Abstract: A card management system architecture for managed startup of a system and for monitoring its operation is provided. Both a method and device particularly suited to carrying out the method are provided. According to one embodiment of the method, a second controller evaluates the status of power supplies and then powers up a first controller and processors on input-output processors (IOPs). The first controller evaluates the status of individual IOPs and enables additional power and data interfaces. Additional embodiments involve additional structures and steps. Redundant channels for communications among controllers and IOPs are preferred. In one embodiment, the first bus is implemented as five serial communication lines. Communication between redundant first controllers and between redundant second controllers allows determination of which controllers should be active.