Concept Guide

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Introduction
The Dell Lifecycle Controller provides advanced embedded systems management. It includes a 1GB–
managed and persistent storage that embeds systems management features in addition to the iDRAC
features.
The Dell Lifecycle Controller Remote Services further enables remote systems management in a one-to-
many method. Remote services is accessible over the network using the secure web services interface
and can be programmatically utilized by applications and scripts. Remote services enable management
consoles to perform one-to-many bare-metal server provisioning. The combination of the Auto-
discovery feature to identify and authenticate the attached Dell system to the network and integration
with one‑to-many management consoles reduces the manual steps required for server setup and
management. The Server Configuration Profiles provide a single view of all the system settings that can
be imported and exported from the server to perform one-to-many cloning operations. The interface is
aimed at simplifying many tasks, some of which include remotely deploying an operating system, remote
update and inventory, and remotely automating the setup and configuration of new and already-
deployed Dell systems.
Lifecycle Controller reduces the time and number of steps taken to accomplish tasks, reduces potential
for error, enhances server and application uptime and security, and results in more efficient IT
management. Developed on the industry standard Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) platform
and Web Services for Management (WSMAN) interfaces, Lifecycle Controller provides an open
environment for console integration that also allows custom scripting for Lifecycle Controller. Leading
systems management consoles such as, Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager, BMC Software
BladeLogic Operations Manager, Symantec Deployment Solution, and Dell Management Console have
integrated Dell Lifecycle Controller to utilize its features and capabilities to an existing infrastructure,
where these consoles are installed.
Benefits of using iDRAC with Lifecycle Controller
The iDRAC with Lifecycle Controller technology in the server’s embedded management allows you to
perform useful tasks such as configuring BIOS and hardware settings, deploying operating systems,
updating drivers, changing RAID settings, and saving hardware profiles. Together, iDRAC and Lifecycle
Controller provide a robust set of management functions that can be used throughout the entire server
lifecycle.
Dell Lifecycle Controller simplifies server lifecycle management — from provisioning, deployment,
patching and updating to servicing and user customization — both locally and remotely. Lifecycle
Controller includes managed and persistent storage that embeds systems management features and
Operating System device drivers directly on the server. This eliminates the media-based system
management tools and utilities traditionally needed for systems management.
The benefits include:
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