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Best practices in Remote Server Management
Use of service processors in remote management solutions.
by 42U
Q. How do most of our customers currently access
and manage their servers?
A. Our clients access and manage their servers in several
different ways, including using KVM over IP, Console
Servers, Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP), Virtual Network
Computing (VNC), Terminal Services, and SNMP in conjunction
with integrated onboard technologies/service processors.
Many customers also take advantage of centralized server
management platforms that allow them to effectively
control all of their datacenter equipment from a single
interface, providing a unified point of entry.
Q. How do each of these approaches compare to
each other?
A. These approaches fall on a continuum. Secure
console servers and KVM over IP offer the most robust
remote management capabilities; followed by iLO/IPMI/DRAC;
and then RDP, Terminal Services, and VNC; which offer
more limited remote management capabilities.
Q. What are the challenges of using various means
of access in heterogeneous environments?
A. The challenges are numerous. For example, in
heterogeneous environments, all the equipment "speaks"
a different language, thus requiring multiple management
tools and interfaces to connect to devices, which is
very cumbersome. In addition, without a standard access
method, personnel need to learn many different ways
to retrieve information and access devices, which can
be very inefficient.
Q. Are there ways to integrate some or all of
these approaches to access in a single format or console?
A. Yes. Through Avocent's DSView 3 software, Avocent
MergePoint devices consolidate and manage devices with
onboard service processors like iLO (HP), DRAC (Dell),
RSA II (IBM) and ALOM (Sun) technologies, allowing power
control, hardware monitoring, scripting, and provisioning
for all connected devices through a single interface,
even in heterogeneous environments. Also, since the
MergePoint consolidates all ports, only one external
IP address and Ethernet port are needed for all connected
devices-eliminating the headache of 1:1 management and
the hassle of multiple network drops. The MergePoint
can really help cut down on tedious device management
work, saving time and reducing costs.
Q. Are there other technologies that can be integrated
with these tools?
A. Yes-for example, Avocent's DSView 3 software
provides centralized management and consolidated access
to devices with integrated onboard technologies, computer
systems, servers, serial-based devices, environmental
monitoring devices, and power distribution products
through a single interface.
Q. In a homogeneous environment, does a client
really need a centralized server management platform?
A. Yes. By simplifying access to IT assets, aggregating
access, and providing a single management portal, centralized
server management platforms eliminate the need to manage
devices individually, saving time, reducing IT costs,
and increasing efficiency. In addition, if downtime
occurs, centralized management helps administrators
access, troubleshoot, and bring servers and appliances
back online quickly. In addition, some solutions can
integrate support for RDP and VNC, so that full server
management coverage (in-band and out-of-band) can take
place from one user interface.
Q. Tell me a bit more about service processors.
Do our clients use them to their full advantage?
A. Many of our clients don't unlock the full potential
of service processors and only take advantage of one
or two features, like monitoring or power control. Along
with the ability to remotely power cycle devices and
monitor on-board instrumentation, service processors
offer many other features like data logging, remote
console access via Serial over LAN (SoL), KVM control,
and the ability to set event traps and perform OS-level
shutdown remotely. Many organizations have legacy equipment
with embedded services processors and don't utilize
the technology they already have. With a minimal physical
investment, they can make better use of their existing
equipment.
About 42U
42U focuses on providing Facilities and Data
Center Managers with objective and trusted independent
information on
Data Center Power and
Data
Center Cooling best practices along with
KVM over
IP and
Remote
Power lights out management to help them reduce
their organization's power consumption. Our
Data Center Management
website has helped millions of IT professionals globally
who search for best practices and technologies to help
them make their computer environment more efficient.
This work is licensed under a
Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0
Unported License.
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