Extensive System Support Features

Workhorse 2-socket single- or dual-core Intel Xeon blade server

failure of supported components (processors; memory; expansion cards; switch, blower and power supplies; and hard disk drives) as much as 48 hours before actual failure, and alert the administrator through IBM Director. This gives customers the ability to replace the failing component before it fails, resulting in increased uptime.

IBM Director 5.1x software for advanced workgroup management is included with the HS20. IBM Director comes with a portfolio of tools, including Management Processor Assistant, Rack Manager, RAID Manager, Update Assistant and Software Distribution. System Availability (a no- charge download) and Capacity Manager (sold separately) are available as add-ons for additional server management and increased availability. IBM Director provides a single uniform graphical interface for all of these systems management functions.

IBM Director enables the customer to customize thresholds and monitor system components (for things like temperature, voltage regulation, etc.) to help maximize uptime.

The IBM services and technical support portfolio provides world-class, consistent, high-quality service and support. From the start, IBM programs make it easier for customers to plan for, configure and purchase BladeCenter servers, get them running and keep them running long- term. These features include IBM Express Portfolio, IBM ServerProven®, the IBM xSeries and BladeCenter Rack Configuration Tool, IBM ServerGuide, IBM Electronic Service Agent™, Product Customization Services and extensive technical support offerings.

Select configurations of xSeries servers are part of the IBM Express Portfolio, designed, developed and priced to meet the specific needs of midsized businesses. The IBM Express Portfolio of solutions are easy to acquire, install and manage. And they leverage IBM technology to provide tangible solutions to help you solve business problems in an on demand world.

The IBM ServerProven program provides the confidence that specific options and operating systems have been tested on the blade servers and are officially supported to work together. It is updated frequently to keep the latest compatibility information at your customers’ fingertips.

IBM xSeries and BladeCenter Rack Configurator is a downloadable tool that simplifies the often complex chore of configuring a full rack of servers and confirming that customers have all the cables, power distribution units, KVM (keyboard, video and mouse) switch boxes and other components they need, as well as the proper airflow clearances, electrical circuits and other environmental conditions.

IBM ServerGuide (installed from CD) simplifies the process of installing and configuring xSeries servers. ServerGuide goes beyond mere hardware configuration by assisting with the automated installation of the Microsoft® Windows® Server 2000 and 2003 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 customers reduce both their total cost of ownership and the complexity that administrators and technical personnel face.

IBM offers an innovative “call home” feature that allows xSeries servers to automatically report hardware problems to IBM support, which can even dispatch onsite service4 if necessary to those customers entitled to onsite support under the terms of their warranty or an IBM Maintenance Agreement. The IBM Electronic Service Agent is a downloadable software tool available from the IBM support Web site at no extra charge. It resides on a server and provides electronic support and problem management capabilities through a highly secure electronic dialogue between customer systems and IBM. Electronic Service Agent monitors networked servers for hardware errors and it can perform hardware and software inventories and report inventory changes to IBM. All information sent to IBM is stored in a highly secure database and used for improved problem determination.

Additional services include hardware warranty upgrades and factory-installed Product Customization Services (PCS), such as asset tagging, hardware integration, software imaging and operating systems personalization.

IBM offers extensive technical support by phone and via the Web. Support options include links to forums/newsgroups, problem submission, online shopping support, service offerings, device drivers for all IBM product lines, software downloads and even upcoming technical seminar worldwide schedules and registration. Also available are remote installation, configuration and usage support for both xSeries hardware and software, as well as onsite custom services to give customers the level of expertise they require.

4For onsite labor, IBM will attempt to diagnose and resolve the problem remotely before sending a technician.

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