IBM System X Technical Principles:: Tools and Support

IBM System x Technical Principles:
Tools and Support
XTW01 Topic 13 of 13
This presentation is intended for the education of IBM and Business Partner sales personnel. It should not be distributed to customers.
© 2006
IBM IBM&Corporation
Systems Technology Group Education & Sales Enablement © 2009 IBM Corporation
Course Objectives
Upon completion of this topic, you should be able to:
> Distinguish between the Configuration and Sizing tools

> Recall the pre-sales tools available in each category
> Summarize the function of each configuration and sizing tool
> Identify the pre-sales tools that are appropriate given a customer scenario
> Demonstrate the navigational features for each tool outlined in this topic
> List the benefiting features of UpdateXpress, ServerGuide, and
ServeRAID Manager
IBM Systems & Technology Group Education & Sales Enablement © 2009 IBM Corporation
Topic 13 - Course Agenda
> Configuration Tools

* Configuration Toolset Overview *
− Standalone Solution Configuration Tool (SSCT)
− eConfig (US & Canada Only)
− Web-based IBM Hardware Configurator (US & Canada Only)
− Configuration and Options Guide (COG)
− Advanced Solution Integration Tool (ASIT)
− Express Selector Plus (ESP)
> Sizing Tools

Sizing Toolset Overview
− BladeCenter & System x Power Configurator Tool
− IBM Sizing Guides
− IBM Workload Estimator (WLE)
> Systems Management Tools and Utilities

UpdateXpress / UpdateXpress Service Pack Installer UXLite
ServerGuide
ServeRAID Manager
Dynamic System Analysis
Configuration Toolset Overview
Configuration Tools are used to build a valid product or solution

configuration, with the output used to feed proposals and downstream
processes
The current configuration toolset includes:

> Standalone Solution Configuration Tool (SSCT)
IBM sunset xSCA and Rack Configuration (merged into a single tool)
> eConfig (US & Canada Only)
> Web-based IBM Hardware Configurator (US & Canada Only)
> Configuration and Options Guide (COG)
> Advanced Solution Integration Tool (ASIT)
Replaced the Linux Cluster Sales Assistant (LCSA)
> Express Selector Plus (ESP)
Pre-Sales Tools - Configurator Toolset
Configuration Tool Description / Function
Standalone Solutions Standalone System x pre-sales solution configurator and pricing tool. Used
Configuration Tool - SSCT for simple to complex System x, BladeCenter, IntelliStation and System x
Storage solutions
eConfig Standalone pre-sales product configurator used today for System p,
System i and TotalStorage. Beginning August 2006 it included System
x and BladeCenter
IBM Hardware Configurator Web based pre-sales product configurator used for simple to complex
configuration, pricing and ordering of System x, BladeCenter and System x
Storage products. The latest version is release 3.0.
Configuration & Options Technical information and general configuration guidance for System x,
Guide - COG BladeCenter, IntelliStation and System x Storage products and options in
Adobe PDF. Available in PDF & HTML Version
Advanced Solutions Standalone configuration tool for IBM Linux Cluster 1350 & iDataPlex, it
Integration Tool - ASIT also supports the Type Model Featurecode (TMF) nomenclature and
Partnumber nomenclature. In June 2008 ASIT replaced the LCSA &
LCPC
Express Selector Plus - ESP Express Selector Plus is the one-stop shopping experience for Tier 2
Business Partners who focus on the midmarket. ESP makes it easier to
build, price, and source IBM's midmarket solutions for System x, Storage
and BladeCenter.
System x Configuration Tools Homepage

− * Standalone Solution Configuration Tool (SSCT) *
− eConfig (US & Canada Only)
> Sizing Tools


ServerGuide
ServeRAID Manager
Standalone Solutions Configuration Tool (SSCT)
Choose your country,

region and language.
SSCT Wizard Configuration Mode Example
Wizard mode great for

generating simple and
quick configuration
SSCT Configuration Mode Example
You can right click on the x3650 and bring

up the ‘Compatibles Toolbox’ to add
options to the configuration.
The Compatibles Toolbox allows the user
to quickly add options to a configuration.
You can set the SSCT to automatically
validate or not.
SSCT Solution Mode Example
In this example I manually

placed the x3650 in the rack,
but you can set preference
for servers to be Auto placed
for best results.
From here you can add another

configuration or go to File and choose
‘save’ or ‘export’ to an Excel spreadsheet.
SSCT Excel Spreadsheet Quote Example
From here you can add and

remove components.
Pricing will change real-time.

− * Configurator for e-business (eConfig) (US & Canada Only) *
> Sizing Tools


ServerGuide
ServeRAID Manager
IBM Configurator for e-business (e-Config)
This is a typical eConfig

Initial Order Start
window.
After adding customer and other

data, this is the start screen.
Start by choosing the ‘Add Initial
Order’ toolbar button.
eConfig Configuration Overview
This is the typical

starting configuration
screen for System x.
This example is the
Similar to x3650 MC1. The MC1
the SSCT, models are for
you can run Microsoft OS pre-load
through the and AC1 is for Linux
tabs to and no OS.
configure
the product.
From here you can choose your

model, OS version, Form Factor,
Processor, etc.

− Configurator for e-business (eConfig) (US & Canada Only)
− * Web-based IBM Hardware Configurator (US & Canada Only) *
> Sizing Tools Review


ServerGuide
ServeRAID Manager
IBM Hardware Configurator
This is the home page for the IBM Hardware

Configurator non-Integrated.
As of September 2007 the IBM Hardware
Configurator supports building complex nested
configurations.
Choose a product category to begin the

configuration, or start with a model number.
You can also enter a model number to

find compatible accessories or parts.
Hardware Configurator Summary Overview
After you build your server, you will be able

to view a summary of your configuration.
During the process you will need to check
the system to ensure there are not any
configuration errors.
The summary can be

exported as a .csv,
txt, xls or a .xml file.
Important information about your configuration

will be displayed in the summary
Hardware Configurator - Save and Export
To save your configuration as

a CFReport, click the Save
button.
You can also choose to export

the file as a .csv, .txt, .xls, or
.xml file
Note: The XML file can only

be created if the configuration
is valid, without fatal errors
and that the CFReport is not
locked. Then the Export as
.xml link will display

− * Configuration and Options Guide (COG) *


ServerGuide
ServeRAID Manager
Configuration and Options Guide - HTML Version
The home page of the Web-based

version of the COG.
With the Web-based

version we have added a
‘Withdrawn products’
selection.
As of January 31st 2008
Select the system there is a new ‘Search’
you want to feature that allows the
configure. user to search just the
Web-based COG.
Configuration and Options Guide - x3755
An example of the x3755 specifications by model
When you select the x3755

‘Options’ tab, you will see the
supported processors,
memory, HDD’s, I/O and
Power Accessories.
Configuration and Options Guide - PDF Version
This is the
PDF-based version of the COG.
As of January 31st 2008 the data in the
PDF version will look identical to Web-
based version, as the PDF is just a capture
of the HTML pages.

− * Advanced Solution Integration Tool (ASIT) *


ServerGuide
ServeRAID Manager
ASIT Hardware Configurator
This is the Start page view of the

ASIT Hardware Configurator.
As of June 30th, 2008 ASIT replaced the
LCSA and is now the only configurator for
e1350, Microsoft Clusters and iDataPlex.
ASIT Hardware Configurator Overview
This is the
Starter screen
where you have
different options
of how to
proceed. You
can select
‘Wizard’, ‘Open’,
‘Template’, ‘New’
or ‘Exit’.
ASIT Hardware Configurator - Configuration Screen
This is the
result of all
the
modifications
and default
selections.
From here
you can fine
tune and
further
customize
your
configuration.

− * Express Selector Plus (ESP) *


ServerGuide
ServeRAID Manager
Express Selector Plus
This is the Home page view on
PartnerWorld for the
Express Selector Plus tool.
From here you can launch the
tool, learn more with the
channel flyer or watch the 2
minute Express Selector Plus
flash demo.
Express Selector Plus - Your Systems Screen
After saving the

system I then
went to the
‘Your Systems’
selection.
Now I can ‘View
Summary’,
‘Export’, ‘Send
Message’ or
‘Trial Kitting’. I
can also ‘Build
New System’.
Express Selector Plus - Excel XLS Output
Here is the
Excel XLS
output.
As you can
see this is
similar to the
SSCT XLS
output.


* Sizing Toolset Overview *

UpdateXpress / UpdateXpress Service Pack Installer (UXLite)
ServerGuide
ServeRAID Manager
Sizing Toolset
Sizing Tools are used to assist with measurement of a specific output,

i.e. power usage, or for determining the system requirement for a
product or solution.
List of current sizing toolset
> BladeCenter & System x Power Configurator Tool
> IBM Sizing Guides
> IBM Workload Estimator (WLE)
Pre-Sales Tools - Sizing Toolset
Sizing Tool Description / Function

BladeCenter & System x Excel based application used to calculate actual power usage and energy
Power Configurator Tool savings
Single tool for System x and BladeCenter
IBM Sizing Guides Sizing Guides provide point-and-click access to software solution specific
hardware requirements
IBM Workload Estimator – Web-based sizing tool for System i5™, System p5™, and System x™. You
WLE can use this tool to size a new, to size an upgrade to an existing system, or
to size a consolidation of several systems
− * System x & BladeCenter Power Configurator Tool *
ServerGuide
ServeRAID Manager
Power Configurator Tool
This is the pop-up window that first appears when starting the tool.
From here you can

choose the Country
and Voltage,
then select
‘Choose Rack’.
BladeCenter Power Calculator Tool - Excel Report
Here is the Excel

Spreadsheet version of the
Usage Report for the
complete configuration.


− System x & BladeCenter Power Configurator Tool
− * IBM Sizing Guides *

ServerGuide
ServeRAID Manager
IBM Sizing Guides
Here is the Home page for the

Web-based IBM Sizing Guides.
From here you could

choose ‘Search
Sizing Guides’ for
existing guides or
‘Enroll Sizing
Guides’ if you want
to create your own.
IBM Sizing Guides - SQL Server Output
This is the
output with
SQL Server
The output shows
sizing guide.
immediate solution
and created a From here
growth solution you can
based on input to create a PDF
questions. report, modify
system,
change input,
etc.

− * IBM Workload Estimator (WLE) *

ServerGuide
ServeRAID Manager
IBM Workload Estimator - Start Page
This is the
homepage for the
IBM Systems
Workload
Estimator (WLE).
From here you
can run the on-
line version.
IBM Workload Estimator - Generic Output
This is the output

for the Generic
workload with the
input of data from
the previous
screen.
From here you
The output shows
can create a PDF
immediate solution
report, modify
and created a
system, change
growth solution
input, etc.
based on input to
questions.

> * Systems Management Tools and Utilities *

ServerGuide
ServeRAID Manager
Systems Management Tools
Systems management tools needed to ensure the good health of

your computing environment and prevention measures to avoid
many of the issues that can adversely affect the functioning of
your hardware.
List of current system management tool:
> UpdateXpress / UpdateXpress Service Pack Installer (UXLite)
> ServerGuide
> ServeRAID Manager
> Dynamic System Analysis (DSA)



* UpdateXpress / UpdateXpress Service Pack Installer (UXLite) *
ServerGuide
ServeRAID Manager
UpdateXpress Overview
UpdateXpress is a CD that enables you
to update your system’s firmware and
Windows Device Drivers at the most
current levels directly from the CD
Three ways to use the UpdateXpress CD:
> Locally at the server by booting from the CD

> Locally by loading the CD (autorun) from
Windows
> Remotely using the RemoteUX command-
line utility on the CD
UpdateXpress Service Pack Installer (UXLite)
Three main function in the new in UXLite2.0
> Acquire Updates
Live update content from IBM web site
> Compare and Update
Inventory systems on which the update will be
performed
Query the update directory for a list of
available update packages
Compare update to applicable update list
Recommend a set of updates to apply
Deploy those updates to the system UXLite Bootable Media
> Create Bootable Media updates on CD/DVD

and USB-Keys
Support for Windows 2008, RHEL 5 and
VMware3.0.x. In addition to already supporting
W2K, W2K3, RHEL3 & 4, SLES 9 &10.
Remote Execution feature, similar to
RemoteUX
Additional command line arguments to
customize UXSPs
UXLite Matrix web page




* ServerGuide *
ServeRAID Manager
IBM ServerGuide Overview
IBM ServerGuide is a tool that simplifies the process of installing and

configuring IBM System x and BladeCenter servers


ServerGuide
* ServeRAID Manager *
IBM ServeRAID Manager Overview
IBM ServeRAID Manager application software used to configure,

administer, and monitor ServeRAID adapters or controllers that are
installed locally or remotely on servers.


ServerGuide
ServeRAID Manager
* Dynamic System Analysis *
Dynamic System Analysis (DSA)
> Focused on problem analysis and
determination
> Creates a merged log that

includes events from application,
system, and DSA event logs
> DSA collects information about

the following aspects of a system:
System configuration, network
settings
Installed applications, hotfixes
Device drivers, system services
Performance data, Resource
utilization
Hardware inventory, PCI information
Application and system event logs
> Data can be viewed in HTML

files, or sent to IBM Service and
Support
IBM ServerProven
IBM ServerProven validates

selected products for
compatibility with System x,
BladeCenter, and
IntelliStation.
xREF Sheets – Current Products Cover page
Cover page for

System xREF
The left column allows
you can choose a
product to review.
IBM Redbooks
How-to guides for

technical information
Glossary of Terms
Advanced Solution Integration Tool (ASIT) Sizing Guide
BladeCenter and System x Reference (xREF)

Standalone Solution Configuration Tool
(SSCT)
Configurator for e-business (eConfig)

System x & BladeCenter Power
Configurator Tool
Configuration and Options Guide (COG)
UpdateXpress
UXLite
Express Selector Plus (ESP)

Web-based IBM Hardware Configurator
IBM Redbooks
Workload Estimator (WLE)
ServeRAID Manager
ServerGuide
ServerProven
Course Summary
Having completed Topic 13, you should be able to:
> Distinguish between the Configuration and Sizing tools

> Recall the pre-sales tools available in each category
> Summarize the function of each configuration and sizing tool
> Identify the pre-sales tools that are appropriate given a customer scenario
> Demonstrate the navigational features for each tool outlined in this topic
> List the benefiting features of UpdateXpress, ServerGuide, and
ServeRAID Manager
Additional Resources
IBM STG SmartZone Web Education

> http://lt.be.ibm.com/smartzone
IBM System x Support

> http://www-
304.ibm.com/systems/support/supportsite.wss/brandmain?brandind=5000008
IBM Redbooks
> http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/
IBM System x Reference (xREF)

> http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/Redbooks.nsf/pages/xref?Open

IBM System X Technical Principles:: Tools and Support

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IBM System X Technical Principles:: Tools and Support

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IBM System x Technical Principles:

Tools and Support

Upon completion of this topic, you should be able to:

> Distinguish between the Configuration and Sizing tools

> Configuration Tools

> Sizing Tools

> Systems Management Tools and Utilities

Configuration Tools are used to build a valid product or solution

The current configuration toolset includes:

Configuration Tool Description / Function

> Configuration Tools

> Sizing Tools

> Systems Management Tools and Utilities

Choose your country,

Wizard mode great for

You can right click on the x3650 and bring

In this example I manually

From here you can add another

From here you can add and

> Configuration Tools

> Sizing Tools

> Systems Management Tools and Utilities

This is a typical eConfig

After adding customer and other

This is the typical

From here you can choose your

> Configuration Tools

> Sizing Tools Review

> Systems Management Tools and Utilities

This is the home page for the IBM Hardware

Choose a product category to begin the

You can also enter a model number to

After you build your server, you will be able

The summary can be

Important information about your configuration

To save your configuration as

You can also choose to export

Note: The XML file can only

> Configuration Tools

> Sizing Tools Review

> Systems Management Tools and Utilities

The home page of the Web-based

With the Web-based

An example of the x3755 specifications by model

When you select the x3755

> Configuration Tools

> Sizing Tools Review

> Systems Management Tools and Utilities

This is the Start page view of the

> Configuration Tools

> Sizing Tools Review

> Systems Management Tools and Utilities

After saving the

> Configuration Tools

> Sizing Tools Review

> Systems Management Tools and Utilities

Sizing Tools are used to assist with measurement of a specific output,

Sizing Tool Description / Function

From here you can

Here is the Excel

> Configuration Tools

> Sizing Tools Review

> Systems Management Tools and Utilities