Configuration and utilities 39
Deployment methods
Four primary deployment methods are supported:
IMPORTANT: To deploy a server blade without the RDP, create a bootable diskette or image
of a bootable diskette.
•
PXE deployment (on page 39)
•
CD-ROM deployment (on page 39)
•
Diskette image deployment (on page 40)
•
SAN configuration (on page 41)
PXE deployment
PXE enables server blades to load an image over the network from a PXE server, and then execute it in
memory. The first NIC on the server blade is the default PXE boot NIC, but any of the other NC series
NICs can be configured to boot PXE. For more information, refer to "Network-based PXE deployment (on
page 37)."
NOTE: Actual NIC numeration depends on several factors, including the OS installed on the
server blade.
HP recommends using one of the following methods for PXE deployment:
•
HP ProLiant Essentials RDP ("HP ProLiant Essentials Rapid Deployment Pack" on page 39)
•
SmartStart Scripting Toolkit (on page 42)
HP ProLiant Essentials Rapid Deployment Pack
NOTE: To deploy server blades in an existing server blade enclosure, always use the most
recent version of RDP available at the HP website (http://www.hp.com/servers/rdp
).
The RDP software is the preferred method for rapid, high-volume server deployments. The RDP software
integrates two powerful products: Altiris Deployment Solution and the HP ProLiant Integration Module.
The intuitive graphical user interface of the Altiris Deployment Solution console provides simplified point-
and-click and drag-and-drop operations that enable you to deploy target servers, including server blades,
remotely. It enables you to perform imaging or scripting functions and maintain software images.
For more information about the RDP, refer to the HP ProLiant Essentials Rapid Deployment Pack CD or
refer to the HP website (http://www.hp.com/servers/rdp
).
CD-ROM deployment
CD-ROM deployment involves using a bootable CD that executes scripts to configure the hardware and
install the OS. After the OS is configured, the server blade can access the network to locate the scripts
and files necessary for deployment. Before beginning the deployment process, connect the server blade to
the network.
NOTE: For more information about hardware and cabling configurations, see the documents
that ship with the enclosure.
