IBM System x3550 M4
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Availability and serviceability
The x3550 M4 provides many features to simplify serviceability and increase system uptime:
The server offers memory mirroring and memory rank sparing for redundancy in the event of a
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non-correctable memory failure.
Tool-less cover removal provides easy access to upgrades and serviceable parts, such as CPU,
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memory, and adapter cards.
The server offers hot-swap drives supporting RAID redundancy for data protection and greater
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system uptime.
The server has two redundant hot-swap power supplies and six dual-motor hot-swap N+N redundant
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fans to provide availability for business-critical applications.
The power source-independent light path diagnostics panel and individual light path LEDs quickly
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lead the technician to failed (or failing) components. This simplifies servicing, speeds up problem
resolution, and helps improve system availability.
Predictive Failure Analysis (PFA) detects when system components (processors, VRMs, memory,
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hard disk drives, fans, and power supplies) operate outside of standard thresholds and generates
proactive alerts in advance of possible failure, therefore increasing uptime.
Solid-state drivers (SSDs) offer significantly better reliability than traditional mechanical HDDs for
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greater uptime.
Built-in Integrated Management Module version 2 (IMM v2) continuously monitors system
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parameters, triggers alerts, and performs recovery actions in case of failure, to minimize downtime.
Built-in diagnostics using Dynamic Systems Analysis (DSA) Preboot speeds up troubleshooting tasks
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to reduce service time.
Three-year customer replaceable unit and onsite limited warranty, next business day 9x5. Optional
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service upgrades available.
Manageability and security
Powerful systems management features simplify local and remote management of the x3550 M4:
The server includes an Integrated Management Module II (IMM2) to monitor server availability and
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perform remote management.
An integrated industry-standard Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) enables improved
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setup, configuration, and updates, and simplifies error handling.
An integrated Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 1.2 support enables advanced cryptographic
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functionality such as digital signatures and remote attestation.
There is industry-standard AES NI support for faster, stronger encryption.
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IBM Systems Director is included for proactive systems management. It offers comprehensive
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systems management tools that help to increase uptime, reduce costs and improve productivity
through advanced server management capabilities.
Intel Execute Disable Bit functionality can help prevent certain classes of malicious buffer overflow
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attacks when combined with a supporting operating system.
Intel Trusted Execution Technology provides enhanced security through hardware-based resistance
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to malicious software attacks, allowing an application to run in its own isolated space protected from
all other software running on a system.
