FAQ

6 iDRAC9 with Lifecycle Controller—Best in class management for Dell EMC 14th generation PowerEdge Servers
This technical white paper showcases the prime new and greatly improved features of iDRAC9, and covers the
various topics as they fit under the respective categories. All these tools are designed to drive simplicity,
efficiency, and availability for Dell EMC PowerEdge Servers.
1.1.1 Automating IT management
It is no secret that IT teams are continually challenged with increased workloads with reduced personnel. It is
at this point when the focus shifts to automation. Having a streamlined process that yields quick and
repeated successful results saves time and money. Dell EMC is committed to helping drive new innovation in
regards to automation to provide both efficiency and scalability in datacenters around the globe.
Automation is not a new concept to the iDRAC; it is been in practice for multiple generations. However, here
are some of the items we have enhanced in iDRAC9.
Make the switch from IPMI to Redfish
Redfish® is an open industry standard specification and schema that specifies a RESTful interface and
utilizes JSON and OData to help customers integrate solutions within their existing tool chains. Refer to the
DMTF Redfish page for more information.
o Benefits
o REST-based API
o More secure and scalable than IPMI
o Easier to script
o Multi-vendor support
o 14G Enhancements
o Latest DMTF additions for server configuration and update
o Support for Dell Server Configuration Profile (SCP)
Dell’s 14th generation Lifecycle Controller improves automation management
Dell PowerEdge servers support automated configuration of device attributes for a variety of devices. For
more information, see BIOS and NIC Configuration whitepaper.
o Benefits
o High Resolution Attributes: iDRAC continues to provide industry leading deep level details on
components such as HDDs, PERC, NICs, and HBAs to help IT admins precisely and
effectively manage details in scripts.
o Reduce OPEX and increase availability
o Extensive library of Python and PowerShell scripts
o 14G Enhancements
o More Fibre Channel HBA attributes
o Improved agent-free hardware and software RAID management without an OMSA agent
o Gen 2 NVMe management