HP servers have ILO
Dell servers have iDRAC

ILO (Integrated Lights Out):

• Some HP Servers come with ILO, it requires a license but comes with a trial.
• It has many features, one that's useful when a server is showing as offline but the customers broadband is working fine, is using it to see what the server would display on a screen, it could be that the server hasn't fully boot up, but this tool will still work.
• To use this please do the following: 
  • Connect to the customers network, this could be via a VPN link or by logging onto another machine on the network
  • In internet explorer browse to the ILO IP, we should have this in the CRM or on the server setup sheet if the server has it.
  • On the Overview page it gives you a summary of the servers status and power
  • The system information page tells you the status of some of the hardware features such as the temperature and the fans.
  • Go to Remote Console in the left hand menu and you can then launch the remote console session, effectively letting you see what would be on the servers screen.
  • This will help you to diagnose what is wrong with the server and why its not online, for example that it can't boot up properly.

iDRAC (Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller):

• Some Dell Servers come with iDRAC, it is similar to HP's ILO in that you can connect to the server to diagnose problems when its offline/ not fully boot up.
• To use it please do the following:
  • Connect to the customers network, either via a VPN connection or another PC on the network that is accessible.
  • Browse to the IP of the iDRAC, this should be in the CRM or on the server setup sheet
  • Firefox seems to work well for this.
  • Login and it will take you to a system summary page, this has system details, the server health and recently logged events.
  • On the System page you also have quick launch tasks such as power cycle the system, update firmware etc
  • The page also has a Vitrual Console Preview application, clicking launch allows you to access and see the servers virtial screen
  • There are tabs along the top and a menu down the left hand side that allow you to do many things.
  • This is a useful tool to diagnose a server that is not accessible via normal remote methods, for example when its not booting up properly.