In 2002, IBM revolutionized the server industry when it announced a new hardware platform that was based upon a modular chassis design, the IBM BladeCenter. The platform was a radical departure from existing server architectures in that it leveraged universal components, shared with servers contained with a chassis, that could be upgraded or replaced over time. Through the use of "blade" style server slots and I/O expansion bays, servers within the chassis could connect to a vast array of networking and storage options.
Five years later, IBM once again set a new standard with the BladeCenter S. This chassis brings with it years of rigorously tested and datacenter proven blade technology, highly energy efficient power supplies, integrated SAS or SATA storage, and the most advanced management capabilities available. Not only does it leverage the existing portfolio of BladeCenter expansion modules, it operates in either a 110 V or 220 V AC power environment.
The purpose of this paper is to provide a stand-alone reference compendium, which can be used to quickly and easily set up a BladeCenter S. The paper includes an overview of IBM BladeCenter servers and technology, a technical review of the BladeCenter S and its options, an in-depth explanation of storage zoning and configuration, as well as step-by-step setup guides for both the Advanced Management Module and Storage Configuration Manager.
This paper was written for a technical audience with limited or no experience with IBM BladeCenter solutions. After reading it, you should be able to successfully implement the BladeCenter S, customized to your specific needs.
Update 1/2008: Corrections on pages 31, 40, and 83 as indicated by change bars. |
