[ale] 1U server question

[Brian Pitts]

Ryan Fish wrote:
> -----Original Message-----
> From: ale-bounces at ale.org [mailto:ale-bounces at ale.org] On Behalf Of Jim
> Lynch
> Sent: Thursday, October 25, 2007 4:56 AM
> To: Atlanta Linux Enthusiasts
> Subject: Re: [ale] 1U server question
> 
> Jeff Lightner wrote:
>> I think you missed the point.
>>
>> The NIC/IP discussed below is for a "management card" which is separate
>> from the standard kind of NIC you use for OSes.  Typically such
>> "management cards" are accessible even when the OS is shutdown so long
>> as there is power to the chassis.   These are quite common on UNIX
>> servers such as HP.
>>
>> My earlier suggestion was that the Dell 1950 has something built into it
>> already that may do this though I wasn't sure.  If not I know they do
>> sell a management card solution for some of their systems.  It appears
>> Jonathan is saying Dell and HP do sell such solutions.
>>
>> The benefit to this device is you can use it to power cycle the system
>> even when the OS is already down.  They also usually have a console
>> interface so that you can access the OS when it up.  Also since it is
>> built into your 1U rack space you don't have to try to plan for more
>> rack space for external KVM or remote power controllers.
>>   
> OK, I understand.  Thanks.
> -----------------------------------------
> 
> 
> If you go with Dell hardware get the DRAC.
> If you go with HP hardware get the iLO and pay for the console access
> license.
> If you go with any other hardware check into what they offer in the way of a
> remote management card.

I've only dealt with the entry-level x64 Suns, but they come with a 
serial port and a dedicated management NIC.

"The embedded lights out manager (ELOM) system provides an embedded 
service processor (SP), flash memory, RAM, separate Ethernet interfaces, 
and server management software. This server management software provides 
superior management tools to help you administer local or remote servers 
efficiently.

You can use the web-based interface, the command-line interface (CLI), 
SNMP integration with third-party frameworks, or IPMI to configure and 
manage the platform through the SP."

http://docs.sun.com/source/819-6588-13/index.html
http://www.sun.com/servers/entry/x2100/
http://www.sun.com/servers/x64/x2200/

-Brian