Windows Server 2003 on Proliants. Deployment Techniques and Management Tools for System Administrators

RDP provides fast, easy, drag-and-drop solutions. Its automation produces reliable and consistent configurations across multiple servers and lowers overall IT resources needed for deployment. RDP also establishes virtual presence and control for server deployments and redeployments within the data center or at remote locations, eliminating the need for IT personnel to be physically present. The GUI console simplifies automated server deployment allowing companies to rapidly respond to changing workloads. This simplification reduces support, maintenance, and training costs with its consistent and easy-to-use set of deployment and configuration management tools

RDP includes and utilizes the SSSTK as a key part of the ProLiant Integration Module for Altiris eXpress. The SSSTK is now easier to use, running as a standard drag-and-drop configuration event from the Altiris console The ProLiant Integration Module for Altiris eXpress provides latest versions of the toolkit, optimized drivers, and Management Agents along with HP-supplied deployment events and scripts preloaded in the Altiris console. The HP-supplied deployment events and scripts, using SmartStart technology, maximize productivity with instant out-of-the-box functionality that automates the process of server configuration and software deployment for maximum levels of IT efficiency and decreases the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).

OS integration is simple with HP-supplied configuration events for both Microsoft Windows and Linux, further simplifying the initial OS deployment and driver integration steps all in an automated fashion.

ProLiant Blade (BL) Server Optimized Features

As a key part of the ProLiant Server Management offerings designed for blades, the ProLiant Essentials RDP is the new SmartStart equivalent for the ProLiant BL line of servers. It enables rapid serviceability with "Rip and Replace" features. Prefailure alerts enable proactive replacement of blade servers for service. New blades automatically assume the personality of the previous server based on location. In addition, blade servers are easy to identify by physical location in racks because they are displayed with easy-to-understand rack, enclosure, and bay icons.

To assist businesses in moving quickly, HP provides Deployment Services offerings; HP's Assessment Services provide the first step in effective planning, deploying, and maintaining standardized OSs and application infrastructures on a best practice foundation. In addition, HP's Planning and Design services and support provide expertise and resources required to define blueprints for building custom, automated deployments. Implementation services and support offerings enable businesses to minimize the time needed with the expertise to effectively deploy and maintain server platforms.

For more information, visit the HP ProLiant Essentials RDP Web site at http://www.hp.com/servers/rdp .