HP ProLiant DL590/64 ProLiant DL590/64 Server Technology - Page 18

TC020702TB TECHNOLOGY BRIEF (cont.) ... Integrated Management Display The IMD is a backlit liquid crystal display that allows administrators to enter server and contact information. Just as importantly, the IMD presents critical information, warning messages, and error messages in an easy-to-understand format. A 5-volt auxiliary power line supplies power to the IMD whenever the server power line is plugged in. Even if the server power goes down, the auxiliary line continues to power the IMD so that critical information, such as the last error message and the administrator's name, can be obtained. The IMD unit contains its own static memory. This memory contains the software code to control the IMD and the text messages shown on the display. All software enhancements added in the future will be available through a flashable ROMPaq. During POST, all event logs, system information, and administrator information are uploaded from the system nonvolatile RAM. During runtime, new events are stored in the nonvolatile RAM and the IMD static RAM (SRAM). If the IMD unit is removed and replaced, all key event and system information is still available. COMMITMENT TO INDUSTRY-STANDARD 64-BIT COMPUTING To take advantage of the full performance capabilities of the Itanium processor, customers will need to run 64-bit OSs. Compaq will support the use of 64-bit versions of Windows Advanced Server, Limited Edition (Windows Enterprise Server in the .NET production version), Red Hat Linux 7.2, and SuSE Linux Enterprise Edition. To realize the full performance benefits of the Itanium processor, customers will also need to use 64-bit applications. Since this is an entirely new processor, solution stacks that include the IA-64 OSs, applications, and backup software will be limited at first. As time goes on, however, more solution stacks will be available for the Itanium processor family. Compaq is working with major software vendors to ensure that applications are available for those customers who will initially benefit most from the ProLiant DL590/64 server. Initially, customers using applications that can take advantage of the ProLiant DL590/64 server's large memory footprint will benefit most. As mentioned earlier, the ProLiant DL590/64 server will support up to 64 GB of main memory. That's four times more than most servers available today and will benefit applications that move large amounts of data in and out of memory. In some cases, entire databases may be able to fit in memory so that the server never needs to access data from the disk. The ProLiant DL590/64 server will offer significant performance improvements in this type of environment. Customers who use Terminal Services can also expect improved performance with the ProLiant DL590/64 server. Terminal Server is very dependent on the amount of kernel space that the OS makes available. The 64-bit Windows Advanced Server, Limited Edition OS allows much more kernel memory space and will enable customers to greatly increase the number of users. Compaq is partnering with leading application vendors such as Microsoft, Oracle, SAP, JD Edwards, SAS, Veritas, Legato, and BMC to ensure 64-bit applications will be available. Compaq has also invested in developing 64-bit versions of standard ProLiant system management tools. These tools include a new 64-bit version of next-generation SmartStart that assists users with installing OSs and other software and a new support CD that includes several diagnostic tools and system utilities. Compaq has developed new 64-bit Insight Manager agents to support Insight Manager XE. In addition, Compaq has developed 64-bit versions of the Power Supply Viewer, IML Viewer, IMD Configuration Utility, and the enhanced idle screen utility as a part of a new web-based management suite. 18