Agilent Technologies Introduces Highly Advanced, Web-based, Remote Server-management Solutions; First IPMI 1.0 Compliant Solutions for PC and UNIX Servers - Remote Management Card - Product Announcement

Edge: Work-Group Computing Report, Feb 14, 2000

Agilent Technologies, Inc. Monday announced a new generation of remote maintenance and diagnostics solutions for server troubleshooting and remote administration even when the power is switched off.

The new Agilent Remote Management Card (RMC) and embedded Remote Management Chip (eRMC), provide server manufacturers with the first remote management solutions to comply with the Intelligent Platform Management Interface (IPMI) 1.0, which defines standard system management. This enables OEMs to bring servers to market quicker, complete with the latest remote maintenance capabilities.

Agilent's RMC and eRMC are based on proven technology that Hewlett-Packard successfully uses in servers and is now making available to the OEM community. Both products integrate easily into any PC or UNIX server.

System administrators can use either product to gain secure access to servers for troubleshooting and remote administration. If a problem is detected, the RMC or eRMC automatically sends the system administrator a notification message, identifying the server and nature of the problem. A graphical display of server statistics helps operators identify potential problems quickly. Agilent's remote management solutions operate as a health-monitoring agent, freeing administrators from direct server monitoring, while helping to enable 24/7 availability.

"The Agilent RMC and eRMC break new ground by providing a proven IPMI-compliant health monitoring system for any PC server," said Alois Hauk, general manager of Agilent's Boeblingen (Germany) Verification Solutions. "We think this significant advance will enable server OEMs to provide their customers with a cost-effective, remote management solution across all server platforms."

Remote Management Card (RMC) The Agilent RMC is the only PCI 2.2- and IPMI 1.0-compliant short card solution for remote management. As the industry's most highly integrated solution, it avoids single-site points of failure using a redundant power concept (three alternative back-up power supplies: PCI, AC/DC and battery), and alternative communication ports (10/100 Base-T LAN and an on-board modem).

Embedded Chip Solution (eRMC) The Agilent eRMC provides Baseboard Management Controller (BMC) functionality that can be easily integrated and customized for any server platform. The eRMC is also the only embedded solution offering integrated LAN and modem access capabilities.

Both the card and chip include an integrated web server capability that allows system administrators to securely monitor and troubleshoot server performance from their web browser. No additional software installations are necessary.

Standards Compliant Compliance with existing and emerging industry standards will provide the widest range of functionality and remote management options as systems evolve. The Agilent RMC and eRMC are compatible with all IPMI-based servers. They also represent the only remote management solutions that support the XML protocol, enabling easier integration of customer-designed applications. In addition, support for Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) ensures compatibility with a wide range of software management applications.

Key features of Agilent's new remote management solutions include: -- IPMI 1.0 compliance; -- remote control, regardless of state (power cycle, reset, graceful shutdown, shutdown on critical events); -- user-defined event notification via paging or e-mail; -- integrated BMC functionality; -- VGA/AGP text console redirection; -- embedded web-server functionality; -- SNMP and XML interfaces; -- security, including user authentication and access rights; -- advanced hardware diagnostic capabilities; -- network (10/100 Base-T LAN) and modem access capabilities; and -- floppy disk emulation which enables remote BIOS and firmware updating, and diagnostic software downloads.

U.S. Pricing and Availability RMC and eRMC are available immediately. Pricing depends on the quantity ordered.

Further information can be obtained on the Web at www.agilent.com/find/rmc.> Agilent Technologies, Inc. is a diversified technology company, resulting from Hewlett-Packard Company's plan to strategically realign itself into two fully independent companies. With 42,000 employees serving customers in more than 120 countries, Agilent Technologies is a global leader in designing and manufacturing test, measurement and monitoring instruments, systems and solutions, and semiconductor and optical components. The company serves markets that include communications, electronics, life sciences and healthcare. The businesses comprising Agilent, a subsidiary of HP, had net revenues of more than $8.3 billion in fiscal year 1999. FMI: www.agilent.com.