A First Look At Intel’s RMM4

We deploy Intel’s Remote Management Modules in all of our client’s Intel Product Dealer based servers.

We just finished installing the new RMM4 into the Intel Xeon E3 based server we received at the recent TST.

• MPECS Inc. Blog: Intel TST & Microsoft TS2 Registration Now Open

Note that we needed to re-run the integrated BIOS/BMC/SDR-FRU update since we installed the RMM4 and TPM modules after installing Windows Server 2008 R2 Standard with the Hyper-V Role on the box.

The log on page:

We enabled USER3 in the BIOS, setting a username, and setting a password for the RMM4’s administrator. We then set the RMM4 to obtain an IP address dynamically for now.

We were able to log on.

There look to be some new management and alerts features built into the BMC setup:

Having reports e-mailed to us to indicate a hardware problem is definitely a plus for this setup.

The key for us though is the remote KVM abilities:

Which give us complete out-of-band management of our servers:

We require RMM, iDRAC Enterprise, iLO Advanced, or other out-of-band management in all of our server deploys as their cost is paid for by saving us one or two visits to the client’s site.

We can even _fully recover_ the server using this ability.

Note that two ISP IPs are preferred for this setup. One for the gateway device and the other for a direct connection to the RMM.

Philip Elder
MPECS Inc.
Microsoft Small Business Specialists
Co-Author: SBS 2008 Blueprint Book

*Our original iMac was stolen (previous blog post). We now have a new MacBook Pro courtesy of Vlad Mazek, owner of OWN.

Windows Live Writer

Intel TST & Microsoft TS2 Registration Now Open

We have been attending Intel’s Technical Solutions Training (TST) events for quite a few years now.

This year, the desktop and server events are being held on the same day instead of being on separate dates/quarters. This makes it a lot easier for us to attend as we tended to miss the desktop TST sessions due to timing.

The Web site for registration can be found here: Intel TST & Microsoft TS2 Building Solutions Together.

We will be attending both desktop and server TST events being held in Calgary on June 21st.

Note that only US cities get the evening networking event.

The take home desktop configuration from the registration site:

As an added bonus, you will also get to keep this amazing desktop system featuring the Intel® Core™ i7 2600K, Antec* Skeleton Chassis and Microsoft Windows 7 Professional (NFR) at a value of $1,460!

• Intel® Core™ i7 2600K
• Intel® DH67CLB3 Desktop Board
• Antec*  Skeleton Chassis
• Blu-ray Optical Drive
• Crucial* 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3 1333MHz Dual Channel Memory Kit
• Intel® Solid State Drive 320, 80GB
• Microsoft Window 7 Professional (NFR)

The take home server configuration from the registration site:

As an added bonus, you will also get to keep this incredibly powerful uni-processor server featuring the brand new Intel® Xeon® E3-1240 Processor, 2 - 1TB Western Digital Enterprise Drives (w/ 64MB cache!), and Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2011 Standard (NFR), a total value of $1,940!

• Intel® S1200BTL Server Board
• Intel® P4304 Server Chassis (pedestal)
• Intel® Xeon® E3-1240 Processor
• 16GB Memory Kit (4 X 4GB) ECC UDIMMS
• 2@1TB SATA HDDs
• DVD-RW Optical Drive
• Microsoft Small Business Server 2011 Standard (NFR)

Registration costs are as follows:

• Intel Desktop TST AM: $600.
• Intel Server TST PM: $650.

Hopefully there will be an opportunity to help facilitate the afternoon session that is based on Small Business Server 2011!

For the desktop build we will bring a flash drive with Windows 7 Ultimate x64 and the most current drivers and BIOS for the board.

For the server build we would probably bring along the following hardware to augment the server’s configuration:

• Intel RS2BL040 RAID Controller + Battery Backup
• 4x (four) 300GB Seagate 15K SAS drives (or 450GB depending on what is available).
• Intel Remote Management 4 for out-of-band KVM over IP management.
• RMM4 User Guide page.

Remote Server Management

We are now installing Intel RMMs into our client’s servers because of the following feature set:

Essentially we can manage the server as though sitting at the server’s console from anywhere as long as an Internet connection is alive at the client site. Note that a static IP is preferred for the RMM NIC.

We would also be bringing along a flash drive with the SBS 2011 OS, latest drivers, and the latest BIOS/Firmware updates on it too.

In the end, we benefit from the training plus we get to network with our fellow IT Solution Providers and IT Consultants. Walking away with a couple of systems and Microsoft software is indeed a bonus.

Philip Elder
MPECS Inc.
Microsoft Small Business Specialists
Co-Author: SBS 2008 Blueprint Book

*Our original iMac was stolen (previous blog post). We now have a new MacBook Pro courtesy of Vlad Mazek, owner of OWN.

Windows Live Writer

Intel Server Technical Solutions Training 2010

Intel has announced that the server based Technical Solutions Training events are now available for registration.

Alberta will have an event in Edmonton, AB (TST registration link for Edmonton) among other Canadian locations.

• TST 2010 Registration Direct Link (North American Site).
• Intel Reseller Site (North American Site).

A Reseller account sign-in will be required for the direct link.

As an alternative, sign into the Reseller site and click on Training & Events to find a link to the TST registration page if an e-mail has not shown up in the Inbox yet.

We have always benefitted from our TST attendance in the form of getting to know some of our peers along with being able to speak one-on-one with some key Intel product engineers.

Tied into that has been the product specific training we receive via the course instruction. We have always learned some key information that we were later able to use in our Intel based server solutions via TST training.

Server building has always been a very good part of our business for our local clients. Even with the Cloud movement going on around us, server building will still be an important part of our network solutions architecture as we can tailor our server based solutions to our client’s specific needs.

Philip Elder
MPECS Inc.
Microsoft Small Business Specialists
Co-Author: SBS 2008 Blueprint Book

*Our original iMac was stolen (previous blog post). We now have a new MacBook Pro courtesy of Vlad Mazek, owner of OWN.

Windows Live Writer

Intel Technical Solutions Training For Server Registration Open

This one fills up fast!

• Intel Channel Conference and Technical Solutions Training Registration

Note that the TST is open to Associate and Premiere partner level organizations.

This year’s TST build for $499US is:

• Intel Xeon processor X3450
• Intel Server Board S3420GPLC
• Intel SC5650UP Chassis
• 4GB DDR3
• 22x DVDRW Optical
• 250GB WD SATA

The build configuration has changed a bit from when it was first advertised. All in all, there is good value in the time spent putting the system together with the ability to talk to fellow I.T. professionals as well as Intel technicians.

The morning Intel Channel Conference session will be spend some time on Intel’s new Solid-state Drive solutions as well as some introduction to Windows Server 2008 R2:

We have always come away with a lot of good information on Intel’s product roadmaps that are important to know as every change in the technology impacts the way we support our clients.

Philip Elder
MPECS Inc.
Microsoft Small Business Specialists
Co-Author: SBS 2008 Blueprint Book

*All Mac on SBS posts will not be written on a Mac until we replace our now missing iMac! (previous blog post)

Windows Live Writer

System Builder Tip: DQ35JOE BIOS Update and 4GB+ of RAM

It has been consistent now, with each build that we have done for our classroom systems: DQ35JOE will not accept more than 4GB out of the box.

Our board revision levels that we are working with:

• D8XXXX-800
• D8XXXX-702 (Sent direct from Intel for a TST special)

One should install 2GB of RAM first and then flash the BIOS.

Once the BIOS has been flashed:

1. Change BIOS settings as needed.
2. Turn on the RAID controller if needed.
3. Setup AMT.
4. Save & Reboot.
5. CTRL+I to setup the RAID array - start the key strokes just before the RAID configuration page as it goes by quick!

Intel's DQ35JOE BIOS download page:

• Intel DQ35JOE BIOS Downloads.

Please note that the BIOS file was just updated on October 24, 2007. So, it is relatively new. Update your bootable Flash Drive as appropriate.

UPDATE: Please be patient with this BIOS update. It seems to take a long time!

Philip Elder
MPECS Inc.
Microsoft Small Business Specialists

*All Mac on SBS posts are posted on our in-house iMac via the Safari Web browser.

Intel Channel Conference and Technical Solutions Training (Alberta)

A reminder for all of us busy folks.

For Alberta, the Intel Channel Conference is being held this coming Thursday in Red Deer at the Black Knight Inn, 2929 50 Avenue. It was originally scheduled for Calgary, Alberta.

Also, the Technical Solutions Training (TST) is on Friday in Calgary at the Radisson Airport, 2120 16th Avenue NE. Registration starts at 07:30AM.

The TST costs a bit, but we get to build and keep the following:

• Intel® Core™2 Duo processor E6850
• Intel® Executive Series desktop board DQ35JO
• InWin* BL631 + PS chassis
• Hitachi* 0a33423 3.5" SATA 250Gb hard drive
• LG* DVD-RW GSA-H62NK 18X SATA 2MB 140ms optical drive
• Kingston* memory DDR2 667MHz KVR667D2N5K2/2G
• KDS* LCD monitor K-92MDWB BLACK 19" widescreen 5MS HDCP/DVI speakers 800:1
• Microsoft* wireless keyboard and mouse DSK3000
• Microsoft* Windows* Vista* Ultimate OS

If interested in the TST, you may need to call in to see if there is still space available.

For those in other parts of the Lower 48, check out where the closest Channel Conference and/or TST is. They will be well worth your time.

And, you get to take a break and kibitz with those you find who are also really into the tech! :D

Philip Elder
MPECS Inc.
Microsoft Small Business Specialists

*All Mac on SBS posts are posted on our in-house iMac via the Safari Web browser.

System Builder Tip: Intel TST is now available

For Intel Associate and Premier Members, your Intel Technical Solutions Training (TST) invite should be arriving in your inbox soon.


The Intel Technical Solutions Training program used to be by specific invite only. Generally, that meant that only Members with high product volume, which meant Premier Members, received that invite.

Now, the TST is being opened up to both Premier and Associate Members. The number of seats is limited, so get in there quick, and register.

This program does carry a fee in US$ which for us Canucks is a real bargain right now! ;)

The fee is relatively small compared to what we will receive:

• Intel technology training direct from Intel.
• Inside NDA related technology information.
• A fully configured Intel Core 2 Duo E6850 2GB system with Windows Vista Ultimate.
• A chance to meet and share experience with our industry peers.

For us, it will be time well invested. Since we base our corporate system designs on the vPro Q series motherboards, this will be the second opportunity to work with the new DQ35JO motherboard. The first time we saw this board was via our system builder who has been testing a DQ35JOE in their shop for a number of weeks now. They are happy with it, so we are sure that we will be too.

Philip Elder
MPECS Inc.
Microsoft Small Business Specialists

*All Mac on SBS posts are posted on our in-house iMac via the Safari Web browser.