HP > Hardware

A discussion on how AMD-based HP ProLiant servers are the right choice for customers needing lots of processing and memory throughput to run demanding workloads, such as virtualization, HPC, database, and Web 2.0.

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Tiana Moriki / Communications Specialist / 480-794-6346

Blade systems that were supposedly simple to set up, operate and maintain have confounded many customers by presenting them with unexpected complexities in operations and maintenance. As a result, these customers have experienced on-going issues and unplanned downtime, requiring them to spend far more money and time than expected on managing the blade environment.

HP is aware of these issues and has defined a set of best practices designed to keep blade environments simple to install, use, and maintain. This is the third in a series of articles that will discuss these best practices in detail.


Provide IT staff with the know-how to run and manage the environment
As noted in previous articles, blades are chosen for their promise of simplicity. But a blades environment is actually complex with lots of moving parts (blades, virtual servers, applications), new technology, new tools, and new processes. Assuming that technical staff will automatically know how to manage all this “newness” can create many problems for customers in their new blades environments. That’s why training is one of the best investments your customers can make. Courses available through HP Education Services can help reduce downtime, plus achieve better performance and a faster ROI through better and wiser use of IT assets.

While there are dozens of courses available to help customers better manage their blades environments, the following three serve as the foundation for the larger blades curriculum path and should be “must takes” for customers with blades:

• HP Insight Foundation – Covers the best use of HP Insight Foundation tools that simplify the installation, configuration, firmware updates and maintenance of HP ISS/ProLiant servers and HP BladeSystem enclosures. These HP Insight Foundation topics are applicable to both HP ProLiant servers as well as HP BladeSystem c-class customers. The tools include:
-HP Smart CD
-HP Insight Management DVD
-ProLiant Support Pack (PSP)
-HP Smart Update Firmware DVD
-HP Smart Update Manager (HP SUM) tools
-HP Integrated Lights out (iLO)
-HP Insight Foundation diagnostic tools
-Array Configuration Utility (ACU)

• HP BladeSystem Administration: c-Class - Provides instruction on HP BladeSystem administration and management. Students configure HP Insight Control tools featuring HP Systems Insight Manager and HP Rapid Deployment tools. Labs engage students in configuring management and monitoring components for: HP Onboard Administrator,HP Integrated Lights-Out 2,HP BladeSystem instrumentation, Performance Monitoring and Blade Server deployment. Virtual Connect discussion includes examples of configuration with simple network setups. This course uses HP Virtual Lab for equipment and helps customer staff prep for BladeSystem certification.

• HP BladeSystem Virtual Connect – Helps students identify, manage, and configure HP Virtual Connect components. An architecture overview ensures understanding of the Virtual Connect Ethernet, FlexFabric, and Fibre Channel components and their function. Hands-on labs provide configuration setup and a variety of network scenarios.

The easiest way for you to sell HP Education Services … and for your customers to purchase them … is with the HP Education Care Pack. Available in a choice of $1000 (U4993E) or $100 increments, the HP Care Pack Services approach lets customers select the courses they need, when they need them.

For more information
The following useful, partner-specific sales tools and other resources are available on the HP Partner PortaI by using the following click path: “Services” > “Technology Consulting Services” > “HP Education Services:”

-HP Education Services--How to Build the HP Care Pack Total Education
-HP Education Services Services Support Option: Attach


HP Services FUN FACTS: For your customer’s convenience, the three courses discussed in this article and most others above are available as:

-Instructor-led training (ILT) at an HP Education center
-Remotely assisted instructional learning (RAIL), allowing customer staff to attend from office or home
-Onsite dedicated training (OST) – group training offered at the customer’s site or an HPO facility

Andrea Short / PM Services / (480) 794-6640

Blade systems that were supposedly simple to set up, operate and maintain have confounded many customers by presenting them with unexpected complexities in operations and maintenance. As a result, these customers have experienced on-going issues and unplanned downtime, requiring them to spend far more money and time than expected on managing the blade environment.

HP is aware of these issues and has defined a set of best practices designed to keep blade environments simple to install, use and maintain. This is the second in a series of articles that will discuss these best practices in detail.


Customers need a clear plan for deploying and updating applications within blade enclosures
Servers supporting several different business applications with completely different usage patterns and availability requirements within a single enclosure are typical within blade environments. The enclosure can be made even more diverse as new services or applications are assigned to the next available slot. However, what seems like a straightforward and simple management system can cause major issues as needed firmware updates and other maintenance procedures are implemented. In worst case scenarios, multiple servers running mission critical applications are unavailable for an unacceptable amount of time in an enclosure so that firmware on servers running less critical applications can be updated.

Preventing this unplanned downtime and its impact on the customer’s business requires the creation of a disciplined plan that makes it possible to effectively deploy and update applications without impacting critical business functions. That’s exactly what HP BladeSystem Firmware and Driver Update Process Review provides.

HP experts review the customer’s BladeSystem firmware and driver update strategy, including best practices and related use of management tools. Specific deliverables include:

• An on-site workshop to review the customer’s current approach to firmware maintenance, including business needs, update processes and use of management tools. HP experts present and discuss a framework which aligns the customer’s business requirements with firmware maintenance practices.

• Based on input from the workshop session, HP develops a tailored firmware strategy, including best practices and appropriate use of update mechanisms and management tools such as HP SIM, Version Control and HP SUM.

• HP then presents the strategy and recommendations report to the customer and discusses how to fine tune these methods to their environment

The service focuses on one BladeSystem enclosure in the customer’s environment. However, many customers find that the strategy and recommendations are applicable to other enclosures as well. If customers want help in implementing the update strategy and mechanisms, you can also sell HP Firmware Services for Blades.


For more information
Both HP BladeSystem Firmware and Driver Update Process Review and Firmware Services for Blades can be purchased using HP Proactive Select credits. See the “Proactive Select Menu – Americas” document on the HP Partner Portal for complete details. You can find it by using the following click path: “Services” > “Mission Critical Services.” The document is located in the “Other Tools” section.

HP Services FUN FACTS: Proactive update of firmware can eliminate up to 20 percent of unplanned downtime. However, firmware update is a complex task not covered under standard support. That’s why entrusting the update process to HP experts makes so much sense. With HP, your customers access the tools, the expertise, and resources that can help eliminate risks associated with interdependency issues and unplanned downtime.

Andrea Short / PM Services / (480) 794-6640

Today’s blade systems deliver impressive levels of power and performance. But it is usually their promise of reduced complexity that drives customers to migrate from rack or legacy systems to blades, which are seen as:

• Simple and inexpensive to buy
• Simple to install/implement
• Simple to maintain

All of this is true ...to a point. However, blade systems have confounded many customers by presenting them with unexpected complexities in operations and maintenance. As a result, these customers have experienced on-going issues and unplanned downtime, requiring them to spend far more money and time than expected on managing the blade environment.

HP is aware of these issues and has defined a set of best practices designed to keep blade environments simple to install, use and maintain. This is the first in a series of articles that will discuss these best practices in detail.


Making sure technology is properly installed and configured from the start
One of the best ways for customers to avoid problems down the road is to make sure the blades solution is correctly configured and deployed right from the start. This can prevent issues that often arise when servers supporting several different business applications with completely different usage patterns and availability requirements are located in the same enclosure.

Proper installation is also essential if customers are to get the most from their FREE HP Insight Remote Software (IRS) system management software. IRS can be invaluable in monitoring the blades environment and identifying issues so they can be addressed before they impact the customer’s operations.

Deployment Services from HP Technology Services offer three service levels to help customers set up blades hardware and/or software for optimum results:

• Implementation is ideal for complex hardware and software solutions. It includes HP BladeSystem Enhanced Network Installation and Startup, which is essential for customers implementing Virtual Connect, Cisco Catalyst or HP Inter-connect Switch. It also provides Matrix implementation. To help ensure top performance and customer satisfaction, Implementation is bundled with the HP BladeSystem Matrix Solution.

• Installation and Startup (I&S) is an excellent choice for customers who are adding new systems or adding software. It includes a remote planning session to help determine optimum placement of hardware and software. HP specialists then provide expert onsite installation of hardware and Insight Remote Support (IRS) system management software. The final deliverable is onsite customer orientation on product usage and features.

• Installation Only includes unpacking, plugging in and firing up of all hardware components. It does not provide for customization or integration. You should sell this option only in cases where the customer is adding hardware within an existing blades environment or has a highly trained technical staff.

A blades environment is inherently complex with lots of moving parts (blades, virtual servers, applications), new technology, new tools and new processes. It is only by expertly planning and implementing a blades environment that customers can enjoy the proven benefits of blades and their industry-standard environment, while avoiding the pitfalls that can arise from underestimating what it takes to make using and maintaining blades truly simple.


For more information
More information on HP Deployment Services and the entire portfolio of HP Technology Services for blades is available on the HP Partner Portal by using the following click path: “Services” > “Technology Support Services” > “BladeSystem Services” > “ProLiant BladeSystem Services.”


HP Services FUN FACTS: It is VERY important that your customers agree to share the information gathered by Insight Remote Support with HP and its partners, and that they allow contacts to discuss their environment. Without this opt-in, you cannot receive the detailed information that allows you to provide customized proactive advice and pursue sales opportunities.

Andrea Short / PM Services / (480) 794-6640