Automatic notifications

Server Monitor can send a customized email to alert specified individuals when operating conditions exceed predefined thresholds. Short text messages can be sent to email-capable pagers, cell phones, or PDAs; full-text details can be sent to email clients or full-function PDAs.

Xserve Remote Diagnostics

Xserve G5 includes a new set of server-class diagnostic tools that support hardware profiling and advanced diagnostics, as well as remote, headless operation.

Technology Overview

Xserve G5

Server Monitor provides instant access to status and performance details, including these individual server attributes, subsystems, and system variables:

•Info. Lists key attributes of the server: name, IP address, device kind, operating system version, processor type, amount of memory, firmware version, uptime, last monitoring update, and hardware serial number.

•Memory. Displays the size, speed, and type of memory installed in each system, as well as ECC error counts.

•Drives. Provides the status of each of the server’s hard drives, including SMART data for predictive failure notification.

•Power. Shows the current, voltage, and processor power, as well as a historical line graph for each supply rail. It also provides Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) information and status when available.

•Network. Indicates the status of active network links, network stack, and link settings and provides a historical line graph for each link.

•Temperature. Provides the values of the ten enclosure and processor temperature sensors, as well as a historical line graph for each sensor reading.

•Blowers. Shows the revolutions per minute and status of the eight fans, including a historical line graph for each one. In the case of a single blower failure, the other fans speed up to compensate, allowing the server to continue to run, while also notifying the system administrator.

•Security. Displays the security status of the Xserve enclosure. Xserve G5 features a hardware enclosure lock that prevents drives from being removed, as well as software- based I/O port security that allows administrators to disable CD mounting, removal of hard drives, or use of USB and FireWire devices.

In addition, Server Monitor records a log of activities and messages for each monitored Xserve. The log provides the times Server Monitor attempted to contact the server and whether a connection was successful. It also shows changes in server status. For asset tracking or support logging, a System Profiler report can be saved for a selected server or multiple servers.

Xserve G5 specifications

The Apple Xserve G5 was a powerful rack-mounted server that was introduced by Apple in 2004. Built on the robust PowerPC architecture, it marked a significant entry into the enterprise server market for the company, reflecting its commitment to high-performance computing and advanced technology solutions.

One of the main features of the Xserve G5 was its dual dual-core PowerPC G5 processors, which allowed for exceptional computation performance. This configuration enabled up to 8 processing cores in a single server unit, significantly enhancing multitasking capabilities and making it suitable for high-demand applications. With support for up to 16GB of DDR SDRAM, the server ensured ample memory for intensive operations and large-scale data processing tasks.

In terms of storage, the Xserve G5 featured a versatile design that supported up to four hot-swappable Serial ATA (SATA) drive bays. This capability enabled users to easily replace or upgrade hard drives without downtime, which is crucial in enterprise environments. The server also supported RAID configurations, offering options for increased reliability and data redundancy.

Networking capabilities were another highlight of the Xserve G5. It came equipped with dual Gigabit Ethernet ports, providing robust network throughput and redundancy. This feature was particularly valuable for mission-critical applications where uptime and performance were essential. Additionally, the Xserve G5 was compatible with various networking protocols and featured built-in support for Active Directory, simplifying integration into existing IT infrastructures.

The operating system of choice for the Xserve G5 was Mac OS X Server, which offered a user-friendly interface along with powerful server management tools. The software provided a wide range of services, including file sharing, web hosting, and email services, tailored for small to medium enterprises and education institutions.

For those seeking expandability, the Xserve G5 boasted a PCI-X expansion slot, allowing users to add various hardware components such as additional network interfaces or specialized processing cards.

In terms of its physical design, the Xserve G5 had a sleek, 1U form factor, making it easy to integrate into existing server racks while maintaining a modern aesthetic. The efficient cooling system was designed to keep the unit running optimally, ensuring reliability during extended periods of use.

In conclusion, the Apple Xserve G5 represented a significant advance in server technology with its powerful dual G5 processors, ample memory and storage options, and robust networking capabilities. Its combination of performance and user-friendly Mac OS X Server made it a notable choice for organizations seeking reliable computing solutions in the mid-2000s.