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Extensive System Support Features
The IBM services and technical support portfolio provides world-class, consistent, high-quality
service and support. The e325 server offers a number of tools and services designed to make
ownership a positive experience. From the start, IBM programs make it easier for customers to
plan for, configure and purchase IBM ^ systems, get them running and keep them
running long-term. These programs and features include IBM ServerProven
®
, IBM Cluster
Systems Management, the IBM ^ xSeries and Netfinity Rack Configuration Tool, IBM
ServerGuide™, Product Customization Services and extensive technical support offerings.
The IBM ServerProven program provides the confidence that specific options and operating
systems have been tested on the e325 and are officially supported to work together. It is updated
frequently with that the latest compatibility information.
IBM Cluster Systems Management (CSM) can help to reduce the total cost of ownership for
cluster environments by streamlining and simplifying the management of large numbers of
servers from a single point of control. This is of particular value in large data centers or for
customers who are running complex high-performance workloads, where managers are
constantly challenged to meet ever-changing business demands and improve service levels at
the same time that IT budgets are shrinking. As customers evolve from using clusters for
single-purpose workloads to employing cluster technology in grids or utility models, CSM can
provide a path for growth and enhanced value.
Customers who have existing AIX-based cluster systems can leverage those skills to manage
their Linux clusters. System administrators can automate problem determination and recovery,
automate repetitive installation and configuration tasks, and monitor and report health information
and resource utilization.
CSM is intended primarily for managing clusters of Linux-based xSeries servers or AIX-based
pSeries
™
servers, or for heterogeneous clusters combining the two, although it also works well
with nonclustered Linux servers. Typically, customers would use IBM Director to manage
all-Windows or a mix of Windows and Linux-based xSeries systems in a nonclustered
environment. CSM would be the preferred choice for Linux-only nonclustered xSeries servers or
clustered Linux/AIX systems (both xSeries and pSeries)—especially in a high-performance
computing (HPC) environment.
IBM ^ xSeries and Netfinity Rack Configurator is a downloadable tool that simplifies
the often complex chore of configuring a full rack of e325, BladeCenter and xSeries servers and
Like Wake on LAN, PXE is system firmware. It allows systems management software 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 (BIOS or ISMP, for example), or deploying a Windows or Linux
operating system.
Predictive Failure Analysis (PFA)
is designed to allow the e325 to detect impending failure of
hard disk drives as much as 48 hours before actual failure, and alert the administrator through
IBM Director. This helps give customers the ability to replace the failing component before it fails,
resulting in increased uptime.
IBM Director 4.1x (planned for Q4/03), software for advanced workgroup management, is
offered at no additional cost for the e325. IBM Director comes with a portfolio of tools for server
management and increased availability. IBM Director provides a single uniform graphical
interface for all systems management functions.
The combination of IBM Director and the integrated systems management controller enables the
customer to customize thresholds and monitor system components (for things like temperature,
voltage regulation, etc.) to help maximize uptime.
Plans call for the e325 to also support (effective Q4/03) an optional Remote Supervisor
Adapter II for additional systems management capabilities, including:
y Web-based out-of-band control
y Windows “blue screen” capture
y Remote redirection of graphics, keyboard and mouse
y The ability to manage a rack of up to 24 servers from a single Ethernet or serial connection
using one Remote Supervisor Adapter.
Note: This information represents IBM's current intentions, goals and objectives, and is subject to
change or withdrawal without additional or prior notice.
Outstanding 32/64-bit price/performance in a rack-dense 1U, 2-way server for HPC
applications
IBM Confidential 6.