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With System x™ and BladeCenter®, IBM delivers a comprehensive portfolio of systems management tools that help solve real client problems as they relate to a server over its lifetime. Working together with IBM Director software, these tools are designed to deliver quantifiable benefits in cost savings and increased availability. In turn, you can realize a greater return on investment and free up valuable human resources to focus talents where they're better served.
IBM Predictive Failure Analysis
Using advanced heuristic techniques and periodic self-diagnostics, Predictive Failure Analysis® (PFA) can help detect when components are operating outside of normal specifications or approaching historical failure thresholds. Because PFA can predict the failure of supported components, often as many as 48 hours before it occurs, you generally have time to locate replacement parts and replace failing components before they fail, at a time that's convenient to you. While almost all vendors offer PFA on hard drives and memory, IBM includes PFA on selected models for power supplies, processors, memory, hard drives and fans.
IBM baseboard management controllers
A baseboard management controller (BMC) is a built-in system component in most System x and BladeCenter servers that provides clients with around-the-clock remote management, including comprehensive monitoring and troubleshooting capabilities. It does so by generating PFA notifications, sending alerts and status to IBM Director, providing remote power control, and driving a server's light path diagnostics.
IBM light path diagnostics
 This revolutionary technology helps expedite repairs and minimize downtime by quickly and clearly identifying those components that need maintenance. You are alerted to problems via an indicator light on the front of the server. Using IBM Director, you can be notified either by e-mail or a pager as well. The panel tells you which type of component needs service and, when you open the cover to make a repair, a lit LED indicates which component to replace. This gives you the ability to be in and out of servers quickly, minimizing both servicing time and system downtime.
IBM Remote Supervisor Adapter II
 Standard in some System x servers and an option in others, the Remote Supervisor Adapter II augments BMC capability, allowing you to perform systems management functions whether your server is operational or not. Working with IBM Director, the Remote Supervisor Adapter II also provides full graphic console redirection, which means you can use a local desktop to access and control a remote server and receive system alerts in whatever form you choose. Via a Web-based interface, you can view the status of up to 24 servers, essentially creating a systems management network and maximizing your investment.
Hot-swap/hot-add and redundant components
Many System x and BladeCenter server components, such as hard disk drives, adapters, power supplies, memory and cooling fans are redundant and/or hot swappable, allowing your system to continue operating normally despite a component failure. Combining this hot-swap technology with IBM Director, a person can be notified of an impending failure and—if redundant components are involved—replace the failing component without server interruption. Often, components can be replaced prior to an actual failure. This prevents downtime and helps facilitate onsite troubleshooting and maintenance.
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