This is NetApp's Storage Management Initiative. Please see this KB:
https://kb.netapp.com/support/index?page=content&id=3012116
It effectively allows you to install an agent on a client to monitor/receive information your appliance.
do you need it - no. NetApp Operations Manager is very good unless you wish to do something specific with the information.
Hope this answers all your questions and please dont forgot to award any points.
Thanks
Martin