Blade servers are a relatively new technology. They have captured industry focus because of their modular design, which can reduce cost with a more efficient use of valuable floor space. They offer simplified management, which can help to speed such tasks as installing, reprovisioning, updating, and troubleshooting hundreds of blade servers. You can do all of this remotely using one graphical console with IBM Director systems management tools.

In addition, blade servers provide improved performance by doubling current rack density. By integrating resources and sharing key components, costs decrease and availability increases.

The IBM eServer BladeCenter boasts innovative modular technology, leadership density, and availability. It was designed to help solve a multitude of real-world problems.

This IBM Redbooks publication takes an in-depth look at the IBM eServer BladeCenter JS20. This is a two-way blade server for applications requiring 64-bit computing. It is ideal for computer-intensive applications and transactional Internet servers. This book helps you to install, tailor, and configure the IBM eServer BladeCenter JS20.

Part 1. Introduction to the BladeCenter JS20

Chapter 1. Introduction to BladeCenter and blade server technology

Chapter 2. Hardware components

Chapter 3. Software environment

Chapter 4. Planning considerations

Part 2. Implementing the BladeCenter JS20

Chapter 5. Hardware setup

Chapter 6. Installing Linux

Chapter 7. Installing AIX on the JS20

Chapter 8. System management scenarios