HP Vectra VL410, Deployment Manual

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HP Toptools
HP Toptools Deployment Guide Version 5.5
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Agent installation provides information such as the configuration of a device, its health, performance, OS,
hardware inventory, and security settings. Through toptools management functions such as BIOS and
firmware flashing, remote configuration and control, and security configuration are available from a web
browser.
The level of manageability available for a specific device will depend on the device itself and its supported
features, and the operating system/firmware running on the device.
Management agents monitor devices for specific parameters such as unused disk space, memory
configuration, resource utilization, temperature, and fan operation. Additionally, through interrogation of
the agents, HP Toptools provides OS version information, remote diagnostic capabilities, BIOS flashing
capabilities, firmware updates, and distribution of HP drivers.
HP Toptools manages devices based on industry standards including DMI, SNMP, WBEM / WMI, web
enabled devices (port 80 and 280), HTTP, and JetDirect cards.
1.2.2 The HP Toptools device manager
The role of the HP Toptools device manager is to collect DMI, SNMP, WMI and WBEM data provided by
agents running on managed devices and store the data in a database. device manager makes the device
information available in a web site.
HP Toptools uses modules known as plug-in’s. These plug-in’s provide the linkage between device
agents and the device manager. Additionally this architecture allows for extensibility of HP Toptools as
HP develops new hardware solutions. During installation, you will be prompted for the plug-ins and
integrations you wish to enable. Your choice should reflect the devices and systems in your environment
that you wish to manage with this installation. These device should also be made ready to be managed
by having the appropriate agents installed.
1.2.3 The management console
As an HP Toptools administrator, operator or user, you can access the toptools device manager using
Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator from any workstation on the network, provided that you have the
proper authorization under a windows based domain or the local security settings of the system where
toptools is installed. Communication between the console web browser and the toptools device manager
uses the HTTP or HTTPS protocols, which simplifies remote connections through firewalls with
technologies such as VPN or RAS. Multiple console can access the toptools device manager
simultaneously.