ProLiant Models and Generations

ProLiant servers are based on a modeling system similar to European automakers. As server model numbers go up, so does the level of sophistication and features. The traditional ProLiant server line consists of 300-, 500-, and 700-series servers. The ProLiant 100 series was introduced in late 2003 with a reduced feature set and value pricing for starting out or scaling out.

ProLiant Models

BL, DL, and ML indicate the server line. ML is the maximized configuration line, indicating the capability to expand internal options. DL is the optimized for density line, indicating a compact rack optimized system. BL is the blade line, indicating blade architecture.

Blade servers vary slightly in modeling; currently, there are BL-e class single processor ultra -dense blades and BL-p class multiprocessor-capable server blades.

ProLiant Generations

As technology moves forward, the chosen method for indicating a major revision is the generation mark indicated as G2 for second generation, and so on. For example, systems shipping Q4 2003 were BL20p G2, BL40p, DL320 G2, DL360 G3, DL380 G3, DL560, DL580 G2, DL740, DL760 G2, ML310, ML330 G3, ML350 G3, ML370 G3, ML530 G2, and ML570 G2. The absence of the generation suffix indicates a first-generation server.

Speed Bumps

Between generations, the processor speed bumps occur, and the term is used to indicate an upgrade in processor speeds and often other features between major model generations. For example, a generation might initially offer a 2.2GHz processor and advance to a 3.6GHz processor as the processor speed bumps are released. This provides a choice in pricing and an upgrade path with the latest processors and options throughout each generation.

Ultra-Dense ProLiant Blade Servers BL

HP began pioneering enterprise blade server design for industry-standard applications in 2001 and moved to the second phase of blades in August 2002 to bring multiprocessor blades to enterprise customers. Today, HP delivers enterprise-class blade server solutions with the ProLiant BL-p class dual- and quad-processor blades for mid- tier and back-end applications. HP blade servers are optimized for use with the ProLiant Essentials Remote Deployment Pack for automatic configuration and installation of OSs and applications on multiple servers simultaneously .

The basic idea behind blade servers is consolidation. By allowing servers to share resources provided by an enclosure, the individual servers can be made much more compact. The architecture not only allows you to put a lot more processing power into a smaller space, but its modular design also simplifies deployment. In terms of hardware, the blade server solution has two basic components : the blades themselves and the enclosure that houses them. The enclosure connects the blades installed to the shared resources, and the enclosure can be configured for I/O options according to your needs. The blades are paired with automated deployment software that utilizes scripting or drive imaging to rapidly deploy a server.

Over a gigabit Ethernet connection using drive imaging, a server can be deployed in 15 minutes. Blade servers save space, drastically reduce cabling, and simplify installation and the processes involved in deploying and managing servers. The ProLiant BL-p series offers multiple processors, the benefits of the blade architecture, and many of the enterprise-class server features found in ProLiant 300- and 500 series rack mount servers.

Like their namesake the razor blade, blade servers are easily installed and removed. Coupling this quick-change blade architecture with deployment and management software moves server deployment from a labor- intensive operation to a simple plug-and-go process. With the ProLiant BL-e class, you can deploy 20 blade servers by installing its 3U blade enclosure in a rack by attaching two power cables, four network cables, and one management network cable. Simply slide in 20 blades, which use the industry-standard PXE (Pre-Boot Execution Environment) network boot protocol to connect to a deployment server and console, to be automatically deployed with an OS and software based on the Administrator's preference.

ProLiant BL-e Class

The ProLiant BL-e class servers are single-processor, power-efficient, dense-edge server blades that install in a 3U enclosure that holds 20 ProLiant BL10e server blades, saving valuable data center space, power, and cooling resources. The enclosure provides redundant, Hot Plug power and cooling to all installed blades as well as an integrated, remote management tool called Integrated Administrator (IA), which offers remote/local access for monitoring and managing the enclosure and all server blades within it.

ProLiant BL-p Class

ProLiant BL-p class systems are high-performance, high-availability, two- and four-processor-capable server blades for multitiered data center architectures. Both the BL20p and BL40p blades slide into the same BL-p modular enclosure. They offer dual-path SAN attached clustering capabilities with the optional Fibre Channel support for HP StorageWorks arrays and are compatible with EMC and Hitachi SANs.

case study: Greek Ministry of Interior ”Web Site for Greek Elections Attracts Over 150 Million Hits

In this case, ProLiant blade servers have been teamed with Windows Server to deliver solutions across the globe. Consider this case study involving the Greek Ministry of Interior.

Business Situation

The government wanted to boost the popularity of its election results service by increasing the traffic to its Web site, offering mobile phone customers polling data by SMS messages, and providing a complete service to political parties and the media.

Solution

The applications for the improved results service were developed based on the Microsoft .NET Framework, with its native support for Web services. HP's ProLiant blade servers with Intel processors and the .NET Framework were the foundation of the project.

For full details visit http://www.phptr.com/title/0131467581.

Density Optimized ”ProLiant DL Servers

The ProLiant DL line of servers consists of dense-rack servers with open , serviceable chassis that provide tool-free entry and easy access to critical components along with simple, but durable, racking components. A number of racking solutions support various customer server environments, including rapid deployment and serviceability in ProLiant racks, deployment in telecommunication and third-party racks, and a stackable desktop solution. Embedded technologies, such as integrated SMART array controllers, embedded Network Interface Controllers, and iLO, maximize functionality while minimizing server size . Upgrades to future server technologies protect the customer's server investment, while component commonality across the ProLiant line ”including drives and memory ” reduces spare parts and inventory costs.

Rack server dimensions are listed in Units of measurement or Us; each "U" is equivalent to 1.75 or 1 3/4 inches.