Patent ID: 8484565

Claim:
A management method, comprising: storing, in a map-information storing unit, map information, the map information being created based on an instruction to place a graphic image of a device on a map; storing, in a device-information storing unit, information about a device that operates on a network; setting, in a creation-state setting unit, a creation state of the map, retaining, in a creation-state retaining unit, the map in association with the creation state of the map; storing, in a storage unit, the information about the device in association with the creation state; acquiring, in an acquiring unit and from the device that operates on the network, information about the device when the set creation state of the map indicates creation of the map is completed; when the set creation state of the map indicates that creation of the map is completed, determining, in a control unit, whether the acquired information about the device is in accordance with the map information stored in the map-information storing unit, and if the acquired information about the device is in accordance with the map information, allowing disclosure of the map, and if the acquired information about the device is not in accordance with the map information, not allowing disclosure of the map; when a creation state is selected, displaying devices corresponding to information about the device associated with the creation state selected on the map; and causing the control unit to prohibit disclosure of the map when the creation state that is set by the creation-state setting unit indicates creation of the map is in progress.