Datasheet

Ultrascalability combined with extreme availability
features and industry-leading performance
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Wake on LAN permits the server to be remotely powered on if it has been shut off. Once
powered up, the server can be controlled across the network, using the Preboot Execution
Environment (PXE).
Like Wake on LAN, PXE is system firmware. It enables software such as the optional IBM
Remote Deployment Manager to take control of a system before the BIOS, operating system
or applications are loaded (using Wake on LAN/PXE) and lets an administrator perform many
low-level tasks remotely that would otherwise require a visit to each system. These tasks may
include such things as formatting a hard disk drive, updating system firmware, or deploying a
Windows or Linux operating system.
Text and Graphical Console Redirection support allows the administrator to remotely view
system text messages and graphics over serial or LAN.
Predictive Failure Analysis (PFA) is designed to allow the eX5 servers to detect impending
failure of supported components (processors, memory, PCIe slots, VRMs, power supplies, fans,
and hard disk drives) before actual failure, and alert the administrator through IBM Systems
Director. This gives you the ability to replace the failing component before it fails, resulting in
increased uptime.
IBM Systems Director software for advanced workgroup management is included standard.
IBM Systems Director comes with a portfolio of tools, including IBM Systems Director Active
Energy Manager, Service and Support Manager, and others. System Availability (a no-
charge download) and Capacity Manager (sold separately) are available as add-ons for
additional server management and increased availability. IBM Systems Director provides a
single uniform graphical interface for all of these systems management functions. IBM Systems
Director enables you to customize thresholds and monitor system components (for things like
temperature, voltage regulation, etc.) to help maximize uptime.
IBM developed IBM Systems Director Active Energy Manager to put control of system
power-saving features at the fingertips of administrators. Active Energy Manager is designed to
take advantage of new features, such as monitoring power usage and balancing the
performance of the system according to available power input. It provides the ability to plan and
predict power consumption based on your hardware configuration. It also helps enable you to
reduce the infrastructure required for redundancy, by using fewer servers on smaller power
feeds and potentially lowering your overall data center support costs. It does this by
inventorying all components, then adding up the total power draw and tracking the usage. It
also includes power management features to help administrators manage or reduce power
usage.
Extensive System Support Features
The IBM services and technical support portfolio provides world-class, consistent, high-quality
service and support. The eX5 servers offer a number of tools and services designed to make
ownership a positive experience. From the start, IBM programs make it easier for you to plan
for, configure and purchase System x or xSeries servers, get them running and keep them
running long-term. These features include IBM ServerProven, the IBM Standalone Solutions
Configuration Tool, IBM System x and BladeCenter Power Configurator, IBM ServerGuide, IBM
Systems Director Service and Support Manager, Product Customization Services and extensive
technical support offerings.
The IBM ServerProven program provides the confidence that specific options and operating
systems have been tested on the server and are officially supported to work together. It is
updated frequently to ensure that the latest compatibility information is always at your fingertips.
The IBM Standalone Solutions Configuration Tool (SSCT) is a downloadable tool that
simplifies the often complex chore of configuring a full rack of servers (including blade servers)
and confirming that you have all the cables, power distribution units, KVM (keyboard, video and
mouse) switch boxes and other components you need, as well as the proper airflow clearances,
electrical circuits and other environmental conditions.
IBM System x and BladeCenter Power Configurator helps IT managers plan for data center
power needs, by providing the following information for specific configurations of System x and
BladeCenter systems: power input (watts), PDU sizing (amps), heat output (BTUs), airflow
requirements through chassis (CFM), VA rating, leakage current (mA), and peak inrush current
(amps).
IBM ServerGuide (installed from CD) simplifies the process of installing and configuring
System x and xSeries servers. ServerGuide goes beyond mere hardware configuration by
assisting with the automated installation of the Microsoft
®
Windows
®
Server 2008 operating
systems, device drivers and other system components, with minimal user intervention. (Drivers
are also included for support of Novell NetWare, Red Hat Linux and SUSE LINUX.) This focus
on deployment helps you reduce both your total cost of ownership and the complexity that
administrators and technical personnel face.