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I got an email from Jane:

I read one of your posts talking about SmartStart and then talking about the drivers/Proliant Support Pack, what’s the difference, aren’t they one in the same thing?

Thanks

Jane

Hi Jane,

Thanks for your email, you’re right in a way, the Proliant Support Pack can be found on the SmartStart cd/dvd, but they are separate but related tools.

• SmartStart is the free tool which is used to help in configuring the server ready for the operating system, and can assist in loading the operating system by copying the relevant drivers during the installation, making server deployment a bit easier and it’s quite intuitive from an end user viewpoint.
• The Proliant Support Pack is the software pack which includes the system management software and system drivers, installing the Proliant Support Pack will upgrade or install all the drivers and system software for that specific server to that version saving you from downloading the components separately or worrying about dependencies as it loads the relevant ones.

Loading the Proliant Support Pack will also install the System Management Agents which will include the management web page which shows the system status and includes product information, it’s accessible using the address http://servername:2301

The version of the support pack is point in time, so there may be specific newer drivers or system software at any particular time, but what you will find is that often when logging a call or identifying an issue, HP or your service provider will ask what Proliant Support Pack is loaded to determine if the drivers and system software are up to date.

The model and age of server will determine the version of SmartStart and Proliant Support Pack, for example the DL580 G2 uses version 8.25 when you go to the HP site to download it.

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