This is Part 1 in a multi-part series explained here: https://kevinholman.com/2016/06/04/authoring-management-packs-the-fast-and-easy-way-using-visual-studio/
Step 1: Install a supported version of Visual Studio.
Step 2: Install the VSAE components from https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=30169
Step 3: Open Visual Studio. File > New > Project
Step 4: Pick the version you want to write for, and give your project a name based on a naming standard. My naming standard will be “CompanyID.AppName” so if my company abbreviation is “Fab” (for Fabrikam) and I am writing this to monitor a custom application (I will make up a fake “DemoApp”) I will call mine “Fab.DemoApp”
Step 5:
Right click your “Fab.DemoApp” in solution explorer, and choose properties:
Here you can make changes to the core properties of your MP:
you can configure these to automatically deploy as you build the MP, to a development management group if you wanted, and even seal the MP as you build.
You are almost done! We have the basic framework of a MP now, which is mostly empty except for some default references. Let’s build this one just for fun.
Step 6: Build > Build Solution
In your output – you will see if it built successfully or if you had a problem that needs to be fixed:
In your C:\MPDEV\Fab.DemoApp\Fab.DemoApp\bin\Debug path, which is where the management pack is written – open the XML using Notepad++ just to view it:
As you can see – it is pretty much empty, having only a Manifest section. This will grow as we start to use fragments to add monitoring. It is a good idea to keep an eyes on this as you develop stuff, it will help you learn the XML syntax.
Step 7: Save your MP
Use the “Save All” buttons at the top to make sure you save your changes.
This will be the foundation MP for all the Parts moving forward. Congrats!
I just wanted to express my appreciation for you posting this set of instructions. I’ve been supporting MOM/SCOM for quite awhile and a gap I’ve always had was the MP development aspect and your posting has helped me to take a step towards eliminating that gap. So thank you very much.
Hello Kevin,
I assume this VisualStudioAuthoringConsole_x64.msi is not compatible with SCOM 2019, right?
I guess, your preferred Authoring tool is Silect MP Author, right?
Let me know where I should invest time for authoring MPs’.
Thanks and regards,
Arno
There is no compatibility issue with SCOM 2019. You can choose visual studio or Silect for authoring with fragments, regardless of SCOM version. I like, use, and recommend Silect’s tool for ease of use, for sure. But it is not required.
Kevin,
I am creating a monitor running Powershell but I cannot compile the script because of the ampersand(&) in the script. What can I use to encapsule the script.
https://kevinholman.com/2018/08/15/awesome-new-transform-tool-available-for-testing-scom-scripts-from-mps/