37 PowerEdge R320 Technical Guide
OpenManage systems management
The Dell OpenManage systems management portfolio includes powerful hardware and software
management tools and utilities. OpenManage simplifies the lifecycle of deploying, updating,
monitoring and maintaining Dell PowerEdge servers.
iDRAC7 with Lifecycle Controller
The Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller 7 (iDRAC7) with Lifecycle Controller is the heart of the
second generation of Dell PowerEdge server embedded management functionality. In addition to
enabling agent-free management, iDRAC7 with Lifecycle Controller provides remote access to the
system — whether or not there is a functioning operating system running on the server. These
embedded features improve all aspects of a typical server lifecycle. Table 22 describes the functions
and benefits of iDRAC7 with Lifecycle Controller.
Table 22. iDRAC7 with Lifecycle Controller functions and benefits
iDRAC7 offers real-time OOB
discovery, inventory, deployment
monitoring, alerting and updates for
servers and internal storage
Manage servers independent of the OS type
or status — even if an OS is not installed
All server types have the same
embedded management hardware
and firmware
Simplified and consistent maintenance
across server platforms
Dedicated
GigE port
(PowerEdge
rack and tower
systems)
GbE replaces 10/100 on predecessor
iDRAC6
Fast throughput for better performance,
compatibility with setup for switches
Simplified, informative, and actionable
messaging including key information
on systems and components,
warranty, and service tag
More detail allows IT administrators to be
more efficient in diagnosing and remediating
an issue; alerts include a direct, embedded
URL in the email notification to further speed
resolution
Enabled with iDRAC7 Enterprise
Allows for use of a non-Dell SD card
Enhanced power
management
Integration with Intel Node Manager
provides data center level power
monitoring and capping
(requires iDRAC7 Enterprise)
Fine tune data center power policies,
capping, and usage; report on historical
power usage by rack, row or room using
Power Center Manager (new)