HP ProLiant Gen8 servers

System architecture and design

Brochure
Armed with 22 years of client insight and two
years of dedicated design research, our engineers
rethought virtually every aspect of server design
and serviceability.
Servers so intuitive because they were designed
for the way you work
From the moment your first HP ProLiant Gen8 server emerges from the
box, you will feel, see, and sense the built-in quality. Guided by our
Client-2-Innovation design philosophy, HP engineers and developers
created more than 150 innovations that help you get tasks done
simply, reliably, and with confidence. These next-generation servers
were designed for the way you work.
Clients who have trusted ProLiant servers for years will be instantly
familiar with the consistent experience and yet appreciative of the
attention to detail of the new features and design. Taken together,
the sweeping architecture and design innovations in the new ProLiant
family will help your IT team increase productivity, improve server and
application uptime, and drive higher levels of system performance.
These benefits are delivered by a unique set of ProLiant innovations
that encompass designed-in quality, hassle-free serviceability, and
intuitive simplicity.
Designed-in quality
Virtually eliminate common problems that cause downtime
and data loss.
After examining more than 100,000 server incidents that led to
downtime, system damage, and data loss, HP engineers found that
most problems happen when administrators physically interact with
servers. To help prevent these problems, next-generation HP ProLiant
servers feature a variety of HP-developed intelligent components that
actively assist administrators with common service tasksand help
increase system uptime and staff productivity.
In our client research, for example, we learned that several times a
week around the world, someone accidentally removes the wrong
drive during maintenance, causing data loss across an entire array.
In response, our engineers created the HP SmartDrive carrier. It
proactively warns an administrator not to remove a drive if the
action will cause data loss.
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Heres another example: After analyzing motherboard failures, we
found that the most common cause of failure was improperly inserted
processors. This finding gave rise to the HP Smart Socket guide. It
allows you to confidently add or upgrade processors without the fear
of bending pins that leads to motherboard failure and replacement.
We also addressed issues related to troublesome memory errors and
replacements. Next-generation ProLiant servers make it all easier
with certified HP SmartMemory that includes a built-in brain and
new diagnostic algorithms that track errors, identify trends, and
resolve issues proactively.
Hassle-free serviceability
Increase your productivity and confidence during setup,
upgrade, and repair.
Armed with 22 years of client insight and two years of dedicated
design research, our engineers rethought virtually every aspect of
server design and serviceability. Cables were reduced and taken
out of your way. Tool-less touch points were added and simplified.
Components were made smarter, and labels more intuitive.
Components were precisely located so that servicing one
wouldnt accidentally impact another.
In next-generation ProLiant servers, clear baffles let you easily
see which processors and memory slots are populated when you
configure or service a system. Snap and Go rack rails reduce friction
with a high quality ball-bearing design, cutting deployment time of
rack-mount servers in half. Consistent use of color and shapes of
touch points lets you quickly recognize what to do and how to do it
when installing or servicing your servers. And high quality labels with
enriched graphics make it easier to configure and service the system.
Through these and other client-inspired innovations, were making
serviceability simpler, accelerating common service tasks, and
reducing the potential for errors. You can now cut up to 40 percent off
the time youve been spending installing or removing components
and do away with a lot of frustration.
Intuitive simplicity
Reduce errors and improve productivity with an intuitive,
efficient user experience.
The HP Client-2-Innovation design philosophy is pragmatic: useful
innovation to increase productivity, reduce downtime, and enhance
the user experience. Before we design anything, we analyze real
client usage data to focus on solving the critical issues. We create
design solutions that are based on the principles of consistency and
simplicity. These solutions are then subjected to rigorous human factor
and prototype testing before they are engineered into next-generation
releases. Our philosophy begins and ends with you.
The redesigned user interface found in the new ProLiant
management tools rethinks the traditional approach of tables,
trees, and text in favor of a context-based graphical approach.
The new interface was built to communicate in the same way your
administrators actually think about their tasks, so they dont get lost
in a maze of menus and buttons. Using consistent design principles,
visual organization, and usage models, the new interface creates
a predictable and intuitive experience that helps you reduce errors
and improve productivity.
The worlds most self-sufficient servers
In todays data centers, small advances in technology wont solve
the big problems. To respond effectively to exploding demand for
applications, data, and digital content, your IT organization needs
intelligent technology built for the challenges of the cloud era.
Thats the next-generation HP ProLiant family.
With an unprecedented set of innovations, the new ProLiant family
provides the heart and mind of a self-aware and intelligent converged
infrastructure. From core to cloud, HP is transforming the expectations
and economics of the data center with the worlds most self-
sufficient servers.
To learn more about the new ProLiant family, visit
www.hp.com/go/proliantgen8.
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Copyright 2012 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. The information contained herein is subject to change without notice.
The only warranties for HP products and services are set forth in the express warranty statements accompanying such products and
services. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting an additional warranty. HP shall not be liable for technical or editorial
errors or omissions contained herein.

4AA3-9652ENW, Created February 2012