An example method of managing a resource includes receiving a request associated with one or more of at least one resource device from one or more other devices over a network; standardizing the request using standardization definitions that are universal across different types of resource devices and their associated drivers; providing the standardized request to one or more handler units associated with the one or more resource devices; receiving a response regarding the request from the one or more handler units; preparing a packaged response; and sending the packaged response to the one or more other devices that sent the request. The method may further include determining whether input information accompanying the request is valid, and if the input information accompanying the request is invalid, sending an error message to the sender of the request. Devices that incorporate such methodology are also disclosed.
