In a world where resources are burdened and time is your most precious resource, you need tools that accelerate productivity. In the past, to set-up and deploy a server you needed to use multiple tools, requiring possibly hours to get a server up and running. HP changes all of that by embedding inside all HP ProLiant Gen8 servers and server blades the tools you need to get out-of-the box and into production faster.

Intelligent Provisioning replaces SmartStart CDs for ProLiant Gen8 servers. This means the software that came on CDs (SmartStart) in previous generation ProLiant servers is now embedded on a flash chip on ProLiant Gen8 servers and Gen8 server blades. The pre-loaded flash chip is bootable when a user presses the F10 key during server boot (Power on Self Test, known as POST). The server will then boot to the pre-loaded flash chip and show the Intelligent Provisioning software. Intelligent Provisioning includes all the configuration utilities you were accustomed to previously with SmartStart, plus many new ones.

Intelligent Provisioning provides similar functionality as SmartStart, but has some significant enhancements that SmartStart did not have such as:

• Ability to update your drivers and systems software by connecting directly to HP.com and perform firmware updates and install an OS in the same step
• Provision a server remotely using HP iLO 4
• Remote Support registration
• Revised and simplified user interface (UI) with the following capabilities:
  • A new "Recommended Install" for quick one-click, simple fast installation. This express installation process has preset defaults and will perform a software and firmware update if the network is available at your location. (Recommend that you use the HP suggested defaults.)
  • The "Customized Install" (often called Guided or Assisted install) has been simplified, updated, and refreshed. This is the full HP interview with a start to finish wizard for deploying HP ProLiant Gen8 servers. It provides the network setup, remote support registration, the systems software, driver and firmware update, the server hardware configuration, RAID configuration, and OS installation.
    • This interview process is also much faster than in the past and includes software driver and firmware updates as part of the interview process.
  • A much simplified "Manual Install" is provided that automates finding your drivers without you searching the web.

Once you are ready to install your system software, you'll notice the next difference; with HP Intelligent Provisioning all your needed firmware, drivers, and tools are pre-loaded and ready to deploy at your command. No CD's to load, no software to find, no guesswork. The built-in Smart Update capability recognizes if the system software is out-of-date and will automatically download the latest update for you.

Note: OS installation via Intelligent Provisioning is not supported on ProLiant Gen8 SL servers

From the moment power and network are connected to a ProLiant Gen 8 server or server blade, you'll notice the difference. Within 3 seconds, Intelligent Provisioning instantly starts to communicate with you and allows comprehensive system configuration prior to boot with guided, profile driven or scripted approaches.

Additionally, it provides:

• The latest ease of use features and places them where you can use them instantly: on the system board rather than with media such as CDs or DVDs.
• Fully integrated system and OS configuration tool eliminates 45% of your server installation and set-up steps, so you can deploy servers 3x faster.
• Everything needed for painless system setup and deployment.
  • All the drivers and firmware that you need are shipped on your Gen8 servers' motherboard.
  • When it is time to perform a maintenance update, driver and firmware updates are obtained via the Service Pack for ProLiant (SPP).
• Checking your configuration for errors, and if one occurs, it tells you what went wrong and how to fix it. With typical servers, you'll see a blank screen for up to one minute and simple errors result in a failed startup without explanation.

Ideal for...

Customers seeking simplicity and consistency in deploying HP ProLiant servers

• Provides step-by-step HP ProLiant server deployment assistance in a simple and consistent manner. It ensures a stable and reliable configuration across all HP ProLiant Gen8 servers
• Revolutionary pre-boot display for early status and setup information that appears three seconds after power-up ⁽¹⁾
• Simplified system configuration with guided, profile-driven or scripted approaches for seamless integration with standard IT processes and getting systems online three times faster
• Recognition of the latest firmware and software versions available to automatically update servers using the built-in smart capability

1. Versus typical servers with a blank screen for one minute or longer.