HP ProLiant Gen8 servers System architecture and designBrochure

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Servers so intuitive because they were designed for the way you workFrom the moment your first HP ProLiant Gen8 server emerges from the box, you will feel, see, and sense the built-in quality. Guided by our “Client-2-Innovation” design philosophy, HP engineers and developers created more than 150 innovations that help you get tasks done simply, reliably, and with confidence. These next-generation servers were designed for the way you work.

Clients who have trusted ProLiant servers for years will be instantly familiar with the consistent experience and yet appreciative of the attention to detail of the new features and design. Taken together, the sweeping architecture and design innovations in the new ProLiant family will help your IT team increase productivity, improve server and application uptime, and drive higher levels of system performance.

These benefits are delivered by a unique set of ProLiant innovations that encompass designed-in quality, hassle-free serviceability, and intuitive simplicity.

Designed-in qualityVirtually eliminate common problems that cause downtime and data loss.After examining more than 100,000 server incidents that led to downtime, system damage, and data loss, HP engineers found that most problems happen when administrators physically interact with servers. To help prevent these problems, next-generation HP ProLiant servers feature a variety of HP-developed intelligent components that actively assist administrators with common service tasks—and help increase system uptime and staff productivity.

In our client research, for example, we learned that several times a week around the world, someone accidentally removes the wrong drive during maintenance, causing data loss across an entire array. In response, our engineers created the HP SmartDrive carrier. It proactively warns an administrator not to remove a drive if the action will cause data loss.

Here’s another example: After analyzing motherboard failures, we found that the most common cause of failure was improperly inserted processors. This finding gave rise to the HP Smart Socket guide. It allows you to confidently add or upgrade processors without the fear of bending pins that lead to motherboard failure and replacement.

We also addressed issues related to troublesome memory errors and replacements. Next-generation ProLiant servers make it all easier with certified HP SmartMemory that includes a built-in brain and new diagnostic algorithms that track errors, identify trends, and resolve issues proactively.

Hassle-free serviceability Increase your productivity and confidence during setup, upgrade, and repair.Armed with 22 years of client insight and two years of dedicated design research, our engineers rethought virtually every aspect of server design and serviceability. Cables were reduced and taken out of your way. Tool-less touch points were added and simplified. Components were made smarter, and labels more intuitive. Components were precisely located so that servicing one wouldn’t accidentally impact another.

In next-generation ProLiant servers, clear baffles let you easily see which processors and memory slots are populated when you configure or service a system. Snap and Go rack rails reduce friction with a high quality ball-bearing design, cutting deployment time of rack-mount servers in half. Consistent use of color and shapes of touch points lets you quickly recognize what to do and how to do it when installing or servicing your servers. And high quality labels with enriched graphics make it easier to configure and service the system.

Through these and other client-inspired innovations, we’re making serviceability simpler, accelerating common service tasks, and reducing the potential for errors. You can now cut up to 40 percent off the time you’ve been spending installing or removing components—and do away with a lot of frustration.

Armed with 22 years of client insight and two years of dedicated design research, our engineers rethought virtually every aspect of server design and serviceability.

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Intuitive simplicity Reduce errors and improve productivity with an intuitive, efficient user experience.The HP Client-2-Innovation design philosophy is pragmatic: useful innovation to increase productivity, reduce downtime, and enhance the user experience. Before we design anything, we analyze real client usage data to focus on solving the critical issues. We create design solutions that are based on the principles of consistency and simplicity. These solutions are then subjected to rigorous human factor and prototype testing before they are engineered into next-generation releases. Our philosophy begins and ends with you.

The redesigned user interface found in the new ProLiant management tools rethinks the traditional approach of tables, trees, and text in favor of a context-based graphical approach. The new interface was built to communicate in the same way your administrators actually think about their tasks, so they don’t get lost in a maze of menus and buttons. Using consistent design principles, visual organization, and usage models, the new interface creates a predictable and intuitive experience that helps you reduce errors and improve productivity.

The world’s most self-sufficient serversIn today’s data centers, small advances in technology won’t solve the big problems. To respond effectively to exploding demand for applications, data, and digital content, your IT organization needs intelligent technology built for the challenges of the cloud era. That’s the next-generation HP ProLiant family.

With an unprecedented set of innovations, the new ProLiant family provides the heart and mind of a self-aware and intelligent converged infrastructure. From core to cloud, HP is transforming the expectations and economics of the data center with the world’s most self-sufficient servers.

To learn more about the new ProLiant family, visit www.hp.com/go/proliantgen8.

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© Copyright 2012 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. The information contained herein is subject to change without notice. The only warranties for HP products and services are set forth in the express warranty statements accompanying such products and services. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting an additional warranty. HP shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein.

4AA3-9652ENW, Created February 2012