Getting Started Guide

1-3
Hardware Overview and Quick Start Installation and Initial Setup
HP ProCurve Datacenter Connection Manager Controller
Figure 1-1. DCM Controller Simplifies the Process of Provisioning the Network
for New Server Interfaces
In addition to providing a technical solution for provisioning the network for
server interfaces, the DCM Controller facilitates communications between two
IT groups—network administrators and server administrators—and helps them
establish an efficient, repeatable workflow process for tasks such as:
■ Adding a server interface to the network
■ Changing a server interface’s network configuration
■ Collecting and maintaining information about server interfaces
For example, the workflow process for adding a server interface to the
network might include these steps:
1. The network administrator creates virtual connections in DCM Control-
ler. This step could be completed at any time in preparation for new server
interfaces that might be added to the network.
2. The server administrator accesses the Web browser interface, using a
username and password that provides limited rights to the DCM Control-
ler. The server administrator can view only the Subscriber view, which
lists the available virtual connections.
3. The server administrator subscribes to a virtual connection. By subscrib-
ing to a connection, the server administrator associates a new server
interface with a specific virtual connection.
When the new server interface is connected to the network, the DCM
Controller forwards the settings you configured to the switch so that those
settings can be enforced on the switch port.
4. The network administrator monitors the connection.