This blog post was originally written by Aditi Satam and Michael Schroeder. Send your suggestions or comments to WinServerBlogs@dell.com.
To read more technical articles about iDRAC/Lifecycle Controller and Dell, go to the iDRAC page on Dell TechCenter.
Introduction
This week at the 2013 Microsoft Management Summit in Las Vegas we’re demonstrating system management features that improve datacenter efficiencies and platform management with Windows Server® 2012.
PowerShell and Dell PowerEdge iDRAC System Inventory -
Have you ever wanted to quickly check the hardware inventory for a host without powering on the server?
Background
DMTF (Distributed Management Task Force – see them at the MMS DMTF booth #718) has developed several standards that Microsoft Windows Server® 2012leverages:
1) WS-MAN (Web Services Management)
2) CIM (Common Information Model)
Microsoft Windows Server® 2012 introduces CIM Cmdlets that are available in PowerShell 3.0 to improve and simplify management of any server or device (such as the Dell™ PowerEdge™ iDRAC) that complies with CIM and WS-Man standards. From a Windows® host, CIM sessions can be established to remotely connect to the iDRAC interface on your Dell 11th and 12th Generation PowerEdge™ servers. Once connected, you have access to a large number of management tasks available that you can perform like changing settings in the BIOS, collecting hardware inventory and many others. You only need power to the system and a network cable connected to the iDRAC. You do NOT need to power up the system – once the system has been plugged in, the iDRAC goes live and is able to capture system inventory for consumption, without bringing the system online.
You can create simple PowerShell/CIM scripts to help you retrieve the system details you care about. The following PS script demonstrates one way you might retrieve the hardware inventory for a target system. The UI is generated in PowerShell as well.
