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file:///T|/htdocs/SOFTWARE/smusc/smlc/lc_1_3/en/Readme/readme.txt[10/25/2012 1:39:51 PM]
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Dell(TM) Lifecycle Controller
Version 1.3
Release Date: December 2009
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In order to provide new and robust server management capabilities, the
Unified Server Configurator/Unified Server Configurator - Lifecycle
Controller Enabled (USC/USC-LCE) software product has been enhanced to
include additional remote services functionality. Since this addition
allows for a comprehensive approach to server management, the entire
set of software components is now called Lifecycle Controller (LC).
The LC software components are built upon the integrated Dell Remote
Access Controller 6 (iDRAC6) Express card and the Unified Extensible
Firmware Infrastructure (UEFI) system firmware. The iDRAC6 works
together with the UEFI firmware to access and manage every aspect of
the hardware, including component and subsystem management that is
beyond the traditional BMC (Baseboard Management Controller)
capabilities.
Remote server management is accomplished using the network for
programmatic web services, while command line (CLI) and graphical user
interfaces (GUI) are provided by the iDRAC6 card in an operating
system-and system-power-state independent manner. The UEFI environment
provides the local console interface, and the infrastructure for
locally and remotely managing system components.
The remote services functionality enables consoles, such as the Dell
Management Console (DMC) and partner consoles, to access LC features in
a pre-operating system environment. USC/USC-LCE provides an embedded
solution on the local server to assist with provisioning in a
pre-operating system environment
The Dell Unified Server Configurator (USC) is an embedded
configuration utility that enables systems and storage management
tasks from an embedded environment throughout the server’s lifecycle.
Residing on an embedded flash memory card, the USC is similar to a BIOS
utility in that it can be started during the boot sequence and can
function independently of the operating system.
Using the USC you can quickly identify, download, and apply system
updates without needing to search the Dell support site
(support.dell.com). The field replacement and recovery feature allows
you to restore embedded tools and utilities in the event of data
corruption or hardware failure. You can also configure BIOS and system
firmware (such as NIC, power supply, and iDRAC), deploy an operating
system, and run diagnostics to validate the system and attached
hardware.