MECHANISM FOR ENABLING NEW TASK TYPES TO BE ADDED TO A SYSTEM FOR MANAGING DISTRIBUTED NODES

A mechanism is disclosed for enabling new task types to be added to a management server without changing the source code of the management server. To add a new task type, a descriptor file is provided. This descriptor file specifies all of the particulars of the new task type. Any mechanisms referred to in the descriptor file are also provided. At startup time, the management server processes the descriptor file and forms associations between the various aspects of the task type with the mechanisms that are responsible for implementing those various aspects. At runtime, these associations are used to manage the definition and execution of tasks of that task type. By doing so, the management server enables new task types to be added, and enables task instances of the new task types to be defined and executed, without changing the source code of the management server.