Abstract: The present invention is directed toward providing a system for registering, locating, and identifying network servers within a data center containing many such servers. Parallel and serial port couplers with an erasable, programable read-only memory are encoded with a unique ID number, and a label with a bar code corresponding to the ID number is affixed to each coupler. A server to be installed in a data center has an encoded coupler attached to one of its communication ports, and information related to that particular server is stored in a system database. Upon encountering a problem with a network server, the system displays the logical name of the server at issue. The location and identification information for the server are retrieved from the system database and displayed to a technician responsible for the server at issue.

Abstract: A framework for automatically provisioning computing devices includes a central database system and a central file system. Information stored in the database comprises a model of the individual devices, as well as the interconnections of the devices. The central file system stores the software components to be installed on the devices. When provisioning is carried out, the database sends commands to agents located on each device which cause them to retrieve and install the software components from the file system, and to configure the components according to the stored model.

Abstract: Techniques and systems for modeling and provisioning complex storage devices are described. A data model provides for entity relationships between physical and logical components of the storage devices. The data model is usable to provision the devices in a uniform, automated and secure manner.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a technique whereby multiple servers may be contained within single server chassis or housing. This space saving technique is used to increase the server-to-space ratio for purposes of data warehousing facility cost minimization, and to reduce a maximum amount of space required by a large number of servers. Multiple improvements have been made to each of the servers contained within a single server housing to allow for proper functionality of each of the servers contained within a housing. Additionally, the multiple servers of the present invention have many improvements that allow for remote monitoring, maintenance, and reconfiguration by a remote user or system administrator.