Defines the metric objects and attributes function. The metric objects and attributes function is a systems management function which may be used by an application process in a centralized or decentralized management environment to interact for the purpose of systems management, as defined by CCITT Rec. X.700 / ISO/IEC 7498-4. Defines a function which consists of generic definitions. This standard - identifies the set of requirements satisfied by the function; - provides a model for the behaviour of general metric objects; - provides a model for the behaviour of the metric objects defined in this Recommendation / International Standard; - specifies the management requirements of the function and how these are realized by specification of managed objects and their behaviour; - specifies the abstract syntax of the parameters of the MAPDUs that will be used to refer to managed objects and their attributes; and - defines managed objects.