Dell Systems Build and Update Utility Version 2.0 Troubleshooting

Optimizing Dell server
deployments with system build
and update utility

Efficient techniques for deploying multiple Dell servers in
parallel with RAID configuration, BIOS settings, Firmware
updates & operating system installation

Vivek S
Revan Biradar

1 Optmizing Dell Server Deployment – System Build & Update Utility(SBUU)

This document is for informational purposes only and may contain typographical
errors and technical inaccuracies. The content is provided as is, without express
or implied warranties of any kind.

© 2012 Dell Inc. All rights reserved. Dell and its affiliates cannot be responsible for
errors or omissions in typography or photography. Dell, the Dell logo, and PowerEdge
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are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the
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March 2012| Rev 1.0

2 Optmizing Dell Server Deployment – System Build & Update Utility(SBUU)

Contents

Executive Summary ................................................................................ 4

Introduction ........................................................................................ 5

SBUU in a nutshell ................................................................................. 5

Case 1 – Small-siz ed Labs .................................................................... 6

Procedure .................................................................................. 7

Optimization using Export Configuration ............................................. 16

Case 2 – Mid-sized Labs ..................................................................... 16

Procedure ................................................................................. 16

Case 3 – Large-sized Labs ................................................................... 19

Procedure ................................................................................. 19

Time Saving quotient .................................................................... 21

Case Study: Deploying 5 Servers - SBUU Real Time Deployment vs.

Manual Deployment Time ............................................................... 24

Summary ........................................................................................... 25

Tables

Table 1. 1:1 - Time Stamp Manual Vs. SBUU Deployment ................................ 22

Table 2. 1:N - Time Stamp Manual Vs. SBUU Deployment ............................... 23

Table 3. 1:N – Case Study - Time Stamp Manual vs. SBUU Deployment ............... 24

Figures

End to End flow of SBUU utilization –[1:N] ........................................ 6 Figure 1.

Small Sized Lab – Optimization representation for 1:N ....................... 15 Figure 2.

Mid- Sized Lab – Optimization representation for 1:N ......................... 18 Figure 3.

Large-Sized Lab - Optimized 1:N .................................................. 20 Figure 4.

1:1 - SBUU Deployment Time Vs. Manual Deployment Time: ................ 21 Figure 5.

1:N - SBUU Deployment Time Vs. Manual Deployment Time ................. 22 Figure 6.

1:N – Case Study - Manual deployment Vs. SBUU Deployment ............... 24 Figure 7.

3 Optmizing Dell Server Deployment – System Build & Update Utility(SBUU)

Executive Summary

It is a monotonous and time consuming task to set up hundreds of servers across
multiple generations with the latest Firmware, respective RAIDs [Configured Virtual
Disks] and required Operating System (OS).

Dell’s System Build & Update Utility (SBUU), decreases the human effort involved in
the deployment process considerably. This document shows how an end user can
utilize SBUU for deployment per their specific needs and how well the same can be
scaled to multiple servers in parallel.

Deployment methodologies that are relevant to three specific groups of customers
are discussed.

1. Small siz ed la b s [Mi ni mum 1-15 Dell Servers in the lab]

2. Mid-sized labs [Minimum 25-50 Dell Servers in the lab]

3. Large-Sized Labs [50+ Dell Servers in the lab]:

4 Optmizing Dell Server Deployment – System Build & Update Utility(SBUU)

Introduction

It is preferred in the IT world that all servers run the latest hardware to achieve the
best performance. It is also preferred that these servers operate with the latest
firmware to keep up with the high performance requirements.

Though this may sound simple, it is not easy to achieve. With multiple operational
servers on hand, it takes a lot of effort to complete the firmware updates, create
separate virtual disks, and then deploy an operating system on top of it. Although
there are different approaches to handle this task, DELL SBUU provides an optimized
and easy way to accomplish this goal.

SBUU in a nutshell

SBUU aids in deploying a Dell server by updating firmware, performing hardw ar e
configuration, and installing the operating system all in one single continuous
process. It can also facilitate the creation of a customized bootable ISO file with the
same functionality that can be deployed on any number of servers based on the
customer needs.

Prerequisites:

• SBUU Open Manage (OM) DVD shipped along with the Dell Servers

• An internet connection to the Dell Server [Recommended]

• Access to the NFS/SAMBA Share having the latest System Update Utility [SUU]

• Access to the NFS/SAMBA Share having the ISO files of all the needed OSs

• Access to any NFS/SAMBA share with write permission having [Minimum 25GB of

space just in case if you plan to create SBUU custom ISO files]

• iDRAC7 GUI should be up for every server [Recommended] and every server
should have an iDRAC IP. 12G Servers are with iDRAC7 support while 11G and
below legacy servers are with iDRAC6/DRAC support.

• Similar Server setup is recommended for optimization (controllers, number of
hard disks and so on).

Terminologies
1: 1 Deployment

Boot a system with SBUU DVD and configure the same system for deployment.

1: N Deployment

Boot a system with SBUU DVD and create a customized bootable ISO file that can be
used to deploy all target servers successfully without human intervention.

5 Optmizing Dell Server Deployment – System Build & Update Utility(SBUU)

SAMBA

Copy ISO to USB

Custom DVD

Server

DVD

Export Configuration

End to End flow of SBUU utilization –[1:N] Figure 1.

Input Section Output Section

Use Operating

system ISO file &

SUU from NFS /

SAMBA Common

NFS

OM

Dell

Bootable

Bootable USB
drives

Case 1 – Small-sized Labs

Consider a lab consisting 15 servers across generations and the lab admin needs:

6 Optmizing Dell Server Deployment – System Build & Update Utility(SBUU)

1. To Deploy 5 servers with RHEL 5.7x32 [including hardware configuration and

firmware update]

2. To Deploy 10 Servers with SLES 11 Sp2 [including hardware configuration and

firmware update]

3.

Procedure

1. Boot a DELL server by inserting the SBUU OpenManage DVD.

7 Optmizing Dell Server Deployment – System Build & Update Utility(SBUU)

2. Under System(s) Selection, click Change and then select the list of Dell server
that you want to set up. Save the settings and navigate back to the home page.

8 Optmizing Dell Server Deployment – System Build & Update Utility(SBUU)