Best Practices When Deploying Linux on the HP ProLiant DL980 (updated December 2012)

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 BladeSystem SUSE Linux Enterprise Server Pack
 BladeSystem Microsoft Windows Server Pack
 ProLiant ML/DL/SL Red Hat Enterprise Linux Pack
 ProLiant ML/DL/SL SUSE Linux Enterprise Server Pack
 ProLiant ML/DL/SL Microsoft Windows Server Pack
HP SPP benefits
HP SPP simplifies software maintenance in several ways:
 Leverages the power of HP SUM for consolidated management and distribution to multiple servers.
 Provides broad portfolio support for HP ProLiant servers, BladeSystem enclosures, and the HP CloudSystem Matrix.
 Enables simplified updates with a single-step installation process that packages firmware, systems software, and
drivers. The installation provides:
– A consolidated, single solution for all supported HP ProLiant servers, with interdependency testing of drivers and
firmware
– Convenient access via web delivery
– PXE bootable ISO images that reduce:
o Qualification cycles
o Resource usage
o Maintenance duration
o Downtime
 Serves as an integral part of the HP Server Experience that:
– Increases ease of Server Management — with enhancements to HP SUM and consolidated sets of tested firmware
and software
– Enhances IT productivity while reducing downtime
– Provides reliable configuration by:
o Assisting with server deployment, integrating server support software and firmware, and minimizing
configuration and update issues
o Ensuring consistency and reliability and maximizing system uptime
– Streamlines delivery of HP ProLiant software and firmware
The SPP is available at the HP SPP Download page at
hp.com/go/spp/download
HP SPP minimum requirements for installation on Linux servers
Several package dependencies exist for proper HP SUM execution on Linux. As the list of required packages can change
over time depending on new HP SUM features/functionalities, you should refer to version-specific HP SPP Release Notes
at the HP SPP documentation site (hp.com/go/spp/documentation) for platform-specific requirements for a given HP
SPP version).
Note
Package dependencies for running HP SUM differ depending on whether it is run
in “console mode” or “graphical mode.” Required dependencies may also differ
depending on the host Linux distribution and version. In addition, pay attention
to any specifically-required 32-bit versions of packages. These various
requirements are documented in the HP SPP Release Notes.
Installing HP SPP
To update firmware, update drivers, and add any HP value-add software on the HP ProLiant DL980, use one of the two
ProLiant ML/DL/SL Server Pack subset ISOs for Linux listed in bold on page 12. From the SPP download page, download