Specifications

42 PowerEdge T420 Technical Guide
Agent-based management
Most systems management solutions require pieces of software, called agents, to be installed on
each node in order to be managed within the IT environment. Additionally, the same agent is often
used as a local interface into the hardware health and may be accessed remotely as a management
interface, typically referred to as a one-to-one interface. For customers that continue to use
agent-based solutions, Dell provides OpenManage Server Administrator.
OpenManage Server Administrator
The Dell OpenManage Server Administrator (OMSA) agent gives you a comprehensive, one-to-one
systems management solution for both local and remote servers and their storage. OMSA can help
simplify single-server monitoring with a secure command-line interface (CLI) or web-based
management graphical user interface (GUI). It can also be used to view system configuration,
inventory, health, and performance.
Agent-free management
Because Dell PowerEdge servers have embedded server lifecycle management, in many cases, there
is no need to install an OpenManage systems management software agent into the operating
system of a Dell PowerEdge server. This greatly simplifies and streamlines the management footprint.
Dell consoles
The central console in a systems management solution is often referred to as the one-to-many
console. The central console provides a rapid view and insight into the overall health of all systems
in the IT environment. The Dell systems management portfolio includes several powerful consoles,
depending upon your needs, including the following:
 Dell OpenManage Essentials — OpenManage Essentials (OME) is a systems management
console that provides a comprehensive view of Dell systems, devices and components in an
enterprise network. It is used to monitor Dell PowerEdge servers, EqualLogic™ and PowerVault™
storage and Dell Networking switches; to update and configure Dell servers; and to create asset
reports. OpenManage Essentials also communicates health status alerts for Dell servers, storage
and network devices to the Dell KACE™ K1000 service desk. OpenManage Essentials is available
as a no-charge software download from Dell.com/Support.
OpenManage systems management tools and utilities
Dell OpenManage systems management tools and utilities consist of the following:
 Dell Repository Manager — The Dell Repository Manager (RM) is a standalone GUI-based
productivity tool that helps simplify the process of managing downloads and baseline BIOS,
firmware, and driver updates. Repository Manager can create deployment disks as well as create
and manage customized repositories.
 Dell OpenManage Server Update Utility — The Dell Server Update Utility (SUU) is a DVD-based
application for identifying and applying BIOS and firmware updates to Dell PowerEdge servers.
 Dell OpenManage Systems Build and Update Utility —The Dell System Build and Update Utility
(SBUU) provides one-to-one and one-to-many deployment and single-server update
capabilities in the pre-operating system environment.
 Dell Update Packages — The Dell Update Packages (DUP) is a self-contained executable in a
standard package format that updates a software element on a Dell server such as the BIOS, a
driver, firmware and other software updates.
 Dell OpenManage Deployment Toolkit — The Dell OpenManage Deployment Toolkit (DTK) is a
CLI-based tool that includes a set of utilities for configuring and deploying Dell PowerEdge