Configuring Servers From Your Palm

Application lets ISPs configure and manage IBM RS/6000 servers using handhelds connected to docking stations.

by Wayne Kawamoto [April 13, 2000]

IBM announced SNAPP, an application that lets administrators use a Palm-based hand-held computer to configure and manage an RS/6000 B50 server.

However, you must still connect the handheld to a docking station, so although you avoid needing to connect a monitor to each server, this is not mobile server configuration, it's just a way to save on monitors and cables. You do still need a docking cradle for each server, but cradles are much cheaper than monitors.

SNAPP (System Networking, Analysis, and Performance Pilot) was designed for Internet and Application service providers (ISP, ASPs), who often have multiple racks of IBM's RS/6000 B50 servers supporting their Internet sites. The software uses XML to send information back and forth between the handheld computer and the server, which eliminates the need to connect a monitor, keyboard or a mouse to each server to configure and monitor them. Users can also modify the software to monitor and control other features of the server such as CPU and disk performance.

Besides configuring RS/6000 B50 servers, IBM says that SNAPP monitors system performance, and reports on Web Server capabilities and system configurations. Also, the software features password protection to ensure that only authorized persons gain access to the system.

Users can download the SNAPP software application to a Palm Computing handheld (Palm III, Palm V, or Palm VII series handhelds) or IBM WorkPad. Users then plug the device's docking cradle into the serial port on the server, and then plug the handheld into the docking cradle to begin configuring their network systems.

"We've literally put server configuration and system manageability into the hands of our customers," says Michael Kerr, vice-president of product management, IBM Web Server Unit. "ISP's and ASP's can now look forward not just to great performance from the RS/6000 B50, but also extraordinary simplicity in system installation and manageability."

Availability
The SNAPP application to manage the B50 server with a Palm Computing platform handheld or WorkPad can be downloaded from http://www.alphaworks.ibm.com/tech/snapp. The SNAPP application requires Palm OS 3.0 software or later, and there is no cost to IBM customers.

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