# NMS OAM database

NMS OAM maintains a database containing configuration information for each component under its control. This information consists of parameters and values. Each parameter and value is expressed as a keyword name and value pair (for example, AutoStart = YES). You can use NMS OAM to retrieve and modify configuration parameters.

When you set up your system, you build text files describing the components. You enter this information into the database using NMS OAM utilities such as oamsys and oamcfg. Refer to Using oamsys and oamcfg overview for more information.

The following illustration shows the NMS OAM database configuration process:

With the utilities or an application based on the NMS OAM service, you use NMS OAM to configure, start, and manage components in the system based on the NMS OAM database. The following illustration shows how an application uses configuration information:

You can also set up NMS OAM to configure and start boards automatically whenever it starts up, without any intervention by a utility or application. The following illustration shows the board auto-start process: