The MMC console is a Windows-based multiple document interface (MDI) application that heavily leverages Internet technologies. Both Microsoft and ISVs extend the console by writing MMC Snap-Ins, which are responsible for actually performing management tasks.
The MMC programmatic interfaces integratepermit the Snap-Ins to integrate with the console. These interfaces deal only with user interface extensions¾ how each Snap-In actually performs tasks is entirely up to the Snap-In. The Snap-In's relationship with the console is in sharing a common hosting environment, and in cross-application integration. The console itself offers no management behavior.
Both Microsoft and ISVs can develop management tools to run in MMC, and both Microsoft and ISVs can write applications to be managed by MMC administrative tools. Once the pre-release phase is complete, MMC will be part of the Windows Software Developers Kit (SDK) and available for general use.