Sun Microsystems, Inc.

implemented in hardware and firmware. The key differentiator of Intelligent Platform Management is that these functions are independent of the main CPU, BIOS, and OS. There are two major components of platform management: the Service Processor (or BMC) and System Management Software (SMS). Intelligent Platform Management capabilities are a key component in providing enterprise-class management for high-availability systems. Platform status information can be obtained and recovery actions initiated under situations where system management software and normal in-band management mechanisms are unavailable.

The Service Processor is the brain behind platform management. Its primary purpose is to provide autonomous sensor monitoring and event logging features. Typical sensor-related events are out-of-range temperature or voltage and fan failure. When an event occurs, it is noted in the system event log and made available to SMS. The Service Processor is powered by the power supply stand-by voltage and will function even when the server is powered down or the operating system has crashed. This allows platform status to be obtained and recovery initiated under situations in which in-band delivery mechanisms are unavailable. In modern systems, the Intelligent Platform Management Interface provides a hardware-level interface specification for monitoring and control functions. It defines a standard, abstract, message-based interface between the BMC and SMS and a common set of commands for operations such as accessing sensor values, setting thresholds, logging events, and controlling a watchdog timer. IPMI messages can be used to communicate with the BMC over serial and LAN interfaces, so software designed for in-band (local) management can be re-used for out-of-band (remote) management simply by changing the low-level communications layer.

IPMItool

IPMItool is a simple command-line interface to systems that support the IPMI v2.0 specification. IPMItool provides the ability to read the sensor data repository and print sensor values, display the contents of the system event log, print field-replaceable unit information, read and set LAN configuration parameters, and perform remote chassis power control. IPMItool was originally written to take advantage of IPMI-over-LAN interfaces but is also capable of using the system interface as provided by a Linux kernel device driver such as OpenIPMI or a SolarisTM driver called BMC, which is included in Solaris 10. IPMItool is available under a BSD- compatible license. System Management Software is generally complex and makes platform management only part of a much larger management picture. However, many system administrators and developers rely on command-line tools that can be scripted and systems that can be micro-managed. IPMItool takes a different approach to SMS and provides a completely command-line oriented tool. Therefore, it is not designed to replace the OpenIPMI library. Where possible, IPMItool supports printing comma-separated values for output to facilitate parsing by other scripts or programs. It is designed to run quick command-response functions that can be as simple as turning the system on or off or as complex as reading in the sensor data records and extracting and printing detailed sensor information for each record.

SNMP

SNMP management provides remote access by SNMP-compliant entities to monitor and control network

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Sun Microsystems X4600 M2 manual IPMItool, Snmp
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X4600 M2, X4600 specifications

Sun Microsystems was a pioneering technology company that developed innovative hardware and software solutions, most notably in the server industry. Among their notable offerings were the Sun Fire X4600 and X4600 M2 servers. These high-performance systems were designed to meet the growing demands for scalability, flexibility, and reliability in enterprise-level computing environments.

The Sun Fire X4600 was introduced as one of the first four-socket, x86 servers specifically optimized for demanding workloads. Powered by AMD Opteron processors, the X4600 was capable of supporting up to 64GB of memory, which was a significant advantage for memory-intensive applications. Its architecture enabled efficient parallel processing, making it an ideal choice for tasks such as database management and virtualization.

One of the defining characteristics of the X4600 was its modular design. The server featured a combination of innovative technologies that allowed it to be easily expanded and upgraded. This made it well-suited for businesses seeking a long-term investment in their IT infrastructure, as it provided room for growth without necessitating a complete system overhaul.

The X4600 M2, an evolution of the original X4600 model, offered further enhancements in performance and flexibility. It supported the next generation of AMD Opteron processors, providing increased processing power and efficiency. Additionally, the M2 model enhanced memory capacity, allowing for a maximum of 128GB of RAM, catering to the more urgent needs of resource-intensive applications.

One of the key technologies incorporated in the X4600 and X4600 M2 was the Sun Fire’s Advanced Lights Out Management (ALOM), which allowed for remote management capabilities. This feature enabled IT administrators to monitor system health and performance without being physically present, reducing downtime and improving overall system management.

Both servers also offered extensive storage options, combining numerous high-capacity drive bays to ensure ample disk space for data-heavy applications. Their effective cooling solutions made them suitable for even the most demanding environments, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.

In conclusion, Sun Microsystems' X4600 and X4600 M2 servers represented significant advancements in server technology. With their powerful architectures, flexible configurations, and innovative management features, they met the evolving demands of modern enterprise environments, solidifying their position as trusted solutions for robust computing needs.
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