This Recommendation describes the management interface specification methodology (MISM). It describes the process to derive machine-machine interface specifications based on user requirements, analysis and design (RAD). Guidelines are given on RAD using unified modelling language (UML) notation; however, other interface specification techniques are not precluded. The guidelines for using UML are described in this Recommendation. An interface specification addresses management service(s) defined in [ITU-T M.3200] and/or supporting the management processes defined in [ITU-T M.3050.x] series. Such a specification may support part of or one or more management services. The management services comprise of management functions. These functions may reference those defined in [ITU-T M.3400] or the processes defined in [ITU-T M.3050.x] series, specialized to suit a specific managed area, or new functions may be identified as appropriate.

The methodology is applicable to both the traditional manager/agent style of management interfaces [ITU-T M.3010] and the service oriented architecture (SOA) principles adopted for the management architecture of next generation networks [ITU-T M.3060].