IBM 88553RX, Installation Manual

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© Copyright IBM Corp. 2004. All rights reserved.
ix
Preface
The IBM
Eserver
xSeries® 455 is the second generation Enterprise
X-Architecture™ server using the 64-bit IBM® XA-64 chipset and the Intel®
Itanium 2 processor. Unlike the x450, its predecessor, the x455 supports the
merging of four server chassis to form a single 16-way image, providing even
greater expandability and investment protection.
This IBM Redbook is a comprehensive resource on the technical aspects of the
server, and is divided into five key subject areas:
Chapter 1, “Technical description” on page 1, introduces the server and its
subsystems and describes the key features and how they work. This includes
the Extensible Firmware Interface, which provides a powerful replacement to
the BIOS facility found on the IA-32 platform.
Chapter 2, “Positioning” on page 39, examines the types of applications that
would be used on a server such as the x455.
Chapter 3, “Planning” on page 55, describes the considerations when
planning to purchase and planning to install the x455. It covers such topics as
configuration, operating system specifics, scalability, and physical site
planning.
Chapter 4, “Installation” on page 91, covers the process of installing
Windows® Server 2003, SUSE LINUX Enterprise Server, and Red Hat
Enterprise Linux AS on the x455.
Chapter 5, “Management” on page 175, describes how to use the Remote
Supervisor Adapter to send alerts to an IBM Director management
environment.
The team that wrote this redbook
This redbook was produced by a team of specialists from around the world
working at the International Technical Support Organization, Raleigh Center.
David Watts is a Consulting IT Specialist at the International Technical Support
Organization in Raleigh. He manages residencies and produces IBM
Redbooks™ on hardware and software topics related to IBM xSeries systems
and associated client platforms. He has authored more than 30 IBM
Redbooks and redpapers; his most recent books include Implementing
Systems Management Solutions Using IBM Director, SG24-6188. He has a