1 Introduction
Intelligent Provisioning is a single-server deployment tool embedded in HP ProLiant Gen8 servers that replaces the SmartStart CDs and Smart Update Firmware DVD used with previous generations of HP ProLiant servers. Intelligent Provisioning simplifies HP ProLiant server setup, providing a reliable and consistent way to deploy HP ProLiant servers.
•Intelligent Provisioning assists with the OS installation process by preparing the system for installing "off-the-shelf" and HP-branded versions of leading OS software and integrating optimized HP ProLiant server support software from the HP Service Pack for ProLiant (SPP). SPP is a comprehensive systems software and firmware solution for HP ProLiant servers and server blades and their enclosures. HP ProLiant Gen8 servers are preloaded with a basic set of firmware and OS components, which are installed along with Intelligent Provisioning. After the server is running, use the Intelligent Provisioning Firmware Update utility to install additional components and update any components that have been outdated since the server was manufactured.
Although HP ProLiant Gen8 servers are pre-loaded with firmware and drivers, use Firmware Update upon initial setup to ensure you have the latest versions. Using Firmware Update also ensures you have the latest version of Intelligent Provisioning for the latest supported features, such as Microsoft Windows 2012 installations. For Microsoft Windows 2012 installations, you must run Intelligent Provisioning version 1.30 or later.
NOTE: HP Intelligent Provisioning does not function within multihomed configurations. A multihomed host is one that is connected to two or more networks or has two or more IP addresses.
IMPORTANT: Do not update firmware if the version you are currently running is required for compatibility.
•Intelligent Provisioning provides maintenance-related tasks through Perform Maintenance Options features.
•Intelligent Provisioning provides installation help for the following OSs:
Microsoft Windows, 64-bit (except Windows Server 2008 HPC and Windows Server 2008 SP2)
Red Hat Enterprise Linux
SUSE Linux Enterprise Server
VMware ESX and ESXi Custom Image
VMware ESXi/vSphere Custom Image
Not all versions of an OS are supported. For more information about supported OSs for HP ProLiant servers, see the HP Operating Systems and Virtualization Software Support for ProLiant Servers website (http://www.hp.com/go/ossupport).