IBM 7944E2U User Manual page 12

Leadership enterprise server with significantly lower cost of ownership in a highly available and
expandable, rack-dense, 1U dual-socket server
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• Graphical console redirection over LAN
• Remote virtual floppy and CD-ROM
• High-speed remote redirection of PCI video, keyboard and mouse
IBM ToolsCenter consolidates 42 needed tools for managing servers individually into an
integrated suite of 8 tools. They are organized by function: deployment, updates, configuration
and diagnostics. Tools are now simpler to access and use with a single webpage for access, a
common look and feel and a common command line interface for the scripting tools. The
ToolsCenter Bootable Media Creator offers significantly more functionality than past tools with
the ability to add more tools to the bootable image and to automatically download the bootable
environment if needed. Bootable Media Creator allows you to create bootable CDs, DVD, and
USB keys for updates customized to your systems.
IBM developed IBM Systems Director Active Energy Manager to put control of system power-
saving features at the fingertips of administrators. Active Energy Manager is designed to take
advantage of new features, such as monitoring power usage and balancing the performance of
the system according to available power input. It provides the ability to plan and predict power
consumption based on your hardware configuration. It also helps enable you to reduce the
infrastructure required for redundancy, by using fewer servers on smaller power feeds and
potentially lowering your overall data center support costs. It does this by inventorying all
components, then adding up the total power draw and tracking the usage. It also includes power
management features to help administrators manage or reduce power usage.
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 Systems 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 enables 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 x3550 text
messages over serial or LAN. An optional upgrade to the Virtual Media Key adds graphical
console redirection.
Predictive Failure Analysis (PFA) is designed to allow the system to detect impending failure of
supported components (processors, memory, HDDs, voltage regulator modules (VRMs), power
supplies and fans) before actual failure, and alert the administrator through IBM Systems
Director. This gives you the ability to replace the failing component before it fails, resulting in
increased uptime.
IBM Systems Director software for advanced workgroup management is included with the
x3550 M3. IBM Systems Director comes with a portfolio of tools, including IBM Systems
Director Active Energy Manager, Service and Support Manager, and others. System
Availability (a no-charge download) and Capacity Manager (sold separately) are available as add-
ons for additional server management and increased availability. IBM Systems Director provides
a single uniform graphical interface for all of these systems management functions.
IBM Systems Director enables you to customize thresholds and monitor system components (for
things like temperature, voltage regulation, etc.) to help maximize uptime.
Extensive System Support Features
The IBM services and technical support portfolio provides world-class, consistent, high-quality
service and support. The x3550 M3 server offers a number of tools and services designed to
make ownership a positive experience. From the start, IBM programs make it easier for you to
plan for, configure and purchase System x servers, get them running and keep them running
long-term. These features include IBM Express Portfolio, IBM ServerProven
Solutions Configuration Tool, IBM System x and BladeCenter Power Configurator, IBM
ServerGuide, IBM Systems Director Service and Support Manager, Product Customization
Services and extensive technical support offerings.
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