IBM x3400 Extensive System Support Features, All CAT5, 5e, Via Secondary, cabling, Switch

An affordable dual-socket, dual- and quad-core SMP server with high performance and data protection for small and medium businesses

actually contribute to equipment failure due to overheating. ACT cabling is the solution for reducing behind-the-rack cabling by as much as 87%.

The illustration below shows a sample ACT configuration:

Directly	Via Daisy-Chain
	• Max.16 servers per port
All CAT5, 5e, 6	Via Secondary
cabling	Switch

Conventional cabling has bulky KVM cables exiting each server, which then connect to a KVM switch. The cables exiting a series of KVM switches must then be aggregated via additional KVM switches and PDUs, which only increases the number—and cost—of cables, KVM switches and PDUs. Instead, the daisy- chain approach of ACT cabling uses readily available, inexpensive CAT5 and 6 cabling to considerably reduce the number of cables, KVM switches, and PDUs needed, rather than increasing them. If a server is removed or added, no complicated rewiring is needed. One cable connects the first server in the rack to the next, and so on. Up to 16 servers form a chain; up to 8 chains can connect to one Local Console Manager (LCM); 16 LCMs can connect to one Global Console Manager (GCM). In this manner, up to 2,048 servers can be centrally managed. Equally importantly, with ACT—unlike some other offerings— everything is done externally via cabling; no special adapters are required.

Extensive System Support Features

The IBM services and technical support portfolio provides world-class, consistent, high-quality service and support. The x3400 server offers a number of tools and services designed to make ownership a positive experience. From the start, IBM programs make it easier for you to plan for, configure and purchase System x or xSeries servers, get them running and keep them running long-term. These features include IBM Express Portfolio, IBM ServerProven®, the IBM Standalone Solutions Configuration Tool, IBM System x and BladeCenter Power Configurator, IBM ServerGuide, IBM Electronic Service Agent™, Product Customization Services and extensive technical support offerings.

This System x server is part of the IBM Express Portfolio, designed, developed and priced to meet the specific needs of midsized businesses. The IBM Express Portfolio of solutions is 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 server and are officially supported to work together. It is updated frequently to ensure that the latest compatibility information is always 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 well as the proper airflow clearances, electrical circuits and other environmental conditions.

IBM System x and BladeCenter Power Configurator helps IT managers plan for data center power needs, by providing the following information for 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 current (mA), and peak inrush current (amps).

IBM ServerGuide (installed from CD) simplifies the process of installing and configuring System x and 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 you reduce both your total cost of ownership and the complexity that administrators and technical personnel face.

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