Chapter 6. IBM System Management Tools
System configuration information includes processor type and speed, hard drive size, and memory
configuration as well as information about on-board devices. Both the serial number and system
configuration information can be retrieved by system management applications as well as through
radio-frequency (RF) hand held readers and RF access-control gates. The radio-frequency (RF) interface
to the Enhanced Asset Information Area enables the customer to perform asset deployment, asset
tracking / inventory, and asset access control. This function is referred to as Asset ID.
Asset ID
The essential component of Asset ID is a radio-frequency interface within each PC that allows access to
the EAI EEPROM data. The Asset ID antenna enables communication between the PC and
industry-standard radio-frequency handheld scanners. The Asset ID EEPROM contains information about
the system, including its configuration and the serial numbers of key components. The Asset ID EEPROM
also includes a number of blank fields you can record with your choice of end-user information. Asset ID
enables you to read and write information to an EEPROM inside an IBM PC by using a handheld scanner,
even while the PC is still in the carton.
Asset ID allows you to take accurate physical inventories of systems and their components without
searching for a label or opening the chassis. Passing the handheld scanner near the box allows it to read
system information such as model numbers, serial numbers, processor speed, hard disk drive size and
memory, as well as any end-user information you choose to record.
When used in conjunction with a compatible radio-frequency security system, Asset ID can be used to
assist security personnel in preventing unauthorized removal of PCs. Using this radio-frequency
identification system, Asset ID detects the movement of the PC. If movement is not authorized, the
system disables the PC.
Handheld scanners and other scanning devices must be purchased separately from Asset ID Partners,
third-party companies who have worked closely with IBM to ensure the compatibility of this technology with
industry standards. A listing of Asset ID partners is available at:
http://www.pc.ibm.com/us/desktop/assetid/partners.html.
IBM Alert On LAN
Alert On LAN instrumentation allows the Ethernet to be configured to send chassis intrusion, LANboot
tamper, presence heartbeat, and environmental alerts even while the machine is in a soft off state. The
instrumentation allows the alerts to be enabled and configured remotely and enables operating system
lockup detection and other alerts to be received through system management packages, such as
LANDesk Workgroup Manager and IBM NetFinity Manager.
A PC equipped with Alert on LAN acts as its own security guard. When someone unplugs the system
from its power supply or network, an alert is instantly generated to a network administrator, to building
security, or to whomever you designate. When paired with an IBM Netfinity server or Intel LANDesk
server products, Alert on LAN can send a message to your pager.
Figure 24 (Page 2 of 2). Configuration Information Area Header
Byte Offset (Hex)
Contents
Description
9
AreaStatus
Provides status about the area as follows: bit 0: RF dirty - a
value of 1 indicates that data in the area has been modified
by an RF operation. bit 1-7: Reserved
0A-0F
Reserved
Reserved for future use
Chapter 6. IBM System Management Tools
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