Dell PowerEdge M915 Technical Guide - Page 43

Dell 17.3 Embedded Server Management The PowerEdge M915 implements circuitry for the next generation of Embedded Server Management. It is Intelligent Platform Management Interface (IPMI) v2.0 compliant. The iDRAC (Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller) is responsible for acting as an interface between the host system and its management software and the periphery devices. iDRAC6 provides features for managing the server remotely or in data center lights-out environments. Advanced iDRAC features require the installation of the optional iDRAC6 Enterprise card. 17.4 Dell Lifecycle Controller and Unified Server Configurator Embedded management is comprised of interdependent pieces: • Dell Lifecycle Controller • Unified Server Configurator • iDRAC6 Dell Lifecycle Controller powers the embedded management features. It includes integrated and tamper-proof storage for system-management tools and enablement utilities (firmware, drivers, etc.). Lifecycle Controller enables pre-OS server deployment, OS installation, platform updates, platform configuration, and diagnostics capabilities. Dell Unified Server Configurator (USC) is a graphical user interface (GUI) that aids in local server provisioning in a pre-OS environment. To access the Unified Server Configurator, press the key within 10 seconds of the Dell logo appearance during the system boot process. Table 14 details current functionality enabled by the USC. Table 14. Unified Server Configurator Features and Description Feature Faster O/S Installation Faster System Updates Update Rollback More Comprehensive Diagnostics Simplified Hardware Configuration Description Drivers and the installation utility are embedded on system, so no need to scour Dell.com. Integration with Dell support automatically directed to latest versions of the Unified Server Configurator, iDRAC, RAID, BIOS, NIC, and power supply. Ability to recover to previous ―known good state‖ for all updatable components. Diagnostic utilities are embedded on system. Detects RAID controller and allows user to configure virtual disk and choose virtual disk as boot device, eliminating the need to launch a separate utility. Also provides configuration for iDRAC, BIOS, and NIC/LOM. 17.5 Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller The integrated Dell Remote Access Controller (iDRAC6) provides IT Administrators comprehensive yet straightforward management of remote servers, by delivering ―as if you are there‖ presence and control. iDRAC6 helps users to save time and money by eliminating travel to the remote server(s), PowerEdge M915 Technical Guide 43