Why not just use platform APIs?
For some features, such as Windows Vista’s Default Programs, APIs exist to enable the developer achieve feature registration. However, several features do not expose APIs. The ISM becomes useful when those features are undiscovered, yet desirable. All the developer needs to do is setup an application profile through the Tag Manager. With all relevant tags filled in, the developer may utilize the Settings Manager to view what settings are possible given an application’s existing infrastructure. Furthermore, the ISM will alert the developer when these settings change, allowing a developer to monitor settings made using APIs where available. This is useful in assessing how other applications interact with the developer’s own application.
