Optimized for virtualization and database applications with maximum
memory and compute capacity in a blade
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Extensive System Support Features
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 you to plan for, configure
and purchase BladeCenter servers, get them running and ke ep them running long-term. These
features include IBM ServerProven, IBM Standalone Soluti ons Configuration Tool, IBM System x
and BladeCenter Power Configurator, IBM ServerGuide, IBM Systems Director Service and
Support Manager, Product Customization Services and extensive technical support offerings.
The IBM ServerProven program provides the confidence t hat specific options and operating
systems have been tested on the blade servers and chassis and are officially supported to work
together. It is updated frequently to keep the latest comp atibility information at your fingertips.
The IBM Standalone Solutions Configuration Tool (SSCT) is a downloadable tool that
simplifies the often complex chore of configuring a full rack of servers (including blade servers)
and confirming that you have all the cables, power distribution units, KVM (keyboard, video and
mouse) switch boxes and other components you need, as wel l as the proper airflow clearances,
electrical circuits and other environmental conditions.
IBM System x and BladeCenter Power Configurator hel ps IT managers plan for data center
power needs, by providing the following information f or specific configurations of System x and
BladeCenter systems: power input (watts), PDU sizing ( amps), heat output (BTUs), airflow
requirements through chassis (CFM), VA rating, leakage curr ent (mA), and peak inrush current
(amps).
IBM ServerGuide (installed from CD) simplifies the proc ess of installing and configuring System
x servers. ServerGuide goes beyond mere hardware c onfiguration by assisting with the
automated installation of the Microsoft Windows Server® 2008 operating system, device drivers
and other system components, with minimal user inter vention. (Drivers are also included for
support of Novell NetWare, Red Hat Linux and SUSE LINU X.) This focus on deployment helps
to reduce both your total cost of ownership and the compl exity that administrators and technical
personnel face.
IBM Systems Director Service and Support Manager (pr eviously called IBM Electronic
Service Agent) is an innovative “call home” feature that allows System x and BladeCenter
servers to automatically report hardware problems to IBM sup port, which can even dispatch
onsite service7 if necessary to those customers entitled to onsite support under the terms of their
warranty or an IBM Maintenance Agreement. Service and Su pport Manager resides on a server
and provides electronic support and problem management c apabilities through a highly secure
electronic dialogue between your systems and IBM. It monit ors 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 s ecure database and used for improved
problem determination.
Additional services include hardware warranty upgrades and f actory-installed Product
Customization Services (PCS), such as asset tagging, h ardware integration, software imaging
and operating systems personalization.
IBM offers extensive technical support by phone and via th e Web. Support options include
links to forums/newsgroups, problem submission, onlin e shopping support, service offerings,
device drivers for all IBM product lines, software downloads and even upcoming technical
seminar worldwide schedules and registration. Also availabl e are remote installation,
configuration and usage support for both System x hard ware and software, as well as onsite
custom services to provide the level of expertise you requir e.
IBM Maintenance and Technical Support solutions c an help you get the most out of your IT
investment by reducing support costs, increasing availabilit y and simplifying management with
integrated support for your multiproduct, multivendor hardwar e and software environment. For
more information on hardware maintenance, software supp ort, solution support and managed
support, visit http://ibm.com/services/maintenance.
Key Options IBM options for System x servers let you take your servers to a higher level
You rely on System x and blade options to supply a compr ehensive solution for your business
needs. Options help create an optimized server system t o meet your data protection, storage and
availability needs. Every IBM option is designed and test ed for peak performance and flexibility,
helping to maximize your return on investment. The combin ation of System x servers and options
lets you keep your fingers on the pulse of your e-business.
Processors — The Intel Xeon processor provides high cl ock rates, 64-bit extensions, a large
cache, Hyper Threading Technology, Turbo Boost Technol ogy, energy-saving features, and
advanced features for availability and manageability. Large c ache size and multiple cores,
combined with an 800MHz or 978MHz memory access sp eed, reduce memory latency and
facilitate the movement of data through the processor and I/O devices. (Note: System