Cyclades AlterPath BladeManager user manual Introduction, Chapter

Chapter 1

Introduction

The AtlerPath BladeManager is a comprehensive in-band and out-of-band blade management tool designed to complement the IBM Director. It provides BladeCenter users the necessary security, authentication, access control and administration capabilities to remotely manage blade servers and switch modules.

The BladeManager provides a wide range of features which includes the following:

•Continuously captures and records data logs for all BladeCenter devices for diagnostic and audit purposes.

•Generates system alarms and user notifications to avoid or reduce system failures.

•Provides secure, remote access to OS, POST and BIOS on every blade server and switch module to enable administrators to quickly diagnose and restore disconnected devices.

•Easy-to-use web interface for administrators and regular users.

For a summary of all the AlterPath BladeManager features, see “Key Features” on page 1-2of this chapter.

The BladeManager web interface provides two modes based on the type of user:

•Access

•Admin

The Access mode is for regular users to view and access the blade servers to which they have authorized access. The Admin mode is for system administrators to configure and administer the BladeManager and its users.

Note: Anyone who uses the BladeManager application in Access mode is referred to as a user, regardless of whether that user is a system administrator or not. An administrator or admin user is anyone who has the exclusive authority to configure and to perform various system administrative tasks for the BladeManager.