OpenManage

I'm a big believer in simple tools with flexibility to create solutions for your needs. 

As a technical person I find nothing more satisfying than hacking a piece of code to create a unique solution.

Dell Repository Manager allows you to create custom repositories that contain the Dell Update Packages (DUPs) which are then exported to either an ISO file or a lightweight deployment script for Windows or Linux.

I've created two demos that show both.  The first one is an overview of the product and shows exporting to lightweight script for use in Windows.

In the second demo I hack on one of the files to automate the deployment after exporting the ISO and mounting across multiple blades in the chassis.  The changes to the script eliminate the user input and also reboot the blades if the updates were successful.  The nice thing is it is a simple shell script you can edit.  If you are familiar with simple scripting I'm sure you'll find yourself building more intelligence into the code.  I've also included details on editing the script used by Repository Manager to automate the execution and reboot after completion.

Watch the demos here.

One of the features of the Dell PowerEdge 11G servers is embedded management (aka the Lifecycle Controller) which allows you to apply server updates from within the system.

Very easy to use with a simple graphical user interface.  You can see several demos of the Lifecycle Controller on our Dell TechCenter site.

Easy enough if your server can access ftp.dell.com for the updates.  What if you don't allow that access, or your server lives in a tightly secured environment ?  There is a second option available that allows you to apply the updates via a USB storage device.

Now you could simply replicate the entire ftp.dell.com site, raise your hand if that sounds appealing ... really no hands ? :-) Yeah, I really don't want you clogging the internet either.

The other option is to follow these instructions that I just tested in our lab to create a custom USB repository to use for your updates.  You're welcome.

I'd like to give a shout out to Brian Summers, one of our most active members on the Dell TechCenter, and a member of our Hall of Fame.  He has produced several great demos on the plug-ins that are available for the Dell Management Console. 

You will be more educated and enlightened on DMC by watching them :-)

Join us tomorrow at 3PM CDT for a chat on the soon to be released OpenManage version 6.1. 

All the noise is about the new toy - Dell Management Console - DMC, but we also realize that many of you are happy to stick with tried, true, and familiar. 
We are not leaving you behind. 

OpenManage IT Assistant and OpenManage Server Administrator have been updated to support the newest line of the Dell PowerEdge 11G servers.

So if you are new, or just refreshing your servers, come join us in the chat !

Ohhh if it were only as easy as clicking next, next, next, finished.

Enterprise class applications and tools require a little more thought and planning for deployment.  Imagine if you tried to install Microsoft Exchange just by putting in the installation CD and clicking next, next, next, finish :-)

Same goes with your enterprise systems management solution.  A little bit of planning and preparation up front will make for a much smoother DMC installation and rollout.

Luckily there are several resources to get you started in the right direction.

• Watch the DMC Install Quickstart Demo - worth the ~ 1 hour investment of your time.
• Keep up to date with the latest information on the DellTechCenter DMC section and the DMC Group on the Dell Community.  The latest information from DMC Engineering is always posted there first.
• Read the FAQ.  Others have already experienced the pains, why should you relearn lessons ?  My mantra is work smarter, not harder.
• Read the set of known issues with DMC.
• Read the DMC Configuration and Optimization guide.
• Read the DMC Documentation

This should get you started in the right direction.  I'd like to thank the Dell DMC team and Symantec for creating these resources.  If you get stuck and have questions, check the DMC Forum.