What is our primary use case?
HPE Integrated Lights Out (iLO) is a secondary access tool. It's used for server monitoring and management. HPE iLO is particularly useful in cases where physical access to the server is not possible, allowing IT professionals to remotely manage and troubleshoot servers.
It's a GUI interface for emergencies, especially when servers are down across the country, allowing access via a secondary IP. The tool is designed for on-prem servers, providing remote management capabilities without needing physical presence.
How has it helped my organization?
HPE Integrated Lights Out (iLO) reduces downtime and increases efficiency by providing remote access to servers, allowing for quick recovery without the need for on-site techs.
What is most valuable?
HPE Integrated Lights Out (iLO) is user-friendly, offering easy navigation and a nice GUI. It provides an alternative network connection, enabling access to servers without physical access. The software is highly valued for its ability to bring servers back up remotely, essential for minimizing downtime in critical situations.
HPE iLO is a strong competitor to iDRAC. Being a second network interface physically installed on a server, iLO provides an extra IP to access the server, bypassing other layers such as ESXi or Proxmox, and enabling BIOS-level access.
The remote software involved is fantastic for recovering servers quickly and efficiently when they go down, providing significant improvements to organizational operations. Whether dealing with international or local solutions, iLO can save considerable time, reducing downtime from minutes to weeks depending on location. It is particularly useful for integrating with Microsoft Active Directory, simplifying login issues, and mitigating risks of login leaks through Multi-Factor Authentication.
The quick response times from HPE support, including shipping parts and sending techs promptly, add to the overall efficiency and reliability of solutions involving HPE iLO.
The integration of iLO with vSphere provides a seamless user experience, making navigation feel consistent across platforms.
What needs improvement?
There could be improvements in the licensing model of HPE Integrated Lights Out (iLO), which is perceived as expensive, requiring service contracts to access firmware updates. This pricing model is seen as a disadvantage compared to competitors such as Dell, Cisco, Microsoft, and Lenovo.
Overall, HPE iLO is strong software, but pricing and license restrictions could be areas for improvement.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have extensive experience with the HPE ProLiant systems from many years ago. I was recently brought on this week to rebuild a server environment.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
It technically doesn't scale, but that's acceptable because iLO provides a second network interface card installed on a server, offering an additional IP for accessing the server if the primary IP goes down.
How are customer service and support?
They're great if you're willing to pay for HPE support. The support service has quick turnaround times for shipping parts or dispatching a tech. HPE support rates 7 or 8 out of 10 based on experience.
How would you rate customer service and support?
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
Regarding pricing or set-up costs and licensing, HPE's approach is quite intense compared to Dell, Cisco, Microsoft, Lenovo, etc. Avoiding HPE in the current structure due to high costs would be considered due to needing service contracts for firmware updates.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
Dell's iDRAC is an alternative to HPE Integrated Lights Out (iLO). Both are in the premium Lights-Out access tool category and are similar in function, making them interchangeable based on preference.
What other advice do I have?
I never leveraged the automation tools in HPE Integrated Lights Out (iLO) as I never felt the need to.
I don't have details on the pros and cons of HPE Integrated Lights Out (iLO) versus Dell's iDRAC solution currently.
In Virtual Media access features of HPE Integrated Lights Out (iLO), specifics are not known as it was outside the department focus.
HPE Integrated Lights Out (iLO) setups are relatively straightforward, usually with vendor assistance.
I am currently avoiding HPE in my current build because of the pricing that is almost highway robbery. Service contracts are required to receive firmware updates. It's intense compared to Dell, Cisco, Microsoft, or Lenovo.
On a scale of 1-10, I rate HPE Integrated Lights Out (iLO) a 9.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises