SmartStart

Overview

SmartStart is a single-server deployment tool that simplifies HP ProLiant server setup, providing a repeatable way to deploy consistent configurations. It is included in the HP Insight Foundation suite for ProLiant and is available for free download.

It assists with Windows OS installation process and integrates and optimizes HP ProLiant server support software drivers, utilities and management agents, known as ProLiant Support Packs (PSPs). SmartStart benefits:

• An easy-to-use, intuitive graphical interface that guides you through preparing your system for the OS installation process.
• Dependency and validity checks to ensure that all supported ProLiant software can be installed.

Notes:

• SmartStart 8.70 will be the last media version as it is being re-architected to meet the architectural requirements of future servers.
• SmartStart contents will be baselined at v 8.70 which means that SmartStart will not be updated beyond version 8.70. SmartStart will still be available on the web for supported Gen 7 and earlier through the supported end of life of the server and 5 years beyond.
• "Baseline" means that the current format of the SmartStart product is not required moving forward. For sustaining support on a 8.70 supported server, customers need to utilize the post 8.70 ProLiant Support Packs; which will be available on hp.com

	What's new
	Beginning with HP ProLiant Generation 8 Servers, HP will provide deployment consistency across all HP ProLiant Servers. Customers seeking simplicity in deploying HP ProLiant Gen8 Servers, will benefit from our embedded solution, Intelligent Provisioning. For more information visit our web page www.hp.com/go/ilo HP will continue to support SmartStart as per HP's support policies. Please check our Support web pages for more information.

	Ideal Environment
	Ideal for... Customers seeking simplicity and consistency in deploying ProLiant servers SmartStart provides step-by-step ProLiant server deployment assistance in a simple and consistent manner. It ensures a stable and reliable configuration for all HP ProLiant ML/DL/SL 300, 500, and 700 Series servers, HP ProLiant BL server blades, and HP BladeSystem c-Class enclosures and options. Customers with difficulty configuring hardware and array controllers. Array configuration and operating system installation to the update of optimized ProLiant server support software is much simpler with SmartStart. Customers who want to use a USB key because they deploy a single server image to multiple servers and don't want to deal with multiple CDs. The USB Key Utility: Simplifies the storage, transportation, and usage of multiple CD contents by allowing customers to customize images and components as needed onto a single USB. Eliminates the need to do media swaps on a SmartStart assisted installation because users can place the ISO image of the operating system on the USB flash drive (provided space being available). For HP USB Key Specifications please visit this page.

Industry-leading server set-up and deployment with easy to use Assisted Installation.

»	Simple server setup
»	Software maintenance
»	Leverage embedded tools
»	Ships with ProLiant BTO and CTo Servers

	Simple server setup

Get your server setup and running quickly using SmartStart.

• Assisted OS installation steps:
• SmartStart performs validity checks to ensure you have the appropriate hardware configuration before the OS installation
• Upon system start, configure server and array controller hardware using ROM-based setup utilities by hitting F8 and F9, or launch these utilities from SmartStart.
• Boot the SmartStart CD to validate the hardware configuration and walk through interview questions to prepare your server for OS installation
• Insert the OS CD to complete the OS installation and automatic installation of the ProLiant Support Pack, server support software
• Manual OS installation steps:
• Create driver diskettes from the SmartStart CD autorun, to obtain the latest storage boot controller drivers, for use during your OS installation. After your manual OS installation, apply the latest PSP from SmartStart or the new ProLiant Software Update CD.
• Upon system start, configure server and array controller hardware using ROM-based setup utilities by hitting F8 or F9, or choose the intelligent defaults.
• Boot the OS CD and walk through interview questions to complete the OS installation. Have the driver diskette ready to ensure the latest storage controller driver is installed during the OS installation.
• Apply the latest PSP from the SmartStart CD by launching the Autorun either from a Windows or a Linux system.

	Software maintenance

Easily maintain and update your server with these capabilities:

• Software and PSP Updates help you maintain the software versions on your ProLiant servers and are operating system (OS) specific bundles of ProLiant optimized drivers, utilities, and management agents. These bundles of software are tested and released concurrently with HP's SmartStart CD to insure proper installation and functionality. PSPs come with their own deployment utilities that help you get the software deployed onto your individual ProLiant systems. Obtain the PSP through the SmartStart CD Autorun. You can also access the latest PSPs and other software from the Software and Drivers download pages or from the downloads tab at hp.com/go/foundation.
• Software Version Control - use HP Systems Insight Manager Software Version Control to automatically download ProLiant system software and firmware updates from HP's web site, allowing the customer to evaluate the updates, create system software and firmware baselines, and schedule necessary deployments. Install HP Systems Insight Manager using the Management CD or download from www.hp.com/go/hpsim.
• Get Proactive Notifications of Software Updates - subscribe to communications regarding product changes through Subscriber's Choice. Subscriber's Choice uses a secure website to proactively communicate product changes and Customer Advisories through e-mail to registered customers based on a customer-provided profile. To sign up for this free service, go to www.hp.com/go/subscriberschoice.

	Leverage tools

Configure your server through SmartStart. SmartStart provides maintenance utilities in an offline mode by booting the CD and launching the Maintenance tab.

• Insight Diagnostics - performs overall system and hardware component tests
• Array Configuration Utility (ACU) - configures array controllers and storage devices as well as now providing diagnostic information (this new integrated diagnostic feature was previously provided in the separate Array Diagnostics Utility).
• Erase Utility - clears drive arrays, initializes disks, and clears non-volatile RAM (NVRAM).  Note: This is not a data erasure program intended to remove or protect customer data.  It is available on the boot environment of the SmartStart CD, under the Maintenance Tab.

	Ships with ProLiant BTO and CTO Servers

SmartStart ships standard with HP ProLiant ML, DL, SL 300, 500, 700, and 900 BTO servers and as an orderable option on CTO servers. For BladeSystem c-Class servers, the Insight Foundation suite for ProLiant Software kit (includes SmartStart) is available for blade enclosures, not for individual servers, as an orderable CTO option.

• Insight Foundation Suite for ProLiant - contains the essential components you need to set up a reliable and well-integrated server. The SmartStart CD contains SmartStart, server system utilities and operating system support software for servers. The Management CD delivers a full suite of software tools to help manage your HP adaptive infrastructure.
• HP Systems Insight Manager (HP SIM) - the focal point for proactive system management across the HP product line and extending to non-HP systems. HP SIM helps maximize system uptime and performance and reduces infrastructure maintenance costs by providing proactive notification of problems before those problems result in costly downtime and reduced productivity.
• Software Version Control - through the Version Control Agents and Version Control Repository within HP SIM, system software version control capabilities make it even easier to maintain consistent software baselines across all your ProLiant servers.
• System Management Homepage- provides a web-based interface to consolidate and simplify single system management information. The System Management Homepage enables direct access to system health and in-depth configuration information through the Insight Management Agents, in addition tools that proactively monitor and administer system performance data, drive array configuration, and software version control.

Questions & Answers

	Questions

Common Questions
1.	Why is SmartStart being Baselined at version 8.70 and what does this mean to me?
2.	How can I get a copy of SmartStart?
3.	Can I make copies of the SmartStart CD as well as contents on the CD?
Deployment and Configuration
1.	What is HP Insight Foundation suite for ProLiant software?
2.	What tools are available for multi-server deployments?
3.	What is the ProLiant Support Pack or PSP?
Updates
1.	Where can I get the latest firmware and software for my ProLiant server and options?
2.	How can I be notified when a new release of SmartStart is available and where can I find more details on the latest changes with each SmartStart release?
Systems Utilities
1.	What is the ACU?
2.	What happened to the Array Diagnostics Utility (ADU)?
3.	What is the Erase Utility?
Service and Support
1.	How can I get support for SmartStart?
2.	What services offerings are available with SmartStart?
3.	How can I be notified when a new release of SmartStart is available and where can I find more details on the latest changes with each SmartStart release?

	Answers

Common Questions
Q1.	Why is SmartStart being baselined at version 8.70 and what does this mean to me?
A1.	SmartStart is being re-architected to meet the architectural requirements of the next server generation. Therefore the current format of the SmartStart product is not required moving forward. For sustaining support on a 8.70 supported server, customers need to utilize the post 8.70 ProLiant Support Packs (PSPs); which will be available on hp.com.
Q2.	How can I get a copy of SmartStart?
A2.	SmartStart is delivered standard with every HP ProLiant ML, DL, SL 300, 500, and 700 series BTO server. With version 8.70, the ProLiant DL120 G7 and ML110 G7 will begin shipping with SmartStart as part of the Insight Foundation suite for ProLiant. For BladeSystem series of servers it is available as a CTO option. It is packaged within the Insight Foundation Suite for ProLiant media kit or downloadable from the download tab at the HP Insight Foundation Suite for ProLiant: http://www.hp.com/go/foundation. A single release is also available for order at the Buy Online link as part of the Insight Foundation suite for ProLiant: http://h18004.www1.hp.com/products/servers/proliantessentials/foundationpack/index.html. HP will replace defective delivery media for a period of one year (90 days) following the date of purchase of your server. Customers who have received defective media can either request a replacement SmartStart or download the latest CD. In the United States, SmartStart CDs can be ordered by calling 1-800-652-6672. In other countries, customers should contact a HP Authorized Supplier or local HP Service Center for pack availability and ordering information.
Q3.	Can I make copies of the SmartStart CD as well as contents on the CD?
A3.	The CDs and other media included in HP Insight Foundation Suite for ProLiant - SmartStart CDs, Management DVDs, HP Smart Update Firmware DVD- are licensed on a per-company basis. They may be duplicated and used on all ProLiant servers within each company that purchases a server or a subscription. As part of the duplication of CD and DVD images, the customer has the ability to host their own images within their company.
Deployment and Configuration
Q1.	What is HP Insight Foundation Suite for ProLiant software?
A1.	Insight software is a portfolio of modular, flexible tools that expand the capabilities of ProLiant ML, SL and DL 300, 500, and 700 series, and ProLiant BL servers. Insight software extends the reach and breadth of server manageability, and enhances the build-out of an adaptive enterprise by lowering overall life-cycle costs and reducing demands on IT resources. For more information visit: http://www.hp.com/go/foundation and http://h18004.www1.hp.com/products/servers/management/unified/index.html. The HP Insight Foundation Suite for ProLiant software is part of the family of Insight software. It includes the SmartStart CD, the Smart Update Firmware DVD and the Management DVD containing SIM and Insight Remote Support. It includes essential software every customer needs to install, configure, and manage ProLiant servers as part of an adaptive enterprise. Delivered standard with ProLiant ML and DL 300, 500, 700 series servers, the Insight Foundation Suite contains the latest industry-leading systems level management tools from HP.
Q2.	What tools are available for multi-server deployments?
A2.	Use the SmartStart Scripting Toolkit (SSS TK) or Insight Control which has rapid deployment software capability to facilitate rapid deployment of large volumes of servers. Also available is the USB Key Utility which is an existing feature of SmartStart, HP Insight Foundation suite for ProLiant, and HP Smart Update Firmware DVD. It has been enhanced to allow users to copy the SmartStart CD contents from their ISO images on the web or CD to a portable USB flash drive. Users may then boot and run the CD applications from a USB flash drive rather than from the CD which is especially beneficial in headless-server operations. Additionally, the SmartStart Scripting Toolkit delivers an unattended automated installation for high volume server deployments supporting the ProLiant ML/DL/SL/BL product line and integrates with popular operating systems. The toolkit includes a modular set of utilities and detailed documentation that describes how to apply these tools to build an automated server deployment process. Visit www.hp.com/servers/sstoolkit for more information.
Q3.	What is the ProLiant Support Pack or PSP?
A3.	ProLiant Support Packs represent operating system (OS) specific bundles of ProLiant optimized drivers, utilities, and management agents. These bundles of software are tested and released concurrently with HP's SmartStart CD to insure proper installation and functionality. PSPs come with their own deployment utilities that help you get the software deployed onto your individual ProLiant systems. Obtain the PSP through: The SmartStart CD. Access the latest PSPs and other software from the Software and Drivers download pages. PSPs can be installed in a variety of ways - By launching the installation from the autorun on the SmartStart CD or by using the deployment utilities that are provided with the PSPs. For more information on using the PSP, review the HP ProLiant Support Pack User Guide.
Updates
Q1.	Where can I get the latest firmware and software for my ProLiant server and options?
A1.	Firmware for your ProLiant servers and server options is available through the HP Smart Update Firmware DVD, available for download from the Insight Foundation Suite for ProLiant web page download tab.
Q2.	How can I be notified when a new release of SmartStart is available and where can I find more details on the latest changes with each SmartStart release?
A2.	Receive proactive notification of Software Updates using Subscriber's Choice. Subscriber's Choice uses a secure website to proactively communicate product changes and Customer Advisories through e-mail to registered customers based on a customer-provided profile. To sign up for this free service, go to www.hp.com/go/subscriberschoice. More information for each release of SmartStart is found in several places: What's New section in the SmartStart web pages and the SmartStart CDs Server Support Matrix for details on SmartStart OS Support Matrix for details on general server and OS support Product Support Matrix for details on which hardware was initially supported for a specific release of SmartStart
Systems Utilities
Q1.	What is the ACU?
A1.	The Array Configuration Utility software for Smart Array controllers and the StorageWorks RAID Array 4x00 family of products makes it easy to configure and expand your disk drive arrays remotely. It is a web-based tool that has a configuration wizard that allows you to configure your array controller, add additional disk drives to an existing configuration or reconfigure your existing disk drive array. For more information go to http://h18004.www1.hp.com/products/servers/proliantstorage/software-management/acumatrix/index.html.
Q2.	What happened to the Array Diagnostics Utility (ADU)?
A2.	The functionality of the ADU has been absorbed into the Array Configuration Utility (ACU).
Q3.	What is the Erase Utility?
A3.	The Erase Utility clears drive arrays, initializes disks, and clears non-volatile RAM (NVRAM). Note: This is not a data erasure program intended to remove or protect customer data. It is available on the boot environment of the SmartStart CD, under the Maintenance Tab. Note that this is not a true erase function, but a simple wipe-out of the directory structure and boot record. More correctly, this function initializes the disk and does not overwrite data areas.
Service and Support
Q1.	How can I get support for SmartStart?
A1.	HP offers a complete choice of services to ensure the success of your ProLiant Server deployment program. From professional consultative services to responsive telephone support services, the expertise of HP Services is available to support the implementation and operation of your SmartStart application. A complete list of services is available at: http://h18004.www1.hp.com/products/servers/management/smartstart/support-services.html. For more information visit: www.hp.com/services/carepacksoftware or http://h20219.www2.hp.com/services/us/en/warranty/carepack-servers-proliant.html
Q2.	What services offerings are available with SmartStart?
A2.	Software Technical Support Services - provide easy access to experts for questions regarding use of the SmartStart after the 90-day period. This is also a way to secure extended coverage hours and committed response times (1 or 2 hours) from day one. These CarePaq offerings are available in easy to purchase and convenient to use 5, 10 and 25 incident packages. For more information, visit http://h20219.www2.hp.com/services/cache/9516-0-0-225-121.aspx
Q3.	How can I be notified when a new release of SmartStart is available and where can I find more details on the latest changes with each SmartStart release?
A3.	HP's Subscribers Choice service offers customized driver alerts and product information when avaiable. For the details on the latest version of Smartstart, please visit www.hp.com/go/ss.