Concept Guide

1
Introduction
Dell Lifecycle Controller provides advanced embedded systems management to perform systems management tasks such as
deploy, configure, update, maintain, and diagnose. It is delivered as part of integrated Dell Remote Access Controller (iDRAC) out-
of-band solution and embedded Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) applications in the latest Dell servers. iDRAC works
with the UEFI firmware to access and manage every aspect of the hardware, including component and subsystem management
that is beyond the traditional Baseboard Management Controller (BMC) capabilities.
Dell Lifecycle Controller Remote Services further enables remote systems management in a one-to-many method. Remote services
is accessible over the network using the secure web services interface and can be programmatically utilized by applications and
scripts. Remote services enable management consoles to perform one-to-many bare-metal server provisioning. The combination of
the Provisioning Server feature to identify and authenticate the attached Dell system to the network and integration with one‑to-
many management consoles reduces the manual steps required for server setup and management. The Server Configuration
Profiles provide a single view of all the system settings that can be imported and exported from the server to perform one-to-many
cloning operations. The interface is aimed at simplifying many tasks, some of which include remotely deploying an operating system,
remote update and inventory, and remotely automating the setup and configuration of new and already-deployed Dell systems.
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, Web Services for Management (WSMAN) interfaces, and Redfish management
interfaces, Lifecycle Controller provides an open environment for console integration that also allows custom scripting for Lifecycle
Controller. Leading systems management consoles such as, Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager, BMC Software
BladeLogic Operations Manager, VMware vCenter have integrated Dell Lifecycle Controller to utilize its features and capabilities to
an existing infrastructure, where these consoles are installed.
Why use Lifecycle Controller?
The iDRAC with Lifecycle Controller technology in the server’s embedded management allows you to perform useful tasks such as
configuring BIOS and hardware settings, deploying operating systems, changing RAID settings, and saving hardware profiles.
Together, iDRAC and Lifecycle Controller provide a robust set of management functions that can be used throughout the entire
server lifecycle.
Dell Lifecycle Controller simplifies server lifecycle management — from provisioning, deployment, patching and updating to servicing
and user customization — both locally and remotely. Lifecycle Controller includes managed and persistent storage that embeds
systems management features and Operating System device drivers directly on the server. This eliminates the media-based system
management tools and utilities traditionally needed for systems management.
Benefits of using iDRAC with Lifecycle Controller
The benefits include:
• Increased Uptime — Early notification of potential or actual failures that help prevent a server failure or reduce recovery time
after a failure.
• Improved Productivity and Lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) — Extending the reach of administrators to larger numbers of
distant servers can make IT staff more productive while driving down operational costs such as travel.
• Enhanced Security— By providing secure access to remote servers, administrators can perform critical management functions
while maintaining server and network security.
5