Overview of the IBM Flex System management node

IBM® Flex System Manager management software is the software stack for managing multiple chassis that comes preinstalled on the Flex System Manager Types 7955, 8731, and 8734 management node. It provides a consistent interface that you can use to efficiently manage more than one chassis.

The Flex System Manager Types 7955, 8731, and 8734 management node is supported in the Flex System Enterprise Chassis only.

The Flex System Manager Types 7955, 8731, and 8734 management node comes with a limited warranty. For information about the terms of the warranty and getting service and assistance, see the Warranty Information document on the IBM Documentation CD. You can obtain up-to-date information about the management node at the IBM Support Portal.

This documentation might be updated occasionally to include information about new features. Technical updates might also be available to provide additional information that is not included in the documentation.

You can subscribe to information updates that are specific to the management node at the My notifications website.

The model number and serial number are on the ID label that is located next to the power LED on the management node bezel. They are also on a label on the side of the management node that is visible when the management node is not in the Flex System Enterprise Chassis.

Upgrading the management software to version 1.3.1
The management software upgrade to version 1.3.1 affects the managed resources in your IBM Flex System environment.
Upgrading the management software to version 1.3.2
The management software upgrade to version 1.3.2 affects the managed resources in your IBM Flex System environment.
What’s new in version 1.3.1
IBM Flex System Manager management software version 1.3.1 provides new features and enhancements.
What’s new in version 1.3.2
IBM Flex System Manager management software version 1.3.2 provides new features and enhancements.
What’s new in version 1.3.3
IBM Flex System Manager management software version 1.3.3 provides new features and enhancements.
What’s new in version 1.3.4
IBM Flex System Manager management software version 1.3.4 provides new features and enhancements.
Related documentation
Use this information to identify and locate related documentation.
The IBM Documentation CD
The IBM Documentation CD contains documentation for your hardware in Portable Document Format (PDF). It includes the IBM Documentation Browser to help you find information quickly.
Notices and statements in this document
Use this information to understand the most common documentation notices and statements and how they are used.
Flex System Manager Types 7955, 8731, and 8734 hardware
The Flex System Manager Types 7955, 8731, and 8734 node is a management node that is based on the Flex System x240 Compute Node hardware. The management node is a closed system that is designed to run the preinstalled management software; unlike the Flex System x240 Compute Node, it has limited options for hardware configuration.
Managed resources
Use the information in this section to understand the types of compute nodes and the Chassis Management Module (CMM) in Flex System Enterprise Chassis that IBM Flex System Manager management software can manage.
Network configuration and requirements
IBM Flex System Manager management software uses a management network to connect to managed resources in multiple Flex System Enterprise Chassis. An optional data network supports the discovery of operating systems on managed resources and provides connections for other management software functionality.
Port and operating system requirements
IBM Flex System Manager management software has specific requirements for management node ports and operating systems that are installed on managed compute nodes. These requirements comprise the specified operating environment for the management software and the resources that it manages.
Management domains
IBM Flex System Manager management software management domains determine which resources are under management for a management node.
Chassis management
IBM Flex System Manager management software can manage multiple Flex System Enterprise Chassis, including the security policies and user registries on the Chassis Management Modules (CMMs) in those chassis.
Security
Unsecured systems-management tools can damage hardware and software. It is extremely important that you understand all security risks in your system environment and what you can do to minimize these risks. IBM Flex System Manager management software offers advanced security capabilities and user-management settings to help you secure your environment.
Agents
IBM Flex System Manager management software provides a central point of control for aggregating and managing discovered systems based on a service-oriented architecture. The management software includes two operating-system agents: Common Agent and Platform Agent.
Features on Demand
IBM Features on Demand provides optional software that is available for Flex System Manager Types 7955, 8731, and 8734 and IBM Flex System Manager management software. You can also use the management software to enable optional features for managed compute nodes.
Backing up and restoring the management software
Use the IBM Flex System Manager management software to back up or restore your software image.
Moving files to and from the management node
There are a few different methods for copying files securely to and from Flex System Manager Types 7955, 8731, and 8734 management nodes. Use these methods to copy updates, fix packages, agent files, or other files.

Parent topic: IBM Flex System Manager management node