Dell White Paper Sample

Systems management has typically been a key part of the IT administrator’s job. Being able to install an operating system, updating firmware to satisfy function and policies requirements, configuring devices and getting the most out of an IT network are integral aspects of this role. Over the years, Dell has provided many tools to assist the administrator. Starting with tools such as DSA, Systems Build and Update Utility, and DTK that shipped on multiple CDs, Dell then developed a single software tool DVD, Systems Build and Update Utility. Storing, retrieving, and using these multiple disks in their many versions has, however, had an increasingly negative impact on Customer Experience.

As a clear response to these problems, Dell now provides the Lifecycle Controller, a flash chip embedded on the system itself with the Dell Unified Server Configurator application (USC). The Lifecycle Controller allows the IT administrator to dispense with media altogether, allowing operating system deployment with local embedded driver repositories, firmware updates, hardware configuration, and platform specific diagnostic routines. Since the USC is available even when the operating system is not functional or even installed, it allows added flexibility in provisioning the system and customizing it to suit the customer’s requirements. Additionally, since the tool is integrated and embedded, formatting or a reinstalling the operating system does not remove the tool, thus saving the administrator significant time and money.