feature section: the Efficient Enterprise
Simplify Management with the Dell Unified Server configurator Enabled by the Lifecycle Controller By Shelli Allgood Anand Narayanan Hai Phung Pritesh Prabhu
The new Dell™ Unified Server Configurator enabled by the Lifecycle Controller incorporates a comprehensive set of systems management features that operate in a pre-OS environment. Embedded directly in new 11thgeneration Dell PowerEdge™ servers, this next-generation tool does not require media such as CDs or DVDs and offers a simplified, flexible way to perform tasks ranging from firmware updates to OS deployment to diagnostics.
S
ystems management is a key part of the IT
provisioning servers and customizing them to meet
administrator’s job, and encompasses tasks
specific requirements. In addition, because the tool
such as installing operating systems, updating
is integrated with and embedded in the server, for-
firmware to be functional and adhere to enterprise
matting the disk or reinstalling the OS does not
policies, configuring hardware, and maintaining IT infra-
remove the tool, helping save the time and costs
structures. Over the years, Dell has provided many
associated with reinstalling system tools and thereby
tools designed to assist administrators with these tasks,
helping increase administrator productivity.
Related Categories:
including tools that shipped with multiple CDs (such
Dell OpenManage
as Dell OpenManage™ Server Assistant and the Dell
USC components and architecture
Dell PowerEdge servers
OpenManage Deployment Toolkit) and a single CD
New 11th-generation Dell PowerEdge servers intro-
Dell Unified Server Configurator
carrying all the software tools (such as the Dell Systems
duce Embedded Management, which is designed to
Diagnostics
Build and Update Utility). Although these tools helped
dramatically reduce the time required for multiple
Firmware updates
simplify and streamline management of Dell systems,
common management tasks. It comprises several
Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller (iDRAC)
they also required administrators to save the CDs so
interdependent components, including the new
the tools could be reinstalled if needed, which added
Lifecycle Controller and USC interface.
OS deployment
clutter and storage requirements as organizations
Systems management
accumulated multiple versions of these tools.
The Lifecycle Controller is a flash chip embedded in the system itself that provides persistent storage
Visit DELL.COM/PowerSolutions
The new Dell Unified Server Configurator (USC)
for systems management components—including,
for the complete category index.
enabled by the Lifecycle Controller is designed to
among others, the system BIOS, firmware, drivers,
overcome these challenges. Based on the Integrated
and Dell OpenManage tools. Administrators can
Dell Remote Access Controller (iDRAC) embedded
access these components through the USC interface,
in new 11th-generation Dell PowerEdge servers, it
which is also stored on the Lifecycle Controller.
32
provides a single place to perform updates, hardware
The USC offers a single access point and interface
configuration, OS deployment, and system diagnos-
for performing comprehensive platform updates,
tics—one that functions independently of both media
hardware configuration, OS deployments, and diag-
and platform OS. Because the USC is available
nostics (see Figure 1). Administrators can launch the
even when the OS is not, it helps add flexibility when
application by booting the server and pressing F10.
DELL POWER SOLUTIONS | June 2009
Reprinted from Dell Power Solutions, June 2009. Copyright © 2009 Dell Inc. All rights reserved.
Figure 1. Main menu functions in the Dell Unified Server Configurator
Figure 2. Network settings in the Dell Unified Server Configurator
Because the USC is managed by the
multiple updates
iDRAC subsystem and runs in a Unified
in batches. This
Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI)
batch processor—
environment, running the USC does not
called the System
require booting the OS.
Services Manager
The UEFI specification was created
(SSM)—is automat-
to replace BIOS, but has also evolved to
ically invoked when
provide additional functionality that can
multiple updates
support powerful applications that run
are requested. The
without an OS. This specification includes
intelligence in the
a Trusted Computing Group protocol
SSM is designed to
that supports Trusted Platform Module
defer reboots to
(TPM) measurements and secure updates
the last possible
and that the USC is designed to lever-
point
age. UEFI—and, therefore, the USC—also
reduce the number
has a well-developed network stack
of reboots required
and a strong point-and-click graphical
to perform updates.
environment designed for ease of use,
The SSM also provides a way to apply
firmware, diagnostics, BIOS, and drivers
helping make the USC a powerful, simpli-
OS-based Dell Update Packages (DUPs)
at the most current level, which can help
fied pre-OS configuration tool.
in a synchronized way. When administra-
maximize system performance and avoid
tors apply a DUP through the OS, the
unnecessary downtime. Operating in the
updates are scheduled securely on the
UEFI environment, independently of an
SSM for execution on next boot.
installed OS, helps increase the security
The USC application includes built-in support
for
both
Dynamic
Host
Configuration Protocol (DHCP) and
to
help
Figure 3. Update repository settings in the Dell Unified Server Configurator
Domain Name System (DNS), and enables
To provide assistance to administra-
administrators to configure network cards
tors learning to use the USC, each USC
Administrators can perform platform
to acquire an IP address through DHCP or
screen includes context-sensitive help.
updates from an FTP or local USB
use static IP properties (see Figure 2). In
Administrators can access the relevant
repository (see Figure 3); using a
addition, the application interface sup-
help for a specific screen by clicking on
USB repository can help improve update
ports both text-based and SOCKS 4 prox-
the “?” button in the upper-right corner.
efficiency during periods of network con-
ies, enabling administrators to connect to
and convenience of this process.
gestion. After administrators have
Intelligent, efficient platform updates
selected a repository, the USC can auto-
The USC also includes a task sched-
The USC platform update feature enables
and provide the option of manually
uler enabling administrators to deploy
administrators to maintain the system
selecting specific components to update
the network through proxy servers to enable secure downloads to the server.
Reprinted from Dell Power Solutions, June 2009. Copyright © 2009 Dell Inc. All rights reserved.
matically detect the necessary updates
DELL.COM/PowerSolutions
33
feature section: the Efficient Enterprise
Utilizing the data from the LCL, the USC can automatically detect the necessary and Select repository
Retrieve update catalog
Report available updates
Detect needed updates
Select updates
Retrieve update packages
Display progress
Apply updates
available updates from the designated Local USB repository
repository. It then displays the data in a table format, showing both the current level and the available level (see Figure 5). By default, the update process automati-
Dell FTP repository
cally upgrades all identified components, but administrators can also manually select specific components to upgrade. Increased standardization, consistency, and synchronization. Updates are applied to the system from the SSM batch processor. After the updates are selected from the comparison report table, the
Figure 4. Platform update process using the Dell Unified Server Configurator
updates are registered into the system services information block (SSIB) task list,
or deploying all identified updates.
after booting the server and pressing F10,
and the SSM processes and executes the
Figure 4 illustrates the update process.
and the update process requires no
task from this list. Using the SSM and the
external media such as CDs or DVDs—
SSIB helps increase standardization, con-
Key platform update features
helping eliminate the time required to
sistency, and synchronization throughout
The USC introduces multiple platform
find or burn a disc, or to deal with prob-
the update process.
update features not previously available
lems such as an unreadable disc.
Intelligent reboots to help reduce
in Dell systems management tools, and
Efficient, automated inventory and
downtime. The purpose of system updates
which are designed to simplify, automate,
update process. The inventory process
is typically to keep the system as current
standardize, and secure the update pro-
starts immediately after the server boots
as possible, helping avoid unnecessary
cess for IT administrators.
to the USC or after an update process
downtime from system failures. However,
Simplified, media-less operation. The
has completed. It collects and records the
the update process itself can cause sig-
update process operates in the UEFI
current level of the system and subsystem
nificant downtime because of the need to
environment independently from an
firmware into the system life cycle log
reboot before an update can take effect.
installed OS, and works on all supported
(LCL), which contains a comprehensive
Applying multiple updates may require
servers. The update functions are
history of the server, including the initial
several reboots, which can cause consid-
designed to be immediately available
factory loading configuration.
erable disruption.
Figure 5. Available updates detected by the Dell Unified Server Configurator
34
DELL POWER SOLUTIONS | June 2009
Figure 6. Supported OS installations using the Dell Unified Server Configurator Reprinted from Dell Power Solutions, June 2009. Copyright © 2009 Dell Inc. All rights reserved.
The USC update process is designed to minimize the number of reboots by using the update catalog combined with Start OS deployment
the parameters in the SSIB task list. Unless an update requires an immediate reboot, the process combines reboots, potentially
Does boot media exist?
enabling the server to reboot only once after the updates are completed. In addi-
No
Error message
Reboot
No
Error message
Reboot
tion, running the update process in the UEFI environment helps reduce boot time
Yes
by avoiding the need to load a full OS. Enhanced security. The update pro-
Does optical drive exist?
cess is designed to ensure that the system and data are well protected, and utilizes multiple layers of security validation. For example, external data is stored tempo-
Perform optional RAID configuration
rarily in nonvolatile storage, with the data then validated using the data signature to help prevent the intrusion of contami-
Select OS from menu
nated data from external sources. Only validated data is staged in the USC and applied to the appropriate components.
Expose “floppy” and “OEMDRV” partitions
In addition, USC partitions open as readonly and only authorized programs are
Retry
allowed to open them as read/write, which helps control access.
Is OS media correct?
Flexible OS deployment Previous Dell OS deployment tools such
No
Error message
Yes
as Dell OpenManage Server Assistant or the Dell Systems Build and Update Utility
Reboot to OS media
were media based, requiring administrators to have the appropriate Dell CD or DVD on hand for the server being provisioned. If the CD or DVD was not available, or was not the correct version, administra-
Figure 7. OS deployment process using the Dell Unified Server Configurator
tors would need to download the appropriate image and burn it onto a disc. In
server has a RAID controller, administra-
the extracted drivers after the OS installa-
addition, the OS drivers present on the CD
tors can also optionally launch the USC
tion is complete. After this step is complete
or DVD could be outdated by the time the
RAID Configuration wizard during the
and administrators have inserted the OS
server was ready for deployment, requir-
deployment process to configure a virtual
installation media, the USC verifies the con-
ing administrators to run post-OS DUPs
disk as the boot device.
tents and proceeds with the installation.
to update their drivers.
After administrators have selected the
The USC OS Deployment wizard pro-
OS to be deployed, the USC guides them
Key OS deployment features
vides a flexible, simplified way to install
through the process, including extracting
The USC OS deployment feature is
supported Microsoft® Windows® and
the drivers necessary for OS installation
designed to be more flexible and easier
Linux® operating systems, and does not
and copying them to a staging directory.
to use than previous Dell systems
require separate media-based deploy-
On Microsoft Windows operating systems,
management tools, including support for
ment tools (see Figures 6 and 7; sup-
these extracted drivers are installed during
native OS installation, updatable drivers,
ported operating systems may vary
the OS installation. On Linux operating sys-
one-to-many driver installation, and vir-
depending on the specific server). If the
tems, administrators must manually install
tual disk creation.
Reprinted from Dell Power Solutions, June 2009. Copyright © 2009 Dell Inc. All rights reserved.
DELL.COM/PowerSolutions
35
feature section: the Efficient Enterprise
capabilities in new 11th-generation Dell PowerEdge servers. Because it is embedded and integrated into the server itself, this tool does not require separate media such as Dell OpenManage CDs or DVDs and operates independently of the server OS—helping increase flexibility and save the time and costs associated with tasks such as reinstalling system tools after formatting a disk or reinstalling an OS. This powerful, simplified tool can help
Figure 8. Diagnostic functions in the Dell Unified Server Configurator
administrators rapidly perform systems management tasks and ultimately help
Native OS installation. The USC uses
Otherwise, the wizard guides them
the native installers provided by the OS
through the process of configuring a new
installation media. This approach helps
virtual disk as a boot device, including
Shelli Allgood is a lead software engineer
make the installation process flexible and
selecting a RAID controller, clearing or
in the Dell Systems Management Software
extensible to future installer versions
ignoring an existing foreign configura-
Group. Shelli has a B.S. in Computer Science
released for supported operating systems.
tion, selecting RAID type and physical
from Baylor University.
Updatable drivers. The drivers car-
disks, and optionally defining advanced
ried by the USC can be updated using
parameters such as stripe element size,
Anand Narayanan is a software lead for
the platform update feature. To help
read and write policy, and hot spare disk
the Dell Unified Server Configurator in the
ensure that the USC has the most cur-
assignment.
Dell Product Group. Anand has a degree
rent available drivers, best practices rec-
increase their productivity.
in Computer Science from Texas A&M
ommend running the USC Platform
Embedded diagnostics
Update wizard before OS deployment.
Diagnostics enable administrators to
Doing so helps avoid the need to manu-
detect system hardware and memory
Hai Phung is a software engineer in the Dell
ally check driver versions, and helps
problems to help reduce the expenses
Systems Management Software Group. Hai
avoid inadvertently installing outdated
associated with the repair and building of
has a degree in Computer Science from the
drivers and then needing to run a post-
systems (see Figure 8). Because the USC
University of Minnesota.
OS DUP to update them.
incorporates diagnostics directly in the
University.
One-to-many driver installation. The
embedded USC partition, these features
Pritesh Prabhu is a software engineer con-
drivers carried by the USC are exposed
ship with the system from the factory and
sultant in the Dell Systems Management
on a USB drive, and can be shared across
are not removed when administrators
Software Group. Pritesh has an M.S. in
a network and used to provision multiple
install an OS or reformat a drive. In addi-
Electrical and Computer Engineering from
servers. This feature helps greatly reduce
tion, embedding diagnostics in the USC
the University of Texas at Austin.
the overhead of setting up multiple serv-
partition enables administrators to easily
ers and enables one-to-many OS deploy-
update the diagnostics using the USC
ment. Administrators can easily copy the
platform update feature, without requiring
drivers and plug them into the OS provi-
them to reinstall the utility partition at
sioning framework.
each update. The platform update feature
Simplified virtual disk creation. For
can automatically perform an inventory
servers that include a RAID controller,
and display a comparison report table if
administrators can optionally launch the
a new version is available.
USC RAID Configuration wizard during first displays a list of its current control-
Integrated systems management
lers and the virtual disks in the system. If
The new Dell Unified Server Configurator
the necessary virtual disks are already in
enabled by the Lifecycle Controller is
place, administrators can exit the wizard
designed to provide quick and easy
and continue with the OS deployment.
access to system life cycle management
the OS deployment process. This wizard
36
DELL POWER SOLUTIONS | June 2009
QUICK LINKs Dell PowerEdge servers: DELL.COM/PowerEdge Dell systems management: DELL.COM/OpenManage
Reprinted from Dell Power Solutions, June 2009. Copyright © 2009 Dell Inc. All rights reserved.
