This document provides an overview and instructions for using IBM's configuration, sizing, and systems management tools for pre-sales support. It outlines tools for configuring System x, BladeCenter, and Storage solutions including the Standalone Solution Configuration Tool, eConfig, Hardware Configurator, and Advanced Solution Integration Tool. Sizing tools covered are the Power Configurator, Sizing Guides, and Workload Estimator. Systems management tools discussed are UpdateXpress, ServerGuide, and ServeRAID Manager. The presentation aims to help sales personnel distinguish between the different tool categories and select the appropriate tools for various customer scenarios.
IBM Power Event, Keynote Presentation Doug DavisIBM Danmark
IBM Power Systems
Hvad er IBM's visioner med Smarter Computing?
Hvad er vores strategi for IBM Power-platformen? Få en "Trend & Directions"-præsentation fra lederen af vores Executive Briefing Center i Austin.
Doug Davies, Program Director, IBM
IBM is the first major storage vendor to deliver eMLC Flash Storage Systems and has been incorporating flash into its servers and storage products for many years. This presentation explains the benefits of using IBM FlashSystems with I/O Intensive workloads where lower latency can make the difference; use cases include Online Transaction processing (OLTP), Business Intelligence (BI), Online Analytical Processing (OLAP), Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI), High Performance Computing (HPC), Content delivery solutions (such as cloud storage and video on demand).
IBM BladeCenter Fundamentals Introduction Dsunte Wilson
After completing this unit, you should be able to:
List the major elements common to the IBM BladeCenter
Describe the key aspects of compatibility between BladeCenter models
Identify the components providing redundancy in the BladeCenter chassis
Match the power components necessary to support varying BladeCenter resource configurations
List the power input requirements for the BladeCenter models
Describe the common cooling components used in the BladeCenter chassis
Describe the supported disk configurations for the BladeCenter S
This overview of IBM's PureSystems™ family will highlight how key components of IBM Flex System Solutions and PureFlex offerings can save you time and money with:
1. System availability
2. Power consumption
3. Virtualization
4. Multiple platforms and operating systems
PureSystems brings together built-in expertise, integrated components, and simplified management to take IT into the next decade. We think that deserves a sigh of relief, and so will you.
IBM Flex System offers a brand new platform for creating solutions to address emerging market applications, such as Cloud, Big Data, Analytics, and Smarter Planet. In this paper, we described how to create a custom private cloud configuration that uses Flex System. For more information on Pure Systems, visit http://ibm.co/18vDnp6.
Visit the official Scribd Channel of IBM India Smarter Computing at http://bit.ly/VwO86R to get access to more documents.
IBM Power Event, Keynote Presentation Doug DavisIBM Danmark
IBM Power Systems
Hvad er IBM's visioner med Smarter Computing?
Hvad er vores strategi for IBM Power-platformen? Få en "Trend & Directions"-præsentation fra lederen af vores Executive Briefing Center i Austin.
Doug Davies, Program Director, IBM
IBM is the first major storage vendor to deliver eMLC Flash Storage Systems and has been incorporating flash into its servers and storage products for many years. This presentation explains the benefits of using IBM FlashSystems with I/O Intensive workloads where lower latency can make the difference; use cases include Online Transaction processing (OLTP), Business Intelligence (BI), Online Analytical Processing (OLAP), Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI), High Performance Computing (HPC), Content delivery solutions (such as cloud storage and video on demand).
IBM BladeCenter Fundamentals Introduction Dsunte Wilson
After completing this unit, you should be able to:
List the major elements common to the IBM BladeCenter
Describe the key aspects of compatibility between BladeCenter models
Identify the components providing redundancy in the BladeCenter chassis
Match the power components necessary to support varying BladeCenter resource configurations
List the power input requirements for the BladeCenter models
Describe the common cooling components used in the BladeCenter chassis
Describe the supported disk configurations for the BladeCenter S
This overview of IBM's PureSystems™ family will highlight how key components of IBM Flex System Solutions and PureFlex offerings can save you time and money with:
1. System availability
2. Power consumption
3. Virtualization
4. Multiple platforms and operating systems
PureSystems brings together built-in expertise, integrated components, and simplified management to take IT into the next decade. We think that deserves a sigh of relief, and so will you.
IBM Flex System offers a brand new platform for creating solutions to address emerging market applications, such as Cloud, Big Data, Analytics, and Smarter Planet. In this paper, we described how to create a custom private cloud configuration that uses Flex System. For more information on Pure Systems, visit http://ibm.co/18vDnp6.
Visit the official Scribd Channel of IBM India Smarter Computing at http://bit.ly/VwO86R to get access to more documents.
Windows Accelerate IT Pro Bootcamp: Platform Delivery (Module 2 of 8)Intergen
We ran the "Windows Accelerate IT Pro Bootcamp" one day hands-on workshop in early June 2014. These eight modules were designed to get IT managers, project managers, sysadmin and devops up to speed with the new Windows 8.1 and Office 2013. The bootcamp focused on how to move off earlier versions of Windows and Office to a modern desktop and tablet platforms with the latest security and mobility technologies.
Keep an eye in our SlideShare feed for all eight modules:
Windows Accelerate IT Pro Bootcamp: Introduction (Module 1 of 8)
Windows Accelerate IT Pro Bootcamp: Platform Delivery (Module 2 of 8)
Windows Accelerate IT Pro Bootcamp: Windows ToGo (Module 3 of 8)
Windows Accelerate IT Pro Bootcamp: Security (Module 4 of 8)
Windows Accelerate IT Pro Bootcamp: UE-V (Module 5 of 8)
Windows Accelerate IT Pro Bootcamp: App-V (Module 6 of 8)
Windows Accelerate IT Pro Bootcamp: Devices (Module 7 of 8)
Windows Accelerate IT Pro Bootcamp: Closing (Module 8 of 8)
For other events (Intergen or Microsoft Community) check our events page at http://www.intergen.co.nz/upcoming-events/
z/OS Small Enhancements - Episode 2014BMarna Walle
This presentation covers small enhancements from older z/OS releases. You might have missed little functions that are helpful, but you never knew existed! The content of each of these z/OS Small Enhancements changes every half year (Episode A and Episode B each year).
z/OS Small Enhancements - Episode 2014AMarna Walle
This presentation covers small enhancements from older z/OS releases. You might have missed little functions that are helpful, but you never knew existed! The content of each of these z/OS Small Enhancements changes every half year (Episode A and Episode B each year).
OpenStack and z/VM – What is it and how do I get it?Anderson Bassani
Created by Emily K. Hugenbruch – Advisory Software Engineer. Look the audio at http://www.vm.ibm.com/education/lvc/zvmlvc.html
Apresentação da Engenheira de OpenStack da IBM - Emily K. Hugenbruch. Acesse o link acima para assistir o replay da seção técnica.
Entre em contato com a IBM para instalação do OpenStack no seu data center.
CICS TS for z/VSE Update including CICS connectivity optionsIBM
This presentation gives an update on the recently announced CICS TS for z/VSE release, the CICS Explorer, as well details on new features, such as channels and containers, HTTP 1.1 support and OpenSSL support for CICS Web Support. In addition, it discusses various CICS connectivity options using CICS Web Support, CICS Transaction Gateway, z/VSE SOAP & REST Support, EZA Multiplexer, and OpenSSL support.
During the last 100 years, information technology has moved from a specialized tool to a pervasive
influence on nearly every aspect of life. From tabulating machines that simply counted with mechanical
switches or vacuum tubes to the first programmable computers, IBM® has been a part of this growth,
while always helping customers to solve problems
This presentation provides an overview of service and support in z/VSE. It shows updates on related tools and navigate live between RSLs, requirements, supported hardware, and things you probably did not know about the z/VSE web page.
IBM SmartCloud™ Entry is a robust cloud software offering that takes your virtualized environment from cloud-ready to cloud. Users can request and provision an environment quickly through an easy-to-use web-based interface. IT managers can monitor and manage this environment for improved efficiency and utilization of the data center.
Dev Dives: Train smarter, not harder – active learning and UiPath LLMs for do...UiPathCommunity
💥 Speed, accuracy, and scaling – discover the superpowers of GenAI in action with UiPath Document Understanding and Communications Mining™:
See how to accelerate model training and optimize model performance with active learning
Learn about the latest enhancements to out-of-the-box document processing – with little to no training required
Get an exclusive demo of the new family of UiPath LLMs – GenAI models specialized for processing different types of documents and messages
This is a hands-on session specifically designed for automation developers and AI enthusiasts seeking to enhance their knowledge in leveraging the latest intelligent document processing capabilities offered by UiPath.
Speakers:
👨🏫 Andras Palfi, Senior Product Manager, UiPath
👩🏫 Lenka Dulovicova, Product Program Manager, UiPath
Software Delivery At the Speed of AI: Inflectra Invests In AI-Powered QualityInflectra
In this insightful webinar, Inflectra explores how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming software development and testing. Discover how AI-powered tools are revolutionizing every stage of the software development lifecycle (SDLC), from design and prototyping to testing, deployment, and monitoring.
Learn about:
• The Future of Testing: How AI is shifting testing towards verification, analysis, and higher-level skills, while reducing repetitive tasks.
• Test Automation: How AI-powered test case generation, optimization, and self-healing tests are making testing more efficient and effective.
• Visual Testing: Explore the emerging capabilities of AI in visual testing and how it's set to revolutionize UI verification.
• Inflectra's AI Solutions: See demonstrations of Inflectra's cutting-edge AI tools like the ChatGPT plugin and Azure Open AI platform, designed to streamline your testing process.
Whether you're a developer, tester, or QA professional, this webinar will give you valuable insights into how AI is shaping the future of software delivery.
DevOps and Testing slides at DASA ConnectKari Kakkonen
My and Rik Marselis slides at 30.5.2024 DASA Connect conference. We discuss about what is testing, then what is agile testing and finally what is Testing in DevOps. Finally we had lovely workshop with the participants trying to find out different ways to think about quality and testing in different parts of the DevOps infinity loop.
GraphRAG is All You need? LLM & Knowledge GraphGuy Korland
Guy Korland, CEO and Co-founder of FalkorDB, will review two articles on the integration of language models with knowledge graphs.
1. Unifying Large Language Models and Knowledge Graphs: A Roadmap.
https://arxiv.org/abs/2306.08302
2. Microsoft Research's GraphRAG paper and a review paper on various uses of knowledge graphs:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/blog/graphrag-unlocking-llm-discovery-on-narrative-private-data/
PHP Frameworks: I want to break free (IPC Berlin 2024)Ralf Eggert
In this presentation, we examine the challenges and limitations of relying too heavily on PHP frameworks in web development. We discuss the history of PHP and its frameworks to understand how this dependence has evolved. The focus will be on providing concrete tips and strategies to reduce reliance on these frameworks, based on real-world examples and practical considerations. The goal is to equip developers with the skills and knowledge to create more flexible and future-proof web applications. We'll explore the importance of maintaining autonomy in a rapidly changing tech landscape and how to make informed decisions in PHP development.
This talk is aimed at encouraging a more independent approach to using PHP frameworks, moving towards a more flexible and future-proof approach to PHP development.
Builder.ai Founder Sachin Dev Duggal's Strategic Approach to Create an Innova...Ramesh Iyer
In today's fast-changing business world, Companies that adapt and embrace new ideas often need help to keep up with the competition. However, fostering a culture of innovation takes much work. It takes vision, leadership and willingness to take risks in the right proportion. Sachin Dev Duggal, co-founder of Builder.ai, has perfected the art of this balance, creating a company culture where creativity and growth are nurtured at each stage.
Key Trends Shaping the Future of Infrastructure.pdfCheryl Hung
Keynote at DIGIT West Expo, Glasgow on 29 May 2024.
Cheryl Hung, ochery.com
Sr Director, Infrastructure Ecosystem, Arm.
The key trends across hardware, cloud and open-source; exploring how these areas are likely to mature and develop over the short and long-term, and then considering how organisations can position themselves to adapt and thrive.
"Impact of front-end architecture on development cost", Viktor TurskyiFwdays
I have heard many times that architecture is not important for the front-end. Also, many times I have seen how developers implement features on the front-end just following the standard rules for a framework and think that this is enough to successfully launch the project, and then the project fails. How to prevent this and what approach to choose? I have launched dozens of complex projects and during the talk we will analyze which approaches have worked for me and which have not.
Slack (or Teams) Automation for Bonterra Impact Management (fka Social Soluti...Jeffrey Haguewood
Sidekick Solutions uses Bonterra Impact Management (fka Social Solutions Apricot) and automation solutions to integrate data for business workflows.
We believe integration and automation are essential to user experience and the promise of efficient work through technology. Automation is the critical ingredient to realizing that full vision. We develop integration products and services for Bonterra Case Management software to support the deployment of automations for a variety of use cases.
This video focuses on the notifications, alerts, and approval requests using Slack for Bonterra Impact Management. The solutions covered in this webinar can also be deployed for Microsoft Teams.
Interested in deploying notification automations for Bonterra Impact Management? Contact us at sales@sidekicksolutionsllc.com to discuss next steps.
Kubernetes & AI - Beauty and the Beast !?! @KCD Istanbul 2024Tobias Schneck
As AI technology is pushing into IT I was wondering myself, as an “infrastructure container kubernetes guy”, how get this fancy AI technology get managed from an infrastructure operational view? Is it possible to apply our lovely cloud native principals as well? What benefit’s both technologies could bring to each other?
Let me take this questions and provide you a short journey through existing deployment models and use cases for AI software. On practical examples, we discuss what cloud/on-premise strategy we may need for applying it to our own infrastructure to get it to work from an enterprise perspective. I want to give an overview about infrastructure requirements and technologies, what could be beneficial or limiting your AI use cases in an enterprise environment. An interactive Demo will give you some insides, what approaches I got already working for real.
LF Energy Webinar: Electrical Grid Modelling and Simulation Through PowSyBl -...DanBrown980551
Do you want to learn how to model and simulate an electrical network from scratch in under an hour?
Then welcome to this PowSyBl workshop, hosted by Rte, the French Transmission System Operator (TSO)!
During the webinar, you will discover the PowSyBl ecosystem as well as handle and study an electrical network through an interactive Python notebook.
PowSyBl is an open source project hosted by LF Energy, which offers a comprehensive set of features for electrical grid modelling and simulation. Among other advanced features, PowSyBl provides:
- A fully editable and extendable library for grid component modelling;
- Visualization tools to display your network;
- Grid simulation tools, such as power flows, security analyses (with or without remedial actions) and sensitivity analyses;
The framework is mostly written in Java, with a Python binding so that Python developers can access PowSyBl functionalities as well.
What you will learn during the webinar:
- For beginners: discover PowSyBl's functionalities through a quick general presentation and the notebook, without needing any expert coding skills;
- For advanced developers: master the skills to efficiently apply PowSyBl functionalities to your real-world scenarios.
UiPath Test Automation using UiPath Test Suite series, part 4DianaGray10
Welcome to UiPath Test Automation using UiPath Test Suite series part 4. In this session, we will cover Test Manager overview along with SAP heatmap.
The UiPath Test Manager overview with SAP heatmap webinar offers a concise yet comprehensive exploration of the role of a Test Manager within SAP environments, coupled with the utilization of heatmaps for effective testing strategies.
Participants will gain insights into the responsibilities, challenges, and best practices associated with test management in SAP projects. Additionally, the webinar delves into the significance of heatmaps as a visual aid for identifying testing priorities, areas of risk, and resource allocation within SAP landscapes. Through this session, attendees can expect to enhance their understanding of test management principles while learning practical approaches to optimize testing processes in SAP environments using heatmap visualization techniques
What will you get from this session?
1. Insights into SAP testing best practices
2. Heatmap utilization for testing
3. Optimization of testing processes
4. Demo
Topics covered:
Execution from the test manager
Orchestrator execution result
Defect reporting
SAP heatmap example with demo
Speaker:
Deepak Rai, Automation Practice Lead, Boundaryless Group and UiPath MVP
{DESCRIPTION} {TRANSCRIPT} Welcome to the Troubleshooting Topic of XTW01. This topic covers System x Tools and Support. This is Topic 10 of the System x Technical Principles class.
{DESCRIPTION} {TRANSCRIPT} 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
{DESCRIPTION} {TRANSCRIPT} This topic agenda introduces of the primary Configuration and Sizing toolset, and Systems Management Support tools, providing a brief description for the function and use of each tool. We will begin with the Configuration Tools.
{DESCRIPTION} {TRANSCRIPT} The Configuration tools are used to build a complete and validated product or solution configuration. Typically the output of the configuration tools are used to create proposals and feed downstream pricing and inventory processes. There have been some changes to the Configurator toolset over the last year, with some more on the way. Last year we sunset the xSCA and Rack Configurator and merged their functionality into a single tool called the Standalone Solutions Configuration Tool (aka, SSCT), and the Advanced Solution Integration Tool replaces the Linux Cluster Sales Assistant (LCSA).
{DESCRIPTION} {TRANSCRIPT} This chart provides a brief description and function for each of the Pre-sale configuration toolset.
{DESCRIPTION} {TRANSCRIPT} This is the System x Configuration Tools public website where you can find some of the available configuration tools. In the next slides, we will cover some of these aspects.
{DESCRIPTION} {TRANSCRIPT} In the next section we will review the interface for each of the configuration toolsets beginning with the SSCT.
{DESCRIPTION} {TRANSCRIPT} Standalone Solutions Configuration Tool (SSCT) is a software application with technical guidelines incorporated in its database which has been developed to aid IBM sales and Business Partners and to facilitate technical collaborations in configuring eServer systems and rack cabinets. The application is designed to support an interactive interface with graphics for determining the price, ideal environment, available rack cabinet space and available resources along with other operations associated with ordering and configuring a whole solution. The application is also capable of saving or exporting data in several different formats. The SSCT is used Worldwide for IBM and Partner sales teams and designed for use by novice users through expert users. This is the preferences screen that appears when you launch the SSCT. From here, you have several option to choose from: wizard mode, configuration mode or solution mode. The wizard is for more basic configurations and more for novice end users, and great for generating a simple and quick configuration. The configuration mode is for more advanced users, it allows you to create configurations that are more complex in nature. The solution mode is for highly advanced users and allows you to create complex solutions using racking systems and configurations. You can also pick your region from here, the country, and language you'd like to support. As of January 2008 the SSCT has full National Language Support for all the languages supported in the tool.
{DESCRIPTION} {TRANSCRIPT} This is an example of the wizard configuration mode that contains an x3500 product configuration. This process provides tab-to-tab configuration options.
{DESCRIPTION} {TRANSCRIPT} This is an example of a typical configuration mode screen that contains a x3650 product configuration. From here you can right click on the x3650 shown in the description box. This will display a compatibles toolbox allowing you to add options to the configuration. The compatibles toolbox is similar in function to the xSCA classic mode. There is a recent enhancement in the Compatibles Toolbox where you can chose to Force Automatic Validation. This will help to ensure you build a valid configuration.
{DESCRIPTION} {TRANSCRIPT} Next is an example of a typical solution mode screen that contains a x3650 product configuration with the x3650 placed inside a rack. You can accomplish this by selecting the product and then drag and drop the product into the rack. You can also set your preferences for servers to be auto placed in the rack for best results. In this example, auto placement is off, which is the default setting. After completing the product configuration, you have the option to build another configuration or choose save or export your file. Note: The “Save” option will save the configuration in TP3 format, which is the native format for the SSCT. Export will save as an excel spreadsheet, CSV, ePricer file, or text. SSCT will only import TP3 files.
{DESCRIPTION} {TRANSCRIPT} This is an example of the SSCT Excel XLS quote sheet. From here you can add and remove components and pricing will change in real time.
{DESCRIPTION} {TRANSCRIPT} In this section we will review the eConfig Tool.
{DESCRIPTION} {TRANSCRIPT} The IBM Configurator for e-business (e-Config) is an application that provides configuration support for hardware, software, and peripherals associated with the product lines that are available for marketing. The System x & BladeCenter implementation of eConfig is used only in the US and Canada, when the order will be fulfilled by IBM. eConfig is a standalone tool, and is called a disconnected tool, it doesn’t require a connection to the Internet. You only need to be connected to the Internet when updating the data files. eConfig is used to build moderate to complex product and solution configurations. For simple product configurations it is recommended you use the Web-based IBM Hardware configurator. This is an example of the eConfig initial order start window where you would add the customer and other data, this screen will appear. Next you choose add initial order from the toolbar as shown in the slide.
{DESCRIPTION} {TRANSCRIPT} The eConfig configuration interface for System x is similar to the SSCT. You can use the tabs to navigate and configure the product. From here you can choose your model, the OS version, form factor, processor, etc. With the feature code nomenclature for System x and BladeCenter, the base models can be AC1, MC1 or HC1, and others. For an example, if you do not wish to install an OS, choose the AC1 model or choose MC1 to install the OS.
{DESCRIPTION} {TRANSCRIPT} In this section we will review the IBM Web-based hardware configurator tool.
{DESCRIPTION} {TRANSCRIPT} The IBM Hardware configurator is similar to eConfig but it is Web based. It is used to build simple product configurations. Now with the latest release you can build simple to complex configurations. It is used primarily in the US & Canada. There are two versions of the hardware configurator. The first is the CCE, common commerce engine version, also called the Integrated version, that makes up the ShopIBM site. The second version is called the non-Integrated version. This version allow the sales teams to build a configuration and then export as an XLS, TXT, or XML file and also allows you to save as a CFR file for input to downstream tools. This is the home page for the non-integrated hardware configurator. Here you can choose a product category to begin with or you can start with a model number. You can also enter a model number to find compatible accessories or parts if you're doing upgrades or wanting to just buy additional options.
{DESCRIPTION} {TRANSCRIPT} After you build your server you will be able to view a summary of that configuration. During the process you will need to check the system to ensure there are not any configuration errors. The configuration can be exported as a CSV, TXT, XLS or XML file as shown in the slide. Also, important information about your configuration will be displayed in the summary as shown in this example on the bottom left.
{DESCRIPTION} {TRANSCRIPT} From the Summary tab will allow you to save the configuration as a CFReport for input into downstream tools like MSC. You can also choose to Export the configuration as a CSV, TXT, XLS or XML file. The XML file can only be created if the configuration is valid, without any fatal errors, and that the CFReport is not locked. Then the Export as XML link will display as an option. It is recommended that you select the Home link located in top left corner of the page. This will end your configuration session, otherwise the session will stay active until it eventually times out. Ending your session by selecting Home and returning to the IBM Hardware Configurator homepage will improve overall performance for everyone using the non-Integrated configuration tool.
{DESCRIPTION} {TRANSCRIPT} In this section we will introduce the features of the Configuration and Options Guide known as the COG, which is available in both HTML and PDF format.
{DESCRIPTION} {TRANSCRIPT} The COG, configuration and options guide, is used to assist the technical teams in building and validating configurations. There are two versions available: the Adobe PDF version and a Web-based HTML version. As of January 2008 there is now a search function available with the HTML version. This is an example of the Web-based version of the COG, which now contains a withdrawn products selection. The withdrawn feature allows you to refer back to previous versions of the COG to find information on older and withdrawn products. With the web-based version, information is retained for up to 1 year. The COG also contains quick navigational links on systems and solutions as shown in the center bottom of the slide.
{DESCRIPTION} {TRANSCRIPT} This is an example of the x3755 specifications by model. This screen provides a system overview and an options tab to view all the options that are tested and supported on the x3755 such as the supported processors, memory, hard drives, IO, and power accessories.
{DESCRIPTION} {TRANSCRIPT} This is the PDF version of the COG. You can select your product from the center of the screen. The data in the PDF version will be the same as the web based version.
{DESCRIPTION} {TRANSCRIPT} In this section we will review the features of the Advanced Solutions Integration Tool (ASIT) Configurator.
{DESCRIPTION} {TRANSCRIPT} The Advanced Solutions Integration Tool is the hardware configurator provided by IBM to support the configuration of Linux cluster and iDataPlex systems. It is a stand alone configurator that does not require an internet connection. However, if an internet connection is available, the most recent version will be installed automatically when the tool is launched. When you first install the ASIT configurator you are prompted to either accept or decline the license agreement. In order to continue to use the tool, you must accept the terms. This is the home page for the ASIT Hardware Configurator. From here you can view the Workstation requirements, Install and/or Update the tool, and find Help & Support.
{DESCRIPTION} {TRANSCRIPT} This is an example of the Starter screen that provide different procedure options to choose from: Wizard - allows you to use a step-by-step guided and rules based configurator Open - allows you to work with an existing configuration Template option - allows you to start from a custom configuration New option - allows you to begin a configuration without any defaults that are provided in the Wizard option Exit - allows you to exit the tool More advanced users usually start with New and build the configuration from the ground up.
{DESCRIPTION} {TRANSCRIPT} This is an example of the main Configuration screen. From here you can make further modifications of the solution. You can use the menu items to make changes to rules or make changes to the configuration. You can right-click on any of the nodes and make changes, copy, delete, etc. In the left side of the screen you have the rack layouts and quantities. On the right panels you have Item View and Messages on the bottom right panel. This is the screen that allows you to fine tune the configuration and solution.
{DESCRIPTION} {TRANSCRIPT} In this section we will review the features of the Express Selector Plus (ESP) Tool.
{DESCRIPTION} {TRANSCRIPT} The Express Selector Plus tool is a one-stop shopping experience for Tier 2 Business Partners who focus on the mid-market. ESP makes it easier to build, price, and source IBM’s midmarket solutions for System x, Storage and BladeCenter products. This is the home page for the Express Selector Plus tool that is located on PartnerWorld. From here you can launch the tool, learn more or watch a flash demo. The ESP tool includes select System x, BladeCenter, System x Storage, Options and Warranty products, which will vary by country. ESP is available in North America and many countries in Europe and Asia Pacific.
{DESCRIPTION} {TRANSCRIPT} This is an example of the ‘Your Systems’ page where you can find details of your systems. From here I can view summary, export, send message or trial kitting. I can also build a new system. With the export option, you can download XML, email XML, copy XML, download CSV, copy CSV or download quote to Excel XLS.
{DESCRIPTION} {TRANSCRIPT} Here is an example of an XLS output for the x3550 configuration. It is similar to the SSCT XLS output format.
{DESCRIPTION} {TRANSCRIPT} We have now completed the configuration tools, next we will take a look at the Sizing Toolset.
{DESCRIPTION} {TRANSCRIPT} The sizing tools are used to assist with of a specific output, i.e. power usage, or for determining the system requirement for a product or solution. A current sizing toolset comprises of the BladeCenter & System x Power Configurator Tool, IBM sizing guides and IBM workload estimator.
{DESCRIPTION} {TRANSCRIPT} This table provides and overview of the description and function for each of the sizing tool.
{DESCRIPTION} {TRANSCRIPT} In this section we will introduce the power configurator tool .
{DESCRIPTION} {TRANSCRIPT} IBM System x and BladeCenter Power Configurator tool is an Excel based application used to calculate actual power usage and energy savings for blade center and system x products plus size the requirements for PDUs and UPS's. It provides an XLS output that shows you actual power usage, idle power and maximum power usage. This popup window appears when you first launch the tool. From here, you can select the country, the voltage, and then select Choose Rack.
{DESCRIPTION} {TRANSCRIPT} Here is the excel spreadsheet version of the usage report for the completed configuration. You can see it has power estimates for the total configuration. Remember, the numbers derived from the Power Configurator Tool are used for determining total operational costs only, and should not be used for sizing power in the datacenter.
{DESCRIPTION} {TRANSCRIPT} In this section we will introduce the sizing guides tool.
{DESCRIPTION} {TRANSCRIPT} The Sizing Guides tool provides point-and-click access to software solution specific hardware requirements. This is like working backwards, as you start with a software solution and then work backwards to help identify which hardware is recommended for that solution. Here is the home page for the web based IBM sizing guides. If you want more information, there's a button for tell me more in the middle of the screen. Also from here, you could choose "Search Sizing Guides" for existing guides or enroll sizing guides if you want to create your own. Some of the most popular sizing guides are available on the bottom right hand side of the screen. For example, Citrix presentation server, System x, Lotus domino, Microsoft SQL server, etc.
{DESCRIPTION} {TRANSCRIPT} This is the output of the SQL server sizing guide. The output shows an immediate solution and creates a growth solution based on input to the question. From here, you can create a PDF report, modify the system, change input, etc.
{DESCRIPTION} {TRANSCRIPT} Our last sizing tool is the Workload Estimator.
{DESCRIPTION} {TRANSCRIPT} The Workload Estimator is like the Sizing Guides, they provide point-and-click access to software solution specific hardware requirements. The Workload Estimator is available for all of the Server and Storage platforms, except for System z. This is the homepage for the IBM systems workload estimator. From here, you can run the online version of the WLE.
{DESCRIPTION} {TRANSCRIPT} This is the output for the generic workload with the input of data from the previous screen. From here, you can create a PDF report, modify the system, change the input, etc. As you can see, the output shows immediate solution and it created a growth solution based on input to the questions provided.
{DESCRIPTION} {TRANSCRIPT} In this section we will review the Systems Management Tools and Utilities
{DESCRIPTION} {TRANSCRIPT} When you placing a new server online and just throughout the lifecycle of the server, taking advantage of enhancements, fixes, and adding new function for your hardware require updates to be made such as the firmware (system BIOS, firmware, and device driver code), some more critical than others. This section provides an overview of the necessary tools to perform routine maintenance, critical updates, and update strategy on System x and BladeCenter servers.
{DESCRIPTION} {TRANSCRIPT} We will begin with UpdateXpress and UpdateXpress Service Pack Installer (UXLite)
{DESCRIPTION} {TRANSCRIPT} UpdateXpress enables you to maintain your systems Windows Device Driver and firmware at the most current levels, helping you avoid unnecessary work stoppages. UpdateXpress contains a self-starting program that automatically detects current device driver and firmware levels and presents them to the user, providing the option of selecting specific upgrades or allowing UpdateXpress to update all of the system levels it detects as needing an upgrade. UpdateXpress CD lets you easily update server firmware and drivers on individual or network detached servers. There are three ways to use the UpdateXpress CD: Locally by booting from the UpdateXpress CD to perform firmware updates to: BIOS Diagnostics Service processors RAID Locally by loading the UpdateXpress CD (autorun) from Windows to perform driver updates to: NIC RAID SCSI Video Service processors Remotely using the RemoteUX Command-line utility on the CD RemoteUX is a Microsoft Windows command-line utility used to update remote System x servers. RemoteUX is supplied with UpdateXpress. RemoteUX works only with Windows-based servers and connects to them remotely via the administrative shares.
{DESCRIPTION} {TRANSCRIPT} UpdateXpress System Pack Installer or UXLite is an integration-tested bundle of online firmware and driver updates for IBM System x and IBM BladeCenter servers. It simplifies the process of downloading and installing critical updates in a timely manner for a given system, ensuring that you are always working with a complete, current set of updates. UpdateXpress System Packs are created for a machine type and operating system (Windows or Linux) combination. UpdateXpress System Packs contain Windows and Linux firmware and device driver updates. You can also compare updates and create bootable-media CD.
{DESCRIPTION} {TRANSCRIPT} In this section we will review the ServerGuide Installation Guide.
{DESCRIPTION} {TRANSCRIPT} IBM ServerGuide simplifies the process of installing and configuring IBM System x and BladeCenter servers. ServerGuide goes beyond mere hardware configuration by assisting with the automated installation of Windows server operating systems, device drivers and other system components, with minimal user intervention. ServerGuide is shipped with most IBM System x and BladeCenter servers. It addresses most configuration and onsite requirements during deployment, setup and configuration. The built-in intelligence of ServerGuide recognizes machine types and models as well as ServeRAID adapters and other hardware criteria. Based on the gathered hardware information, ServerGuide offers installation and configuration choices tailored to your system. You can use ServerGuide to deploy Microsoft Windows operating systems.
{DESCRIPTION} {TRANSCRIPT} In this section we will review the ServeRAID Manager application program.
{DESCRIPTION} {TRANSCRIPT} IBM ServeRAID Manager application software is used to configure, administer, and monitor ServeRAID adapters or controllers that are installed locally or remotely on servers. You can view information that is related to controllers, arrays, logical drives, hot-spare drives, and hard disk drives. Also, you can view configuration settings and events (which are called notifications in the ServeRAID Manager task) and locate defunct hard disk drives. Note: The ServeRAID Manager task for IBM Director is not the same program as the ServeRAID Manager (Standalone Edition) that is provided with the ServeRAID hardware option. It is recommended that you not install both versions on the same system.
{DESCRIPTION} {TRANSCRIPT} Finally, we will take a look at the IBM Dynamic System Analysis tool.
{DESCRIPTION} {TRANSCRIPT} IBM Dynamic System Analysis tool is used by the Technical Support teams to collect system and component level, operating system driver information as well as hardware event logs of different of hardware components or operating system event logs to diagnosis of system problems. IBM also provides a Preboot DSA for the newer IBM System x systems (x3850 M2 and x3950 M2) because the previous tools such as PC Doctor didn’t meet the requirements. Preboot DSA is a NVRAM-based version of the of DSA (Dynamic System Analysis) diagnostics tool. The DSA and Preboot DSA collect information that can be viewed locally or uploaded to an IBM internal FTP server for the Technical Support teams to have remote access from different locations at every time in each part of the world in case a deeper analysis of system state information or error logs is required. It is the primary method of testing the major components of the server. This image shows the options available from the main Preboot DSA interface. The Preboot DSA will be a standard for the System x and BladeCenter servers.
{DESCRIPTION} {TRANSCRIPT} IBM ServerProven validates selected products for compatibility with System x, BladeCenter, and Intellistation. ServerProven provides the option to choose a product type or use the list displayed to make your selection. IBM ServerProven provides compatibility information only. Hardware configuration guidance can be obtained from the Configuration and Options Guide. Product ordering information can be obtained from the Sales Configurators. These configurators can be accessed through the link “Configuration Tools“.
{DESCRIPTION} {TRANSCRIPT} IBM BladeCenter and System x Reference (xREF) provides a brief technical overview of each IBM BladeCenter, System x and IntelliStation machine type in production or withdrawn from marketing and many system specific options. The xREF is intended as a supplement, not a replacement, to the various Configuration tools provided by IBM.
{DESCRIPTION} {TRANSCRIPT} Another resource is the IBM Redbooks, which are developed and published by IBM's International Technical Support Organization (ITSO) as how to guides to help develop and deliver skills and improve the technical know-how, and materials to IBM technical professionals, Business Partners, clients, and the marketplace in general. Redbooks are available as hardcopy books, in IBM Redbooks CD-ROM collections, and on the Internet through this site. Refer to the ' How to order ' page for order details.
{DESCRIPTION} {TRANSCRIPT} This slide presents a glossary of terms used in this topic.
{DESCRIPTION} {TRANSCRIPT} Having completed 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
{DESCRIPTION} This screen displays html links. {TRANSCRIPT} This slide lists additional resources.
{DESCRIPTION} Displays the statement of “End of Presentation” in the center of the slide. {TRANSCRIPT} Thank you!