Compaq ProLiant BL e-Class System Overview and Planning

Compaq ProLiant BL e-Class System Overview and Planning 16
SmartStart Scripting Toolkit
The SmartStart Scripting Toolkit is a server deployment product that delivers a hands-off,
unattended installation for high-volume ProLiant server deployments. The Scripting Toolkit
provides a flexible method for creating standard server configuration scripts that are used to
automate the server configuration process. The Scripting Toolkit saves time from each server
deployed, making it possible to scale server deployments to high volumes in rapid fashion.
The SmartStart Scripting Toolkit contains customizable pre-configured scripts for unattended OS
deployment. The Scripting Toolkit requires the user to create a custom boot CD or boot diskette
to start the OS installation on ProLiant BL10e server blades. Booting from local CD or diskette
requires connecting a USB device to the diagnostic adapter (see ProLiant BL e-Class system
documentation). To obtain additional information about the Scripting Toolkit (including sample
scripts), download the utility and readme files from the Compaq website:
http://www.compaq.com/smartstart.html.
Note: This method can be used to deploy any Linux OS distribution that supports an unattended
installation, but Compaq only supports and provides sample scripts for Red Hat Linux versions
supported by the ProLiant BL line of server blades.
USB Diskette or USB CD-ROM (connected to the Diagnostic Adapter for
ProLiant BL10e server blades)
The diagnostic adapter, which connects to the front of the server blade, contains PS/2, USB,
serial, and video connections. These ports enable connecting a PS/2 keyboard, PS/2 mouse, USB
diskette, and USB CD-ROM. A USB-diskette or USB CD-ROM can be connected to the
diagnostic adapter for OS installation, but depends on USB support by the OS vendor. A USB
diskette drive can be used to complete a network installation booting from a USB diskette, or to
use the SmartStart Scripting Toolkit (described above). For specific information on USB
supported on Compaq ProLiant servers, please visit the Compaq website:
http://www.compaq.com/products/servers/platforms/usb-support.html
Additionally, review the product QuickSpecs for a full list of USB devices Compaq has tested
and supports.
Windows 2000 Deployment
The Microsoft Windows 2000 operating system claims support for OS installation with only
certain USB CD-ROM drives. Contact Microsoft for a listing of OS-supported USB devices.
Linux Deployment
Red Hat Linux 7.2 supports installation via a USB CD-ROM, but only for OS vendor-supported
USB devices. Contact Red Hat (or the OS vendor) for a listing of supported devices. Review the
product QuickSpecs to review the USB devices Compaq has tested and supports. For details on
how to install the Linux operating system using the diagnostic adapter on ProLiant BL10e server
blades, please visit the Compaq website:
http://www.compaq.com/products/servers/Linux/compaq-howto.html