Executive Summary
With the launch of the Dell PowerEdge 13th generation servers on Sept 9th, 2014, Dell has enhanced our embedded management without the need to install a software based agent within the host operating system. At the heart of the 13th generation servers embedded management is the iDRAC8 with Lifecycle Controller technology, which allows users to perform useful tasks such as configure BIOS and hardware settings, deploy operating systems, update drivers, change RAID settings, and save hardware profiles. Together, they provide a robust set of management functions that can be leveraged throughout the entire server lifecycle.
If you are new to using iDRAC with Lifecycle Controller, check out the "how to" videos we have on youtube.com here.
Faster, More Efficient, More Secure Local and Remote Deployment, Configuration and Updates
Dell Lifecycle Controller simplifies server lifecycle management— from provisioning, deployment, patching and updating to servicing and user customization—for servers located both locally and remotely. It was delivered as part of the Dell Remote Access Controller or iDRAC (Express, Enterprise and vFlash) starting with Dell PowerEdge 11G servers. On 12G servers, the vFlash feature is included with the iDRAC7 Enterprise License, so you no longer have to separately license vFlash starting with Lifecycle Controller 2. Dell’s 12G servers only use Express or Enterprise licensing. Lifecycle Controller includes managed and persistant storage that embeds systems management features and Operating System device drivers directly on the server, thus eliminating the media-based system management tools and utilities traditionally needed for systems management.
Lifecycle Controller reduces the time and number of steps taken to accomplish tasks, reduces potential for error, enhances server and application uptime and security, and results in more efficient IT management. Developed on the industry standard Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) platform and Web Services for Management (WSMan) interfaces, Lifecycle Controller provides an open environment for console integration that also allows for custom scripting for Lifecycle Controller. Leading systems management consoles (e.g., Microsoft® System Center Configuration Manager, BMC Software BladeLogic® Operations Manager, Symantec™ Deployment Solution, Dell™ Management Console) have integrated Dell Lifecycle Controller, thus offering its features and capabilities to existing infrastructures where those consoles are installed.
Why did Dell develop Lifecycle Controller?
When Dell examined common management tasks and the inefficiencies associated with them, we discovered something interesting – it wasn’t the tools that were making management tasks take so long, it was how they were delivered. The most common activities like provisioning, deploying, and updating required multiple tools, multiple forms of media and scouring the Web for the latest enablement tools, including drivers and firmware. This traditional delivery model resulted in inefficient use of time, a potential for error and potential exposure to security risks.
| Embedded Management | |
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| Lifecycle Controller - Local GUI | Lifecycle Controller - Web Services API |
Lifecycle controller supports local 1-to-1 system management tasks via a graphical user interface (GUI) on the servers KVM for operating system install, updates, configuration, and for performing diagnostics, on single, local servers. This eliminates the need for multiple option ROMs for hardware configuration
| Remote Services are standards-based interfaces that enable consoles to integrate, for example, bare-metal provisioning and one-to-many OS deployments, for servers locatedremotely. Dell’s Lifecycle Controller takes advantage of the capabilities of both USC and Remote Services to deliver significant advancement and simplification of server deployment. Lifecycle Controller Serviceability aims at simplifying server reprovision and/or replacing failed parts and thus reduces maintenance downtime |
| Lifecycle Controller Release Summary |
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| Highlighted White Papers |
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Quick Start Guide about Lifecycle Controller (LC) and using LC documentation |
| Web Services Integration Tools | |
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| Best Practice Guide | Best Practice scripts |
| Web Service Interface Guide for Windows | WinRM scripts |
| Web Service Interface Guide for Linux | WSMAN scripts |
| Reference Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Profiles | Describes the behavior for each 12G feature and necessary classes, properties and methods as well as configurable management attributes that represent the feature. |
| MOFs | Files that contain the normative description for DCIM classes, properties and method in the MOF format. |
| WSMAN Licenses and Privileges | Lists all licensing and privilege requirements |
| LC XML Schema Guide | Contains various schema descriptions including: LCL log, hardware inventory, message registry, attribute registry, and dependency XML |
The Web Services Description Language is an XML-based language that is used for describing the functionality offered by a Web service. A WSDL description of a web service (also referred to as a WSDL file) provides a machine-readable description of how the service can | |
| Attribute Registries (what are these?) | |
|---|---|
| Lists all attributes and properties for these components in XML format | |
| Dell Event / Error Message Reference | ||
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Contains the notification message content generated by the Dell iDRAC8 with Lifecycle Controller using the Test Event Generation feature for the following event action notification types:
| iDRAC8 with LC Version 2.00.00.00 | |
| Dell Event Message Reference (2.3) (2.2) (2.1) (2.0) | Describes all event and error message content from all DCIM Profiles in one document. | iDRAC8 with LC Version 2.20.20.20, 2.10.10.10, 2.00.00.00 |
iDRAC and Lifecycle Controller event / error message data in XML with Dell XSL for viewing. | iDRAC8 with LC Version 2.30.30.30, 2.20.20.20, 2.10.10.10, 2.00.00.00 | |