Flex System Manager; Overview Of Ibm Flex System Manager (Fsm) - IBM V7000 Introduction And Implementation Manual

3.3 Flex System Manager

The IBM Flex System Manager Node (FSM) is an advanced chassis management appliance
that provides the ability to manage up to four chassis. Also referred to as the Management
Node, FSM is based on an Intel-based x86 compute node that comes with preloaded
management software. FSM software contains a fully operational virtual infrastructure
management stack for managing multiple chassis from a single focus-point.
IBM Flex System Manager provides an instant and resource-oriented integrated view of
chassis and chassis resources, including compute and storage nodes as well as I/O modules.
It simplifies management by facilitating faster implementation, reconfiguration and
provisioning of server, storage and network resources. It acts as a single-point of support
across all assets and resources in IBM PureFlex Systems for the complete range of
management tasks, including service requests, incident handling and problem resolution, as
well as handling specialized management tasks in connection with security, performance,
resource allocation, and application version control, and so on.
Figure 3-42 shows the front view of an IBM Flex System Manager Node.
Figure 3-42 IBM Flex System Manager Node
Tip: The IBM Flex System Chassis Management Module provides control and information
on the storage hardware, while the IBM Flex System Manager additionally provides
configuration functionality.

3.3.1 Overview of IBM Flex System Manager (FSM)

The comprehensive management capabilities of IBM Flex System Manager (FSM) allows for
seamless and simplified storage management, virtualization, and networking.
Consolidating management and administration tasks into a single, consistent interface while
automating many tasks across various compute and storage nodes simplifies the job of
administrators to manage and configure servers, storage, network, and other resources.
Whole rack management of energy, power, cooling, and so on, reduces cost and cuts
downtime, while the systems operate at higher performance levels and are more consistent in
operation. The single interface eliminates the need of having different administrative support
and skills for each platform, thus reducing training costs.
Chapter 3. Systems management
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