IBM DS3500 - IBM Remote Support Manager for Storage

7914RSM.fm Draft Document for Review March 28, 2011 12:24 pm
486 IBM System Storage DS3500: Introduction and Implementation Guide
16.1 IBM Remote Support Manager for Storage
The IBM Remote Support Manager for Storage (RSM for Storage) software is a no-charge
software package that is installed on an IBM System x server running Novell SUSE Linux
Enterprise Server 9, SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 10, Red Hat Enterprise Linux 4 Advanced
Server, or Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5. It provides problem reporting and remote access for
IBM Service for the IBM System Storage DS3000, DS4000, and DS5000 families.
The problem reporting utility provided by RSM for Storage automatically creates an entry in
the IBM call management system for each subsystem that reports a problem. This is the
equivalent of placing a voice call to IBM Service for a problem. Once in the system, problems
are responded to with the priority specified by the maintenance agreement in place for the
product.
RSM for Storage controls security for remote access by managing hardware and software
components of the server on which it is installed. Once installed, the server should be
considered a single purpose appliance for problem reporting and remote access support for
your storage subsystems. Only applications approved by IBM and specified in this document
should be installed. (Management of the internal firewall and other configuration changes
made by the software might prevent other applications from working.) There is no guarantee
that applications that work with the current version of RSM for Storage will continue to work
with future releases.
Remote access to the RSM for Storage system by IBM Service is provided by either an
external modem attached to the server or through an external SSH connection. This
connection provides IBM Service with a command-line interface to the server. All bulk data
transfers for logs and other problem determination files are sent to IBM through e-mail using
the server’s Ethernet interface, as shown in Figure 16-1. An internal firewall that is managed
by the RSM for Storage software keeps remote and local users of the system from accessing
other devices on your intranet. Local and remote IBM users of the system do not have the
ability to change any security features of the software.
Figure 16-1 RSM layout
Your existing IBM System Storage DS Storage Manager v10, also known as Storage Manger,
software monitor the storage subsystems, and this software is configured to send SNMP
traps to the Remote Support Manager when critical events are detected. Configuration of the
management application is discussed in 16.2.4, “Configuring SNMP traps in Storage
Manager” on page 520.
Linux Console Prompt
Modem TTY connection
or
Remote SSH connection
Alerts / Logs / Emails
Ethernet / Internet
RSM for
Storage Appliance