Management packs are complex XML files that are used to direct the behavior of Operations Manager 2007. The authoring console eliminates the need to create and edit the management pack files directly with an XML editor; instead, the authoring console provides a graphical user interface and helpful wizards that produce well-formed, validated XML in your management packs.

In addition, the authoring console provides built-in tools that you can use to verify the integrity of the management pack, load and browse existing management packs, and import and export management packs to and from management groups.