Advanced systems management capabilities – IBM X3500 User Manual

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A stable, long-life, dual-socket, dual- and quad-core SMP
server, offering high-performance, massive capacity and
outstanding availability

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The IBM

Standalone Solutions Configuration Tool (SSCT) is a downloadable tool that simplifies the

often complex chore of configuring a full rack of servers (including blade servers) and confirming that you
have all the cables, power distribution units, KVM (keyboard, video and mouse) switch boxes and other
components you need, as well as the proper airflow clearances, electrical circuits and other environmental
conditions.

IBM

System x and BladeCenter Power Configurator helps IT managers plan for data center power

needs, by providing the following information for specific configurations of System x and BladeCenter
systems: power input (watts), PDU sizing (amps), heat output (BTUs), airflow requirements through
chassis
(CFM), VA rating, leakage current (mA), and peak inrush current (amps).

IBM

ServerGuide (installed from CD) simplifies the process of installing and configuring System x and

xSeries servers. ServerGuide goes beyond mere hardware configuration by assisting with the automated
installation of the Microsoft

®

Windows

®

Server 2000 and 2003 operating systems, device drivers and other

system components, with minimal user intervention. (Drivers are also included for support of Novell
NetWare, Red Hat Linux and SUSE LINUX.) This focus on deployment helps you reduce both your total
cost of ownership and the complexity that administrators and technical personnel face.

IBM

Electronic Service Agent

is an innovative “call home” feature that allows System x and

BladeCenter servers to automatically report hardware problems to IBM support, which can even dispatch
onsite service

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if necessary to those customers entitled to onsite support under the terms of their warranty

or an IBM Maintenance Agreement. Electronic Service Agent resides on a server and provides electronic
support and problem management capabilities through a highly secure electronic dialogue between your
systems and IBM. It monitors networked servers for hardware errors and it can perform hardware and
software inventories and report inventory changes to IBM. All information sent to IBM is stored in a highly
secure database and used for improved problem determination.

Additional services include hardware warranty upgrades and factory-installed

Product Customization

Services (PCS), such as asset tagging, hardware integration, software imaging and operating systems
personalization.

IBM offers extensive

technical support by phone and via the Web. Support options include links to

forums/newsgroups, problem submission, online shopping support, service offerings, device drivers for all
IBM product lines, software downloads and even upcoming technical seminar worldwide schedules and
registration. Also available are remote installation, configuration and usage support for System x and
xSeries hardware and software, as well as onsite custom services to provide the level of expertise you
require.

Advanced Systems Management Capabilities

The x3500 has a high level of systems management capabilities that are well-suited to remote locations as
well as to stand-alone environments. Features include the Baseboard Management Controller

(BMC),

Automatic Server Restart, Wake on LAN

®

support, PXE support, text console redirect, Predictive Failure

Analysis, IBM Director and support for an optional Remote Supervisor Adapter II SlimLine.

The BMC provides industry-standard

Intelligent Platform Management Interface (IPMI) 2.0-compliant

systems management. It provides a number of important system functions, including:

• Monitoring of system and battery voltage, system temperature, fans, power supplies, processor and

DIMM status

• Fan speed control

• Product ID and Family ID detection

• Highly secure remote power on/off

• System reset control

• NMI/SMI detection and generation

• System diagnostic LED control (power, HDD, activity, alerts, heartbeat)

• IPMI over LAN

• Serial Over LAN

• Proxy server support

• LAN messaging and alerting

• Text console redirection over LAN

• VLAN support

• Enhanced authentication and encryption algorithms (RMCP+, SHA-1, AES)

• Local update of BMC firmware

• Firmware firewall

• Support for IPMI v2.0 compliant management software (e.g., xCAT)

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For onsite labor, IBM will attempt to diagnose and resolve the problem remotely before sending a technician.

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