Dell PowerEdge M520 Technical Guide - Page 35

Agent-based systems management Most systems management solutions require pieces of software, called agents, to be installed on each node in order to be managed within the IT environment. Additionally, the same agent is often used as a local interface into the hardware health and may be accessed remotely as a management interface, typically referred to as a one-to-one interface. For customers that continue to use agentbased solutions, Dell provides OpenManage Server Administrator. OpenManage Server Administrator The Dell OpenManage Server Administrator (OMSA) agent gives you a comprehensive, one-to-one systems management solution for both local and remote servers and their storage. OMSA can help simplify single-server monitoring with a secure command-line interface (CLI) or web-based GUI. It can also be used to view system configuration, inventory, health, and performance. Agent-free systems management Because Dell PowerEdge servers have embedded server lifecycle management, in many cases, there is no need to install an OpenManage systems management software agent into the operating system of a Dell PowerEdge server. This greatly simplifies and streamlines the management footprint. Chassis Management Controller console for blade systems The Dell Chassis Management Controller (CMC) is a systems management hardware and software solution for managing multiple Dell blade chassis. The CMC is a hot-pluggable module inserted in the back of a Dell blade chassis. It provides a secure interface that enables an administrator to inventory, perform configuration and monitoring tasks, remote power on/off blades, and enable alerts for events on servers and components in the blade chassis. The CMC uses iDRAC7 with Lifecycle Controller to perform management functions, such as opening a remote console session from the CMC interface. Dell consoles The central console in a systems management solution is often referred to as the one-to-many console. The central console provides a rapid view and insight into the overall health of all systems in the IT environment. The Dell systems management portfolio includes several powerful consoles, depending upon your needs, including the following:  Dell OpenManage Essentials - OpenManage Essentials (OME) is a recently released systems management console that provides a comprehensive view of Dell systems, devices, and components in an enterprise network. It is used to monitor Dell PowerEdge servers, EqualLogic™ and PowerVault™ storage, and PowerConnect™ switches; to update and configure Dell servers; and to create asset reports. OpenManage Essentials also communicates health status alerts for Dell servers, storage, and network devices to the Dell KACE™ K1000 service desk. OpenManage Essentials is available as a no-charge software download from Dell.com/Support. OpenManage systems management tools and utilities Dell OpenManage systems management tools and utilities consist of the following:  Dell Repository Manager - The Dell Repository Manager (RM) is a standalone GUI-based productivity tool that helps simplify the process of managing downloads and baseline BIOS, firmware, and driver updates. Repository Manager can create deployment disks as well as create and manage customized repositories. 35 PowerEdge M520 Technical Guide