IBM xSeries Technical Principles V5 (Test 071)

Exam Objectives and Sub-Objectives:

Following are the objectives of this exam

1. Architecture

• Distinguish key differences of server models (e.g., single/dual/quad CPU, maximum memory, memory interleaving, number of PCI-X slots, internal storage/integrated disk controllers, physical characteristics, redundancy/high availablity features)
• Given customer needs, select the IBM architectural advantages (e.g., RXE-100, Chipkill, Light Path Diagnostics) that solves the customer's requirements
• Given a customer's system requirements, determine the appropriate server and options to meet the needs, considering high availability, scalability, fault tolerance, space, and other factors important to the customer

2. Design (Rack Solutions, Storage, Powers)

• Given specific customer criteria and application requirements, identify customer server/application solution (e.g., file server, mail database, network infrastructure)
• Given incomplete customer needs statements, clarify and prioritize specific component requirements
• Given physical specifications, determine rack requirements and layout (e.g., floor space, environmentals, cooling)
• Determine power requirements (e.g., front- and back-end PDUs, UPS)
• Size storage (e.g., internal vs. external, OS and applications) based on requirements
• Determine HA (High Availability) requirements

3. Installation/Configuration

• Configure disk subsystem for the appropriate RAID levels and array settings (e.g., ServeRAID)
• Install the Operating System with ServerGuide
• Install and configure options following IBM recommended installation procedures (e.g., HBA (Host Bus Adapters fibre card), RAID controller, CPU, memory, voltage regulators)
• Verify BIOS and firmware level and update if necessary
• Given specific systems (e.g. x235), verify diagnostic version level and update if necessary
• Given rack-mounted systems, connect systems with redundant power supplies to multiple sources (e.g., PDUs, UPS)
• Implement appropriate cable management to facilitate physical access to important components of the system
• Given a specific model, identify the RS-485 port(s)
• Troubleshoot installation/configuration problems
• Describe system deployment tools used to install and upgrade clients and servers (e.g., Remote Deployment Manager (RDM), Software Distribution Manager)

4. Connectivity (KVM, Networking)

• Describe and implement C2T (Cable Chain Technology) on available servers
• Given KVM requirements, select and implement the appropriate NetBAY ACT solution
• Set up a basic TCP/IP environment

5. Systems Management (Advanced Systems Management, Processor, IBM Director)

• Describe functional components of IBM Director
• Identify features and functions of IBM Director
• Given customer requirements, configure the appropriate IBM Director task (e.g., alerts, schedule tasks, event management builder, etc.)
• Describe and implement IBM's advanced management solutions (i.e., Remote Systems Management, RSA, RSA II, Integrated Systems Management Processor (ISMP))
• Implement the Advanced Systems Management Interconnect Network
• Given specific system management tasks, select the appropriate management tool (e.g., IBM Director, Remote Control, Process Management, ServeRAID Manager, Management Processor Assistant (MPA))
• Connect to and manage RSA and RSA II to enable alert notification

6. Diagnostics and Support (Upgrades, PFA)

• Identify the features and functions of UpdateXpress
• Identify the diagnostic features available on each xSeries model
• Configure ongoing updates for firmware and BIOS levels and diagnostic tests (e.g., PCDoctor)
• Given the need for hardware upgrades, select appropriate options for the customer's needs (e.g., CPU, memory, network cards)
• Describe features of Electronic Service Agent

Exam Detail:

Number of Question:	63
Type of Questions:	Multiple-Choice
Passing Score:	66
Time Duration:	90 min