Quick start manual

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 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 iDRAC7 with Lifecycle Controller 2

At the heart of 12th generation server’s embedded management is iDRAC7 with Lifecycle Controller technology, that

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, iDRAC7 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:

• Increased Uptime — Early notification of potential or actual failures that help prevent a server failure or reduce

recovery time after a failure.

• Improved Productivity and Lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) — Extending the reach of administrators to larger

numbers of distant servers can make IT staff more productive while driving down operational costs such as travel.

• Secure Environment — By providing secure access to remote servers, administrators can perform critical

management functions while maintaining server and network security.

• Enhanced Embedded Management using Lifecycle Controller – By providing simplified deployment and serviceability

through the Lifecycle Controller GUI for local deployment and Remote Services (WS–Management) interfaces for

remote deployment integrated with Dell OpenManage Essentials and partner consoles.