Dell Power Solutions

SYSTEMS MANAGEMENTDeploying Dell Update Packages Using MicrosoftSystems Management Server 2003Administrators can gain a powerful set of systems management tools by integratingDell Update Packages with Microsoft Systems Management Server (SMS) 2003. Thisarticle provides an overview of how administrators can use Microsoft SMS 2003 tobuild a software distribution solution that helps manage Dell PowerEdge servers in aheterogeneous environment.BY SANDEEP KARANDIKAR AND MANOJ GUJARATHIEnterprise IT departments typically manage a heterogeneousmix of decentralized hardware and software applications.Successful administration of complex environmentscan be challenging, and IT professionals rely on robust systemsmanagement offerings to help achieve their goals.One of the thorniest enterprise management issuesis patch management, which includes keeping applicationsoftware, operating systems, and system softwareup-to-date. The basic tasks of patch management includeinventorying an organization’s hardware for existing softwareversion levels; comparing the inventory results to alist of current or desired software versions; and allowingusers to apply one or more updates.To address enterprise needs for enhanced patch management,Dell is expanding Dell OpenManage systemsoftware update technologies and products. This articlediscusses how Dell Update Packages can be integratedwith Microsoft Systems Management Server (SMS) 2003to manage Dell PowerEdge servers in a heterogeneousenterprise environment.Dell Update Packages are server BIOS, firmware, anddriver system software updates delivered in a consistent,self-extracting zip file format. They are available on theDell support site (support.dell.com) and offer ease andflexibility for updating system software on Dell PowerEdgeservers in an operating system (OS)–present environment.The current suites of packages allow administrators toupdate the following system software components: 1• System BIOS• System firmware, also known as the EmbeddedServer Management (ESM) firmware• Remote access controller (RAC) firmware• PowerEdge Expandable RAID Controller (PERC)firmware and device drivers• Network interface card (NIC) drivers1For the current list of supported devices, visit the Dell support site at support.dell.com.www.dell.com/powersolutions Reprinted from Dell Power Solutions, February 2005. Copyright © 2005 Dell Inc. All rights reserved. POWER SOLUTIONS 51