A highly available and expandable, rack-dense, 1U dual-socket SMP server, for application
serving in Web environments
Please see the Legal Information section for important notices and information.
9
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 x3550 server offers a number of tools and services designed to make
ownership a positive experience. From the start, IBM programs make it easier for you to plan for,
configure and purchase System x or xSeries servers, get them running and keep them running
long-term. These features include IBM Express Portfolio, IBM ServerProven
®
, 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 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 environmental conditions.
IBM
System x and BladeCenter Power Configurator
helps IT managers plan for data center
power needs, by providing the following information for specific configurations of System x and
BladeCenter systems:
power input
(watts),
PDU sizing
(amps),
heat output
(BTUs),
airflow
requirements through chassis
(CFM),
VA rating
,
leakage current
(mA), and
peak inrush current
(amps).
IBM
ServerGuide
(installed from CD) simplifies the process of installing and configuring System
x and xSeries servers. ServerGuide goes beyond mere hardware configuration by assisting with
the automated installation of the Microsoft
®
Windows
®
Server 2000 and 2003 operating systems,
device drivers and other system components, with minimal user intervention. (Drivers are also
included for support of Novell NetWare, Red Hat Linux and SUSE LINUX.) This focus on
deployment helps you reduce both you total cost of ownership and the complexity that
administrators and technical personnel face.
IBM
Electronic Service Agent
™
is an innovative “call home” feature that allows System x and
BladeCenter servers to automatically report hardware problems to IBM support, which can even
dispatch onsite service
7
if necessary to those customers entitled to onsite support under the
terms of their warranty or an IBM Maintenance Agreement. Electronic Service Agent resides on a
server and provides electronic support and problem management capabilities through a highly
secure electronic dialogue between your systems and IBM. It monitors networked servers for
hardware errors and it can perform hardware and software inventories and report inventory
changes to IBM. All information sent to IBM is stored in a highly secure database and used for
improved problem determination.
Additional services include hardware warranty upgrades and factory-installed
Product
Customization Services
(PCS), such as asset tagging, hardware integration, software imaging
and operating systems personalization.
IBM offers extensive
technical support
by phone and via the Web. Support options include links
to forums/newsgroups, problem submission, online shopping support, service offerings, device
drivers for all IBM product lines, software downloads and even upcoming technical seminar
worldwide schedules and registration. Also available are remote installation, configuration and
usage support for System x and xSeries hardware and software, as well as onsite custom
services to provide the level of expertise you require.
Advanced Systems Management Capabilities
The x3550 has a high level of systems management capabilities that are well-suited to remote
locations as well as to stand-alone environments. Features include the Baseboard Management
Controller
(BMC),
IBM Systems Director Active Energy Manager for x86, Automatic Server
Restart, Wake on LAN
®
support, PXE support, text console redirect, Predictive Failure Analysis,
IBM Director and support for an optional Remote Supervisor Adapter II SlimLine.
The BMC provides industry-standard
Intelligent Platform Management Interface
(
IPMI
)
2.0
-
compliant systems management. It provides a number of important system functions, including:
7
For onsite labor, IBM will attempt to diagnose and resolve the problem remotely before sending a technician.
