How does SCOM work, and what are some of its components?

By asking this question, the interviewer is seeking to understand your knowledge of the functions of SCOM. This will also provide them with an idea of how well you can manage this tool and apply it to their environment. Since this is a technical question, your answer should be straightforward and concise.

"SCOM is an agent-enabled monitoring tool. It requires you to install software called the Microsoft Monitoring Agent on each of the assets you need to monitor. Each of these agents collects information and relays it to the SCOM management server."