How-To Dell Server : Manage Multiple Servers with OMSA and OME

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This article explains the different options to manage Dell PowerEdge servers. Installation guides and advanced configuration are provided in the interactive user guides. The basic level of management is provided by the iDRAC, a controller card embedded in the motherboard. Advanced management options are provided at an operating system level with the OpenManage suite and SupportAssist. 

First, all management tools rely on the Integrated Dell Remote Access Card (iDRAC). This is a management card that simplifies server management task like provisioning, deployment, servicing, user customization, updating. The iDRAC offers a web interface to manage remotely the server. Management tools use the SNMP protocol to communicate with the iDRAC and obtain hardware status. There are different versions of iDRAC, iDRAC 7 runs on 12G server, iDRAC 8 on 13G and iDRAC 9 on 14G and 15G.

 

 

Table of Content

 

Name	Type	Interface	Supported OS
iDRAC	Physically installed Manage local device. Can be accessed remotely.	HTTP	Independent of OS
OpenManage Server Administrator (OMSA)	Software installation Manage one server. Can be accessed remotely.	HTTP	Windows. Linux. VMware (VIB)
OpenManage Enterprise (OME)	Software installation Console to manage infrastructure. Can be accessed remotely.	HTTP	Windows Linux
SupportAssist Enterprise	Software installation Console to manage devices.	HTTP	Windows Linux

 

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Dell Remote Access Controller (iDRAC)

The iDRAC is a piece of hardware that sits on the server motherboard. This allows Systems Administrators to update and manage Dell systems, even when the server is turned off. The iDRAC also provides both a web interface and command-line interface that allows administrators to perform remote management tasks. Almost all current Dell servers have the option for an iDRAC.

 

 

 

The Virtual Console is powerful to all support maintenance operation. How to use the Virtual Media is explained in this article.

The Dell Lifecycle Controller, which is a component of the iDRAC, is another useful tool. This allows for advanced functionality around updating, backing up and restoring firmware updates on your Dell Server either through a GUI or command-line interface.
Lifecycle Controller is the tool to use to deploy an operating system, more information about OS Deployment in this article.

How to set up and configure the iDRAC is available on this article.
iDRAC Manuals are available on the eSupport site.

 

 

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OpenManage Server Administrator (OMSA)

OpenManage Server Administrator (OMSA) provides a comprehensive, one-to-one system management solution in two ways:

• From an integrated, web browser-based graphical user interface (GUI)
• From a command-line interface (CLI) through the operating system.

How to install OpenManage Server Administrator (OMSA) on Windows - 132087
How to Install OpenManage Server Administrator (OMSA) on Red hat - 132087

Server Administrator is designed for system administrators to manage systems locally and remotely on a network.

• Managed node: Agents and web components are installed. (Windows, Linux)
• VIB: Agents of OMSA without web components (VMware).

You may access the Dell OpenManage web interface from any computer on the same network as the host by using a web browser.

Enter the IP of the host operating system IP followed by the OMSA post number 1311.

Launch the OpenManage web interface (sample - https://192.168.1.100:1311/) (replace 192.168.1.100 with your host server’s IP address).

Log in using your root/Administrator username and password for the host.




When OMSA is installed without web components, you have to access this OMSA from another device where web components are installed.
User Guides are available online for more information about the installation process.
 

OpenManage Server Administrator is now installed and ready to be used. User Guides are available online.

 

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OpenManage Enterprise

Dell EMC OpenManage Enterprise is a hardware management and monitoring console. This provides a comprehensive view of the Dell EMC servers, chassis, network switches, and other third-party devices on the enterprise network. It is designed for the next generation of IT Professionals with a focus on simplicity, automation, and unification of data center management.

OpenManage Enterprise allows to:

• Discover and inventory the system.
• Monitor the health of the system.
• View and manage system alerts.
• Perform system updates and remote tasks.
• View hardware inventory and compliance reports

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Enable the proactivity with SupportAssist Enterprise

SupportAssist Enterprise is an application that enables transparent visibility to your Dell server infrastructure. It proactively identifies failures in your IT environment and immediately alerts you and Dell to initiate resolution.



This article explains the different versions of SupportAssist, where to download executables and how to run it.