Introduction - HP ProLiant Gen8 User Manual

Introduction

Intelligent Provisioning is a single-server deployment tool embedded in ProLiant Gen8 servers that
replaces the SmartStart CDs and Smart Update Firmware DVD used with previous generations of
ProLiant servers. Intelligent Provisioning simplifies ProLiant server setup, providing a reliable and
consistent way to deploy ProLiant servers.
• Intelligent Provisioning assists with the OS installation process by preparing the system for installing
"off-the-shelf" and HPE-branded versions of leading OS software and integrating HPE ProLiant server
support software from the SPP. SPP is a comprehensive systems software and firmware solution for
ProLiant servers and server blades and their enclosures. ProLiant Gen8 servers are preloaded with a
basic set of firmware and OS components, which are installed along with Intelligent Provisioning. After
the server is running, use the Intelligent Provisioning Firmware Update utility to install additional
components and update any components that have been outdated since the server was
manufactured.
Although ProLiant Gen8 servers are pre-loaded with firmware and drivers, use Firmware Update
upon initial setup to ensure you have the latest versions. Using Firmware Update also ensures you
have the latest version of Intelligent Provisioning for the latest supported features, such as Microsoft
Windows 2012 installations. For Microsoft Windows 2012 installations, you must run Intelligent
Provisioning version 1.30 or later.
NOTE:
Intelligent Provisioning does not function within multihomed configurations. A multihomed host is
one that is connected to two or more networks or has two or more IP addresses.
IMPORTANT:
Do not update firmware if the version you are currently running is required for compatibility.
• Intelligent Provisioning provides maintenance-related tasks through Perform Maintenance Options
features.
• Intelligent Provisioning provides installation help for the following operating systems:
◦ Microsoft Windows Server
◦ Red Hat Enterprise Linux
◦ SuSE Linux Enterprise Server
◦ VMware ESXi/vSphere Custom Image
Not all versions of an OS are supported. For information about specific versions of a supported
operating system, see the OS Support Matrix at http://www.hpe.com/info/ossupport.
Introduction 5