Extensive System Support Features

Combining high-performance architecture with high-performance Xeon processors

•SSL (Secure Socket Layer) and LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol) support

Automatic Server Restart (ASR) helps reduce downtime by restarting the server automatically in the event of a system lockup. ASR technology is a combination of hardware circuitry tied into the server’s system reset function and a device driver. As long as the server continues running, the ASR watchdog timer will keep being reset, but if the operating system crashes or the hardware freezes somehow the ASR software will be unable to reset the hardware timer. If the timer is not reset within five minutes, it automatically triggers the ASR hardware, which immediately restarts the server (and logs an ASR event with IBM Systems Director). These features are designed so that no more than five minutes can pass before the server is restarted.

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 x3850 M2/x3950 M2 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 with the eX4 servers. IBM Systems Director comes with a portfolio of tools, including Management Processor Assistant, Rack Manager, RAID Manager, Update Assistant and Software Distribution. IBM Systems Director Active Energy Manager for x86, 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 for x86 to put control of system power-saving features at the fingertips of administrators. Active Energy Manager is a combination of hardware and software 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.

The IBM services and technical support portfolio provides world-class, consistent, high-quality service and support. The eX4 servers offers 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 Express Portfolio, IBM ServerProven®, the IBM Standalone Solutions Configuration Tool, IBM System x and BladeCenter Power Configurator, IBM ServerGuide, IBM Electronic Service Agent™, 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

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