HP Systems Insight Manager 5.2 Update 2 Technical Reference Guide

System types
There are many different system types in HP Systems Insight Manager (HP SIM). All of these types are
available on the General Settings for All Discoveries page, with the exception of clusters, complexes,
racks, and enclosures. These types are not listed because they are not discovered directly. For example, a
cluster is typically discovered through a cluster node. If you enable discovery filters and select some system
types, HP SIM attempts to discover systems that fit those types the next time automatic discovery run. The
following is a list of system types recognized by HP SIM during discovery.
• Application An application references an application running on a server. HP SIM currently does not
create systems of this type, but HP SIM or an HP Essential might do so in the future.
• Cluster A cluster is a virtual computer usually made up of several servers clustered together with
special software. Clusters are typically part of a fault-tolerant configuration. If a system is expected to
be a cluster but not identified as such, ensure that the agents are properly configured on the cluster
nodes and that it is a supported cluster environment.
• Complex Computer systems that support multiple hardware partitions are referred to as a complex.
For example, the HP Integrity Superdome systems support multiple hardware partitions within a single
complex.
• Desktop A small computer system typically located at a user's desk.
• Enclosure A physical container for a set of blades servers. An enclosure contains a backplane that
routes power and communication signals and additional hardware for cabling and thermal issues. It
also hosts the processor and server power supplies.
• Environmental Monitor A device that monitors the environment around a system, rack, or other
hardware component. These systems typically monitor temperature, the presence of smoke, and security.
• Handheld A Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) or small computer that fits in your hand.
• Hub Also called a repeater , this simple device is used to extend the number of ports available on the
network.
• KVM switch A keyboard, video, and mouse switch that is used to enable a single keyboard, video
monitor, and mouse to be shared by multiple systems that can be network-enabled.
• Management Processor Usually a small firmware-based system that is embedded in a server or other
server-related hardware (such as an enclosure), and typically provide only management capabilities.
The Integrated Lights-Out (iLO) card is an example of a management processor.
• Notebook A computer that is portable.
• Partition Certain systems and operating environments can be flexibly configured into partitions, each
of which can run a separate instance of the operating system. Partitions provide protection that prevents
software errors in one partition from interfering with another partition. Server systems that allow hardware
partitions can also keep hardware errors from interfering with another partition.
• Power Distribution Unit A device that provides power to multiple systems in a rack, and can remotely
control powering systems on or off.
• Power supply A device that supplies power to the servers on your network.
• Printer A device typically attached to the network that is used for printing.
• Rack A nonaddressable piece of hardware used to house servers, enclosures, or networking equipment.
A rack created by HP SIM usually contains several enclosures.
• Resource Partition Set by users through the RPM Package Manager. This partition is limited to specific
resource quantities and rules that allow the dynamic reallocation of processors and memory.
• Remote Access Device A device used to enable remote users to dial into an intranet through a phone
line or over a LAN to an intranet.
102 Discovery and identification