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Introduction
Dell Lifecycle Controller provides advanced embedded systems management to perform systems
management tasks such as deploy, configure, update, maintain, and diagnose. It is delivered as part of
integrated Dell Remote Access Controller (iDRAC) out-of-band solution and embedded Unified
Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) applications in the latest Dell servers. iDRAC works with the UEFI
firmware to access and manage every aspect of the hardware, including component and subsystem
management that is beyond the traditional Baseboard Management Controller (BMC) capabilities.
Dell Lifecycle Controller Remote Services further enables remote systems management in a one-to-
many method. Remote services is accessible over the network using the secure web services interface
and can be programmatically utilized by applications and scripts. Remote services enable management
consoles to perform one-to-many bare-metal server provisioning. The combination of the Auto-
discovery feature to identify and authenticate the attached Dell system to the network and integration
with one‑to-many management consoles reduces the manual steps required for server setup and
management. The Server Configuration Profiles provide a single view of all the system settings that can
be imported and exported from the server to perform one-to-many cloning operations. The interface is
aimed at simplifying many tasks, some of which include remotely deploying an operating system, remote
update and inventory, and remotely automating the setup and configuration of new and already-
deployed Dell systems.
Lifecycle Controller reduces the time and number of steps taken to accomplish tasks, reduces potential
for error, enhances server and application uptime and security, and results in more efficient IT
management. Developed on the industry standard Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) platform
and Web Services for Management (WSMAN) interfaces, Lifecycle Controller provides an open
environment for console integration that also allows custom scripting for Lifecycle Controller. Leading
systems management consoles such as, Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager, BMC Software
BladeLogic Operations Manager, Symantec Deployment Solution, and Dell Management Console have
integrated Dell Lifecycle Controller to utilize its features and capabilities to an existing infrastructure,
where these consoles are installed.

Benefits of using iDRAC with Lifecycle Controller

The iDRAC with Lifecycle Controller technology in the server’s embedded management allows you to
perform useful tasks such as configuring BIOS and hardware settings, deploying operating systems,
changing RAID settings, and saving hardware profiles. Together, iDRAC and Lifecycle Controller provide a
robust set of management functions that can be used throughout the entire server lifecycle.
Dell Lifecycle Controller simplifies server lifecycle management — from provisioning, deployment,
patching and updating to servicing and user customization — both locally and remotely. Lifecycle
Controller includes managed and persistent storage that embeds systems management features and
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