reserved properties in bigfix

3 min read 25-01-2025

Meta Description: Unlock the power of BigFix reserved properties! This comprehensive guide explores their functions, usage, and best practices. Learn how to leverage these crucial attributes for efficient endpoint management and streamlined workflows. Master BigFix reserved properties today for optimized system control and reporting.

BigFix, now IBM Endpoint Manager, offers a robust system for managing endpoints. A key element of this system is the use of reserved properties. These predefined properties provide crucial information about your endpoints and play a vital role in creating effective BigFix actions and reporting. Understanding and utilizing these properties effectively is essential for maximizing the platform's capabilities. This article will delve into the world of BigFix reserved properties, explaining their functionality and providing practical examples.

What are BigFix Reserved Properties?

BigFix reserved properties are predefined attributes that automatically populate with information about the managed endpoint. Unlike custom properties, which you define, reserved properties are inherent to the BigFix system. They offer consistent data across all managed machines, simplifying reporting and automation. These properties provide a standardized way to access critical system details.

These properties are crucial for targeting specific machines, creating effective fixes, and generating insightful reports. By understanding which properties are available and how they are used, you can significantly improve the efficiency and accuracy of your BigFix deployments.

Key Reserved Properties and Their Uses

BigFix boasts a vast array of reserved properties. Let's explore some of the most commonly used:

`_ID`

This unique identifier is assigned to each endpoint within BigFix. It's the primary key for identifying and targeting specific machines. Think of it as the social security number of your endpoint within the BigFix ecosystem. It's essential for precise targeting in actions and reporting.

`Operating System`

This property indicates the operating system of the managed endpoint (e.g., Windows 10, macOS Monterey, Linux CentOS 7). It's fundamental for creating operating system-specific actions and reporting. This is crucial for tailoring fixes to specific operating systems.

`Computer Name`

This returns the computer's name as defined within its operating system. It allows easy identification of endpoints based on their network name. This property is useful for simple identification and reporting.

`BIOS Serial Number`

This property provides the unique serial number of the endpoint's BIOS. This is a great way to uniquely identify hardware independent of operating system reinstalls.

`IP Address`

This property provides the IP address of the managed endpoint. It allows for convenient targeting based on network location.

`Last Contact Time`

This indicates the last time the endpoint successfully communicated with the BigFix server. It's invaluable for monitoring endpoint health and identifying potential connectivity issues.

`Client Version`

This property indicates the version of the BigFix client installed on the endpoint. It's important for tracking deployments and ensuring consistent client versions across the network.

Advanced Usage: Leveraging Reserved Properties in Actions and Reports

Reserved properties are not merely informational; they are instrumental in creating effective BigFix actions. You can use them within Relevance statements to target specific endpoints.

Example: Let's say you want to deploy a patch only to Windows 10 machines. Your relevance statement might look like this:

exists operating system of it whose (name contains "Windows 10")

This example uses the Operating System reserved property to target only Windows 10 machines. You can combine multiple properties for highly specific targeting. For instance, you could target only Windows 10 machines with a specific BIOS serial number for more granular control.

Similarly, reserved properties are crucial for creating meaningful reports. You can easily generate reports based on operating system, last contact time, or client version to gain insights into your endpoint management infrastructure.

Best Practices for Using Reserved Properties

Understand the available properties: Familiarize yourself with the full range of reserved properties to leverage their full potential. The BigFix documentation is an invaluable resource.
Use specific targeting: Combine reserved properties to create highly specific targeting for actions and reports. Avoid broad, generic targeting to prevent unintended consequences.
Regularly review reports: Use reports based on reserved properties to monitor endpoint health and identify potential issues.
Document your usage: Maintain clear documentation of how you use reserved properties in your actions and reports. This aids maintainability and troubleshooting.

Conclusion

BigFix reserved properties are fundamental to effective endpoint management. By understanding their functionality and best practices, you can significantly improve the precision, efficiency, and insights gained from your BigFix deployments. Mastering these properties is key to unlocking the full power of the BigFix platform. Remember to consult the official IBM Endpoint Manager documentation for the most up-to-date information on available reserved properties and their functionalities.