Specifications
Upgrading the HP 9000 rp7420 and rp8420 Servers
The HP 9000 rp7420 and rp8420 Servers are the current generation of the HP midrange server
family that share several different components with their equivalent HP Integrity rx7640 and rx8640
Servers. These PA-8900 RISC-based servers can be easily upgraded to an HP 9000 rp8440 Server
containing PA-8900 processors. Upgrading the HP 9000 rp7420 and rp8420 Servers is easy:
1. Remove the cell boards.
2. Upgrade system backplane.
3. Plug the cell board into the cabinet.
4. Remove or replace existing core I/Os.
5. Remove or replace I/O backplane board.
6. Upgrade system firmware (as needed).
7. Install desired operating system.
8. Change system bezel to reflect the correct system name and color scheme.
Today’s HP midrange servers are already prepared for the next generation of processors so that they
can stay ahead of tomorrow’s performance demands. HP servers deliver investment protection
through multiple significant in-chassis upgrades.
Ease of management
As the number of servers grows and server farms proliferate, IT professionals have come to realize
that the cost of managing these servers can add up to many times the actual cost of hardware. In the
HP 9000 rp7440 and rp8440 Servers, HP has provided features to make management easier and
less taxing. Add HP management software that interfaces seamlessly with the HP 9000 rp7440 and
rp8440 Servers, and provides lower total cost of ownership (TCO) and higher overall efficiency.
Management processor
Both servers have a dedicated MP that simplifies and extends system management and enhances
serviceability. The MP feature set was designed to reduce the need for the system administrator to be
physically at the system to perform tasks such as diagnostics, system management, or even hard
resets. The MP enables you to remote managed the server, regardless of the system state. It can be
use to power on or off the server, set up the hardware partitioning, view system status and event logs.
The MP also enables remote console and console redirection for the multiple operating systems
running on the server. The MP is embedded into the HP 9000 rp7440 and rp8440 Server core I/O
and does not take up a PCI-X slot.
HP System Insight Manager
HP Systems Insight Manager (SIM) is the central point of administration for management applications
that address the HP 9000 rp7440 and rp8440 Server management requirements. HP SIM delivers
powerful monitoring and control, notifying the administrator of potential hardware or software
problems before they occur. It also provides inventory-reporting capabilities that dramatically reduce
the time and effort required to track server assets. HP SIM provides secure communications as well as
role-based security to ensure that its powerful capabilities are kept secure from unauthorized users.
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