Configuration management on Solaris 10 (something like Win Registry)

Question

Hello,
We are currently in a process of porting a set of java applications from Windows to Solaris 10. Although the process is relatively straight forward we stumbled upon a problem with configuration management.
On Windows we rely on Registry to keep track of e.g. installed applications, java jdks etc. that is used by our own management software. Basically Registry provides an api to access a set of keys and values. Every installed application adds a key:value that will be picked up by the management software.
On the surface it appears to be no direct equivalent of windows Registry on Solaris. We can write our own e.g. file based database or use something like Electra.
Do I miss something obvious and there is something in Solaris that can be used to store global configuration information?
Thanks,
Alexey

Answer 1

For tracking installed software in Solaris, I can think of a few items that may help.
1. /var/sadm/install/contents lists all the software packages and their contents. This is great for figuring out what file, binary, command came from what package:
grep /usr/bin/tip /var/sadm/install/contents
/usr/bin/tip f none 4511 uucp bin 56172 6659 1168034330 SUNWcsu
warning: grepping for just "java" here will give tons of output. The more specific the better.
2. /var/sadm/pkg will list all the packages installed on the system, even 3rd party packages.
3. /opt is the filesystem reserved for the so-called "unbundled" Sun products. For example, here is where you would find the Sun Ray server software directories ( /opt/SUNWut ......), the Serial Asynchronous Interface software (/opt/SUNWsaip . . . ), the old HP printer software (/opt/HPNPL . . ) etc.
Wouldn't this management software you mention have a version for Solaris 10 to do this for you?