  
• Network information
  You can manage a network configuration by associating it with network information such as IP addresses, subnet masks, and default gateways.
  You can register network information by means of window operations. You can also acquire it from the node information of HP NNM Version 7.5 or earlier. For details about linking to HP NNM Version 7.5 or earlier, see 2.2.2 Linking to HP NNM Version 7.5 or earlier and managing the network configuration.
  
• Maps
  These are maps of network devices detected by HP NNM Version 7.5 or earlier. You can use these maps to view network device connections and network problems. Start the Network Presenter of HP NNM Version 7.5 or earlier to monitor for network problems.
  
• Related devices
  You can manage devices by establishing parent-child relationships among them. By searching for devices that are related and registering them as related devices, you can easily keep track of the devices that are related to the device of interest.
  

  Reference note

  When you use Asset Information Manager to manage devices, you can use the asset information managed by Asset Information Manager to manage security in JP1/CSC. For details about linking with JP1/CSC, see the manual Job Management Partner 1/Client Security Control Description, User's Guide, and Operator's Guide.