[Info-vax] OpenVMS graphics - once more

[William Pechter]

In article <54dbeb3e$0$29561$c3e8da3$e074e489 at news.astraweb.com>,
JF Mezei  <jfmezei.spamnot at vaxination.ca> wrote:
>On 15-02-11 18:43, Dirk Munk wrote:
>
>> It was all about the discussion that a server doesn't need to have a 
>> graphics card these days. It can be replaced by an ILO port with 
>> integrated web server.
>
>ILO port does not manage the OS instance, it manages the hardware. And
>depending on system, the equivalent of SRM.
>
>At best, you can use the ILO to order a "soft" power-off (where it sends
>a signal to OS which has a couple of seconds before power is shut).
>
>
>This is quite different from logging into the server to manage it, its
>parameners, networking (IP address etc), user authentication etc.
>
>And in cases where networking is out, you really need a way to login to
>the server's console to fix it. Can't be done remotely.
>
>

The IBM x86-64 boxes I worked with had a web based app that would allow you to
login to the OS on the server console and do anything including reconfig bios.
The low end minimum IPMI manages the hardware through the BMC controller, but 
a lot of server vendors have the more enhanced features on an optional add-in
board to reduce costs on boxes that don't need the functionality.

DELL had the DRAC board.  IBM had their RSA (Remote Supervisor Adapter).
HP had ILO varients (IIRC that was a Compaq name).  Sun had ILOM.

Some run java or other embedded software giving full console emulation.
Some add CD/DVD/Floppy emulation attaching the remote box storage over LAN.
Some have on-board storage for media upload that the board makes available.

These technologies on PC servers are about 15 years old IIRC.

These boards either have their own ethernet interface (which can be on a 
non-server private switch/vlan) or they share one port with the host.

They can (should) be on different networks than the production interfaces.

The emulation lets you do full bring up from dead remotely if the hardware
is functioning.  They also monitor voltages, ac line input and power supply
status, fan speed/temp. 

Bill

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