A method and system permitting a network management system to be backward and forward compatible with a range of network elements or devices, and device versions. The present invention uses a combination of versioned interface negotiation, data driven interfaces or self-describing devices, and a support...http://www.google.com/patents/US20040010576?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US20040010576 - Method and apparatus for backward and forward compatibility in device management
