IBM x3200 Product Guide - Page 6

An affordable single-socket, dual-core server with high performance and data protection for small and medium businesses management adapter adds local and remote management functions without consuming an adapter slot. • Toolless chassis - The cover can be opened without tools, and many components can be installed or removed and replaced without tools, including the optical drive, hot-swap HDDs, PCI and PCI-E adapters, as well as the integrated RAID controller and optional Remote Supervisor Adapter II SlimLine. This can save a servicer significant time. Rack Cable Management and KVM Console Switching IBM Advanced Cabling Technology (ACT) is an optional feature that offers many advantages over standard KVM cabling across the entire System x and xSeries product line. So now you can interconnect all of your servers with one smart cabling architecture. ACT cabling eliminates the need for one-to-one direct connections between each server and a KVM switch by using a daisy-chain approach. The snarl of cabling behind most racks is at best inconvenient to work around and at worst an expensive logistical nightmare, requiring the rewiring of servers, PDUs, KVM switches, and other equipment whenever a rack server is added or removed. Even worse, the veil of cables blocks rack airflow and can 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 All CAT5, 5e, 6 cabling Via Daisy-Chain • Max.16 servers per port Via Secondary 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 x3200 M2 server offers a number of tools and services designed to make ownership a positive experience. From the start, IBM programs make it easier for customers to plan for, configure and purchase System x or xSeries servers, get them running and keep them running long-term. These features include 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. 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 customers' 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 6 Please see the Legal Information section for important notices and information.