IBM X3500 - Manual (Page 9)

A stable, long-life, dual-socket, dual- and quad-core SMP
server, offering high-performance, massive capacity and
outstanding availability
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9
• Other mandatory and optional IPMI BMC functions
The BMC alerts IBM Director to anomalous environmental factors, such as voltage and thermal
conditions—even if the server has failed.
The x3500 also supports an optional IBM Remote Supervisor Adapter II SlimLine for additional systems
management capabilities, including:
• Predictive Failure Analysis for system fans
• Graphical console redirection over LAN
• Web-based out-of-band control
• Windows “blue screen” capture
• Remote virtual floppy and CD-ROM
• High-speed remote redirection of PCI video, keyboard and mouse
• SSL (Secure Socket Layer) and LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol) support
Automatic Server Restart (ASR) helps reduce downtime by restarting the server automatically in the
event of a system lockup. ASR technology is a combination of hardware circuitry tied into the server’s
system reset function and a device driver. As long as the server continues running, the ASR watchdog
timer will keep being reset, but if the operating system crashes or the hardware freezes somehow the ASR
software will be unable to reset the hardware timer. If the timer is not reset within five minutes, it
automatically triggers the ASR hardware, which immediately restarts the server (and logs an ASR event
with IBM Director). These features are designed so that no more than five minutes can pass before the
server is restarted.
Wake on LAN permits the server to be remotely powered on if it has been shut off. Once powered up, the
server can be controlled across the network, using the
Preboot Execution Environment (PXE).
Like Wake on LAN, PXE is system firmware. It allows software such as the optional IBM Remote
Deployment Manager to take control of a system before the BIOS, operating system or applications are
loaded (using Wake on LAN/PXE) and lets an administrator perform many low-level tasks remotely that
would otherwise require a visit to each system. These tasks may include such things as formatting a hard
disk drive, updating system firmware, or deploying a Windows or Linux operating system.
Text Console Redirection support allows the administrator to remotely view x3500 text messages over
serial or LAN. An optional upgrade to the
Remote Supervisor Adapter II SlimLine adds graphical
console redirect.
Predictive Failure Analysis (PFA) is designed to allow the x3500 to detect impending failure of
supported components (processors, memory, voltage regulator modules (VRMs), power supplies and hard
disk drives) as much as 48 hours before actual failure, and alert the administrator through IBM Director.
This gives you the ability to replace the failing component before it fails, resulting in increased uptime.
IBM Director software for advanced workgroup management is included with the x3500. IBM Director
comes with a portfolio of tools, including Management Processor Assistant, Rack Manager, RAID
Manager, Update Assistant and Software Distribution. System Availability (a no-charge download) and
Capacity Manager (sold separately) are available as add-ons for additional server management and
increased availability. IBM Director provides a single uniform graphical interface for all of these systems
management functions.
IBM Director enables you to customize thresholds and monitor system components (for things like
temperature, voltage regulation, etc.) to help maximize uptime.
The optional Remote Supervisor Adapter II SlimLine provides additional systems management
capabilities, including:
• PFA for system fans
• Web-based out-of-band control
• Windows “blue screen” capture
• Remote virtual floppy and CD-ROM
• High-speed remote redirection of PCI video, keyboard and mouse
• Dedicated systems management 10/100Mbps Ethernet port
• SSL (Secure Socket Layer) and LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol) support
Key Options IBM options for System x servers help you take your servers to a higher
level
You can rely on System x options to supply a complete solution for your business needs. Options help you
create an optimized server system to meet your data protection, storage and availability needs. Every IBM
option is designed and tested for peak performance and flexibility, helping to maximize your return on
investment. The combination of System x servers and options lets you keep your fingers on the pulse of
your e-business.