GB2392753A - System and method for displaying computer system status information - Google Patents

Abstract

A system and method for displaying status information from several devices in a computer system is disclosed. A primary status indicator 65, 165 is associated with a server or a group of servers. The primary status indicator is communicatively coupled to the server management software 120 that is monitoring the server or server group. During the period that the server management software does not detect a failure or an imminent failure in any component of the server or server group, the primary status indicator will be illuminated to reflect a normal operating status. If the server management software detects a failure or an imminent failure in a component of the server or a server in the server group, the primary status indicator will be illuminated to reflect an alert status.

Description

GB 2392753 A continuation (74) Agent and/or Address for Service: Lloyd

Wise Commonwealth House, 1-19 New Oxford Street, LONDON, WC1A 1LW, United Kingdom

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DISPLAYING COMPUTER SYSTEM STATUS

INFORMATION

The present disclosure relates in general to the field of computer

systems, and, more particularly, to a system and method for displaying status information A data center, also referred to as a server fartn, typically includes a group of net vorked servers The networked servers are housed together in a single location. A data center expedites computer network processing by combining the pourer of multiple servers and allows for load balancing by distnluting the workload among the sewers. More companies and er organizations are using data centers because of the efficiency of these centers in handling -t nwnbers of storage retrieval and data processing transactions. Depending on the nature and size of the operation, a data center may leave thousands of servers. Typically, these servers use rack-mounted and placed in cabinets. Each cabinet may hold dozens of rack-mounted sewers.

These cabncts are generally organized Into Barnes or aisles. Accordingly, a large data center may leave several banlts of cabinets that each contain several mck-mounted servers. All of these screens within talc data center are typically monitored via a single console by one or two individuals who serve as network monitors.

Conventional data centers typically USC server management software to monitor server components and alert system monitors in the event of a component failure For example, if one of the hard drives of a server fails, then the server management software Will scud an alert message to to system TnoTutor's console. Tlc network monitor will respond to the alert message

( and rectify the failure. Because data centers are often implemented in mission critical operations, cleat demand continuous and reliable operation, the servers of these data centers must operate continuously wetly very few failures. In the event of a server failure the problem must be solved irnmcdiately. In:hls sort of environment, any down time is unacceptable. For en pie, if the 5 data center of a financial firm goes down, a minute of down time can result in thousands of dollars of revenue in unexecuted stock transactions. Open, a failed or failing server component is the camse of the server failure. Examples of server components that may fail include hard drives, fans, and power supplies.

In the event of system failure, the network monitors must dispatcl, a technician to We data center to find and replace the faulty component. Because the data center is used for a continuous or mission critical fimction, the teclcian must replace the faulty component as soon as possible. Each server typically includes several components that can be serviced by a user or technician. These components include fans, hard caves, motherboards, PCI cards, memory DlIvIMs, power supplies, cables, and CPUs, among other components. Each of these 15 components may include one or more status lights that report the operational status of the component. A single component may include several status lights that report on the stems of the ri:\ice The color of the status light, as wed as whether the light is flashing or blinking, indicates thether the component is operating properly. For example, a green status tight open indicates that the component is operating correctly. If the status light is a color other than greens or is 20 flashing, then the device may be rfilctiog. Marty components use a unique, if not complex, pattern of colored, blinking lights to communicate the status of the component.

As an example, a typical server hard drive contains several status lights. These hard drive slants lights may correspond to power, disk activity, arid an alarm indicator. Other server components may Include more status lights than the typical hard drive. Becausc each 95 server has several components, each server will have nulTlerous status lights. For example, a typical server may contain eight hard drives, each of whirls includes three status lights. That stone server may adso nclucle four power supplies, each counting three status lights. to addition, the server evil typically include a dozen status lights on. Ads taunt panel. This server will

l also typically Include components that do not have status lights that are visible on the front panel. For example, the status lights for a fan unit are not visible until the chassis of server is opened.,\11 told a single server may include more than fifty udividual status lights. A rack of servers may includes hundreds of individual status lights, and a single aisle witln a data center 5 may include thousands of individual status lights.

( 4 In accordance untie teachings of the present disclosure, a system and method for

displaying status information from several devices in a computer system is disclosed that provides significant advantages over prior developed systems.

primary status indicator is located on a bezel or panel of a server. The primary status indicator is communicatively coupled to the server management software that is monltoing the server. If the server management software does not detect a failure or an imminent failure us any component of the server, then the primary status indicator will be Hated to reflect a normal operating status, If the server management software does detect a failure or an imminent failure in a component of the server, then the primary status indicator All be illuminated to reflect an alert status. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the

teclcian may Men remove or open the bezel to reveal the front panel of the server. In another embodiment of tile present disclosure, the front panel may also contain a status display that

outputs text or graphics to identify the cause of an ales status.

I 5 In another embodiment of tle presently disclosed system and method for displaying status information, a primary status indicator may lie associated with a group of several sewers, such as a cabinet or a basils of servers. If a primary stands indicator is associated with a group of servers, then the primary stems indicator will be illuminated to reflect a normal operating stands if the server management software does not detect a failed or failing component 30 in any of the servers in the group. If any of the components of any of tile servers in the group of servers fails or is in danger of failing, then the primary status indicator will reflect an alert status.

A technical advantage of the present disclosure is that a single status indicator is

initially presented to the technician, The simple display allows a technician to quickly assess the status of several servers without examining Be front panel of each server or all of the status 95 piglets of each server. If one of tle servers has a failing component, this server can be quickly identified. Another advantage of the present disclosure is that it provides an unambiguous

indication of the status of a server. A technician can quickly determine whether a server component has failed based on the color Indoor position of the illumination of the primary status,

indictor..\ further advantage of the present disclosure is that it allows for a uniform positioning

of status information across all servers in a data center regardless of sewer configuration and manufacturer as each primary status indicator may lie uruformly positioned on a bezel or panel.

The centralized location of the primal status indicator also facilitates a fast assessment of server 5 status. Another advantage of the present disclosure is that the primary status indicator may be

used on servers with small or reavow font panels, because the primary status indicator is only single indicator, and it may also incorporate a logo or mark that Piglet otherwise talce up lionized space. Furthermore, because a corporate marls may be incorporated into the primary state indicator, positive name and tradernrk recogDidon may be reinforced during normal status conditions. The present disclosure also allows for a uniform dcsi an throughout the data center

regardless of server configuration or manufacturer, which also reinforces name and trademark recognition. Other technical advantages should lee apparent to one of ordinary skill in tle art in view of the specification, claims, and drawings.

( 6 A more complete understanding of the present embodunents and advantages hereof may be acquired by referring to Me follomog description taken in conjunction with the

accompanying drawings in which lilts reference numbers indicate like features, and wherein: 5 Figures 1 a and lb are pictorial views of a server having a partially opened bezel; Figure lo is a pictorial view of a server with a closed bezel; Figure 2a is a lions view of an embodiment of the bezel; Figure 2b is a back view of an embodunent of the bezel; Figure 2c is a front view of an embodiment of the bezel; Fi Sure 2d is a Wont view of an embodiment of Me bezel; Figure 3a is a front view of an embodiment of the bezel; Figure 3b is a 1'aclc view of an embodiment of the bezel; Figure 3c is a Wont view of an embodiment of Me bezel; Figure 4a is a pictorial view of a server with Tie bezel removed; ] 5 Figure 4b is a pictorial view of a server with a rear-mounted status display; Figure 5 is a pictorial view of a data center; and Figure 6 is a flow chart of an enbodrnent of Me method of the present disclosure.

The present detailed description discloses a primary status indicator that is located

on a bezel that is mounted to cover the front panel of a saver. The primary status indicator receives status information from the server magcnent software that is nonitonng the server.

s The primary status indicator will be illuminated to reflect normal operating status during those periods float the server management software does not detect a failure or an imminent failure in any component of tle server. If flee server management sofvare does detect a failure or an imminent failure in a component of the server, the primary status indicator will be illuminated to renect an alert status.

Figures la, lb, and Ic illustrate an embodiment of the present disclosure. Shown

in Figure la is a computer system or server 15 in a tower configuration. Shown in Figure lb is a rack-mounted server 15. Server 15 may have several components, and each of which may have one or more status lights. For example, as Allows in Figures la and lb, server 15 contains eight hard drives 35 that each contam Free status lights 40. Sewer 15 50 contains four power ]5 supplies 45 that each contain three status lights 50. Accordingly, server 15 has several dozen status lights on the fTout panel 55 alone. The typical server I 5 also has components that do not have status lights that are visible on the Font panel 55. For example, the status lights for a fan Wit are not visible until the chassis of server 5 is opened.

Bezel or panel 60 may be mounted to cover se' ver front panel 55. Bezel 60 may 20 be mounted on server Font panel 55, or on the chassis or housing 210 for scaler 15, or any other suitable location. Bezel 60 is preferably sized to cover the entire server front panel 55 and to substantially matcl, the dimensions of the server Font panel 55 in terms of width and height. For example, the width WB of bezel 60 is preferably substantially equal to the width Ws of server 15.

Similarly, the height HB of bezel 60 is preferably substantially equal to the height Hs of server 5 15. Bezel 60 is preferably substantially opaque to prevent any light emission loom the status Piglets on tle server fTont panel SS through bezel 60. Bezel 60 may be ventilated to allow cooling of the server Font panel 55. Bezel 60 may be affixed on scaler Font panel 55 by hinges 90 such that tlc bezel may be swung open to expose the server front panel:5. As depicted in Fixtures I a

( and]b, bezel 60 is not completely closed. Figure Ic depicts the server 15 of Figure Ib wherein the bezel 60 is closed During normal operation of server 15, bezel 60 is preferably closed.

Alternatively, bezel 60 may lie mounted on server Font panel 551'y rails such that bezel 60 may slide open to expose the server Wont panel 55. Altematively, bezel 60 may be attached to server 5 front panel 55 by sockets such tl,.at bezel 60 may be separated from the server 15 to expose the server front panel 55.

Figure 2a is a front view of an emlodimcnt of bezel 60. Primary status indicator 65 is mounted on the front surface of bezel 60. Primacy status indicator 65 may be a badge or any other indicator. Primary status indicator 65 is preferably cycloptically positioned on tle Wont surface of bezel 60 for rnexinum visilility. cycloptically positioned primary status indicator 65 is mounted or positioned in a substantially central location on Else Font surface of bezel 60. Primary status indicator 65 preferably incorporates a corporate logo, such as the corporate logo of the manufacturer or distributor of server 1 S. Figure 2b shows the backside of leered 60 shown in Figure Pa Primary status indicator 65 contains at least one light source 100 15 such that primary status indicator 65 may be illuminated. lEc light source 100 may be any dcvce that provides a uiiforn, dependable light source. For example, light source 100 may be an LED or LED light bar. Primary status indicator 65 illuminates at least one distinctive color. If tle primary statics indicator 65 incorporates a corporate logo, the primary status Indicator 65 may be illuminated in the color associated with that corporate logo. Primary status 20 Indicator 65 may aIso rotate slJch that primary status indicator 65 is level or in a fixed position regardless of the rotation of server 1 S. For example, if primely stays indicator 65 incorporates a corporate logo, the logo will be right side up, regardless of whether server IS is oriented horizontally or vertically.

Primary status indicator 65 may be positioned in other locations on bezel 60. For 25 example, as shown in Figure 2c, primary status indicator 65 is located in the upper right hand corner of bezel 60. As discussed above, it is preferable for each primal y status indicator 65 to be located in substantially the same position on the bezel 60 for each server IS in flee date center.

Primary status indicator 65 Gan be any slaps. For example, primary status indicator 65 may be a

( 9 square-shaped indicator as sloven in Figure 2d. Because a urufonn appearance will facilitate the visual location of a particular primary status indicator 65, its is also preferable for each primary status indicator GS to be substantially the same size and shape for each server 15 in the data center. If computer system does not have bezel 60, tow primary status indicator 65 may be mounted on Wont panel SS.

Figure 3a is the front view of another embodiment of bezel 60. In this embodiment, primary status indicator 651as two sections: a normal stands section 70 and an alert status section 7S, To facilitate faster recognition of the status of server 15, Coronal status section 10 is preferably located above alert status section 75 These two sections 70 and 75 need not be the same size. Figure 3b shows the backside of bezel 60 shown in Figure 3a. In this embodiment, primary status indicator 65 contains two Piglet sources 110 and 115 for the illumination of primary status indicator 65. As discussed above' tile light sources 110 and I I S may be any appropriate light source such as an LED or LEI;) fight bar. Light source 110 illuminates normal status section 70. I,ight source 110 may illuminate the normal status section I 5 70 in any color or manner. Light source I I O is preferably illuminates normal status section 70 in color generally associated with normal operating conditions or the corporate logo or trademark u the manufacturer or distributor of server 15. For example, Piglet source I I O may illuminate normal status section 70 a blue or green color. Light source 115 is illuminates alert status section 75 Light source I I 5 may illuminate the alert status section 75 in any color or manner. piglet 20 source 1 15 is preferably illuminates alert status section 75 in a color generally associated wide an alert status or a malfunction, For example, light source I I 5 may illuminate alert status section 75 an amber or a rim color. AItematively, both light sources 110 and 115, or a single light source, may produce only calcite light, and the normal and alert statics sections 70 and 75 may be made of an appropriately colored transparent marenal. The specific colors discussed above are 25 merely examples-the normal status section 70 and the alert status section 75 may be illuminated In any desired colors or manner.

Primary status indicator 65 may have more than one or two sections, as shown in figures Hard and 3a-lo. Tle primary status indicator may utilize more sections to conrnunicate

( additio.1 status information for server IS. Fwthennore, if primary status indicator 65 utilized h'o or more sections, these sections need not be presented as a single unit as Allows in Fires 3 ash. For Instance, primary status indicator 65 may be a cluster of status indicators or lights. In lriaure 3c, the normal status section 70 Ad the alert status section 75 of primary status indicator 5 (S are presented as a cluster of lights, rather than as a single or consolidated unit as shown in Fi,wre a.

As shown in Figure S. a data center 140 may implement server management software 120. Primary status indicator 65 may receive status information Dom server management software 120' Primary status indicator 65 may be communicatively coupled to server management software 120 via s 1ardwired connection, such as a fiberoptic connection, a wireless connection sulk as one Wiling RF or transmission, or any other appropriate cornmZ=cations connection Server management software 120 allows system managers to morutor the status of network components including servers 15. In general, server management software 120 evaluates the health or operating status of systems OTT the network and dle 1.S components in those systems, monitor network performance, preempt network disruptions and identify areas for network growth and realignment. For example, server management software 120 may provide instrumentation to allow system administrators to gather status information such as temperature, fan speed, voltage and disk errors, and over data indicative of the health of servers 15. Accordingly, server management software 120 detects failed or failing network 20 components and cot unicate tl status information. Once a failed or failing network component has been detected, server nnagenent software 120 may illuminate the appropriate status lights associated Wilt tle fed or filing dunce md commutate alert message or notice to the appropriate teTninal or console. For example, us the event that server management software 120 detects a failing hard drive in the network, the appropriate hard drive alert statue 2S fillet will be illuminated and a. notice will be communicated to monitoring console l SS. Because primly stands indicator 65 is communicatively coupled to server management software 120, primary status indicator 65 displays the status of sever I S. If sewer management software 120 has not detected any failed or failing components In server IS, then the status of server 15 may

( be considered to be a norTnal operating status. If server management sot1vare 120 has detected any failed or failing components in server 15, then the status of server I 5 may be considered to be an alert status. Depending on the status, primary status indicator 65 will be appropriately illuminated to reflect this status. Primary status indicator 65 may also receive status information S directly from the server components or sensors associated with the setter components.

For the embodiment depicted in Figure 2a, the primary status indicator 65 may be illuminated in a color generally associated with normal operation, such as green. Preferably, tlc prrnarv status indicator 65 may be illuminated in a color associated with a corporate trademark, such as blue, for a normal operating status. In the event that a failed or failing device is detected in server 15, the papacy stands indicator 65 for that server 15 may be illuminated Ln a color generally associated with a malfunction such as red or amber. Alternatively, for normal status illumination or alert status illumination, primary status indicator 65 may lie dimmed or cease to be illuminated. For example, when a failed or failing device is detected, tb.e illumination state for primary status indicator 65 may be in dimmed or off state. For the embodiment depicted in 15 T:igule 3a, the normal status section 70 of primary status indicator 65 may remain illuminated as ' as server management software 120 has not detected a failed or failing device In the server isociated with the primary status indicator 65. As discussed above, tle normal status section < preferably illumirrated in a color associated with a corporate trademark or a color generally .,ocated with a nonna1 operating status. In the event that server marement software 120 20 detects a Aped or failing component in server 15, then the normal status section 70 ceases to be illuminated and alert status section 75 is illuminated As discussed alcove, alert status section 75 is preferably illuminated in a color generally associated with a maltinction such as red or amber Status display 85 is preferably located on the Dont panel 55 of sender 15. Figure Ha shows ar embodiment of status display 85, wlemin Me bezel 65 is not shown. Stands display 25 85 is also cornJnunicanvely coupled to server management software 120. Status display 85 may be ably device that can display text or graphics. For example, status display 85 may be an LCD display Status display 85 displays status information cornmucated from server rnaMgement software 120 TIM S status information may include normal operators such his a booting hard

( dove or inforTnation regarding failed or failing components. This status information may be displayed in text or the numeric code that is used by server management software 120 to report problems, or hotly. I:or example, in tile event that the second fan for a server 15 is malfimctionirlg, status display 85 may display the text "FAN 2 - FAIL." Status display 85 may show flee error code that corresponds to a failure in the second fan. In he event that server management SO0Nvare 120 has notlung to report for server I S. then status display 85 may sunply display the name or address of server 15.

Status display 85 may be illuminated in one or more colors. For instance, during nonnal operating status, status display may be illuminated in the selected color associated with a - normal operating status, such as green or blue. Alternatively, during a nominal operating stands, status display 85 may not illuminated at all. In the event of a failed or failing component, status display 85 may be illuminated in the selected color associated with an alert status, such as red or amber. Status display 85 may also be self-activaing. For example, as shown in Fires I 5 1a and lit', bezel 60 may contain connector IZ5 to couple with dock 80 on the front panel of server]5. Alden bezel 60 is closed, connector 125 is coupled ':o dock 80. In the event that connector 125 is coupled to dock 80, status display 85 may be urrillum;inated When bezel 60 is opened and connector 125 is uncoupled from dock 80, status display 85 may be 11nated.

Accordingly, stands display 85 may be illuminated only in tle event bezel fiO is opened and 90 therefore conserve energy and midsize talc amount of light passing through bezel 65.

As discussed alcove, servers 15 may be organized in cabinets and several cabinets may be placed in a barfly If the faulty component that requires servicing cannot be accessed from tile hont of server 15, then the technician must walk behind the banlc to open server 15 and replace the faulty component. If a status display 85 is only located on the front panel 55 of the 95 server 15, the technician will not be able to read the information displayed on status display 85 if he is behind the banlc. Accordingly, a status display 85 may also be located OIL tile back panel 130 of server 15 as shown in Figure 4b. Because the two status displays 85 receive status

information from tle same source, for example, this server management software 120, Inconsistent slants information may be avoided.

Figure 5 illustrates a data center 140 implementing an embodiment of the present disclosure. Several servers 15 are mounted in cabinets 14S. These servers 15 may be

j cornmurcatvely coupled to form one or more computer networks, generally indicated at 215.

Several cabinets 145 are arranged into battles 150. system administrator monitors the data ccuter 140 through console 15S with server management software 120. In the event that server manaernent soDwarc 120 register a failing or failed component, a technician may be dispatched to data center 140. Instead of being overwhelmed with a nultioJde of server Wont panels 55 with numerous status Piglets, the technician is presented Edith a uniform away of bezel covers 60 with primary status indicators 65.

Primary status indicator 6S may also be associated with a group of servers 15 or a computer network rather than a single server 15. For example' addition to being implemented on bezel 60 for server 1 S. a pray status indicator 65 may be implemented on cabinet housing 15 145 as a cabinet status indicator 160. A cabinet status indicator 160 is a primary status indicator Blat is associated with an entire cabinet 145 rather than a single server IS. Therefore, tile cabinet status indicator 160 has substantially the same functionality and operates in the same manner as described above for the primary status indicator 65. When server management software detects a failing or failed component in a server 15, tle cabinet states indicator 160 associated with the 20 cabinet 14' that contains the aficcted server 15 will be appropriately illwnnated to reflect the alert stands. Thus, the cabinet status indicator 160 will reflect an alert status if any of the servers 1 5 located in that cabinet 145 require service. If server management software 120 reports that the status for all of 1:1:e servers 15 mounted on that cabinet 145 is nominal, then the cabinet status indicator 160 Grill accordingly resect the norTna] operating status. The combination of primary ?5 status indicators 65 and cabinet status indicators 160 will enable the technician to respond to a service call much faster.

In addition to being implemented on a bezel 60 and cabinet housing 145, a primary status indicator may also be implemented for an entire banlc ISO as a bank stalks

( indicator 165. Bank status indicator 165 is primary status indicator that is associated with an entire bark 150 rather than a single server 15. Therefore, banlc status indicator 165 has substantially the saline functionality and operates in the same marmer as described above for the primary status indicator 65. The bank status indicator 165 may be mounted on a selected cabinet housing 145, such as a cabinet 145 on tle end of the bank 150. When server rnanageTrtent software detects a failing or failed component in a server 15, the bask status indicator 165 associated with the bank 150 that contorts We affected server 15 will be appropriately illted to reSect the alert status. Thus, the banlc status indicator 165 will reflect an alert states if any of tle servers 15 located in that banlc 150 require service. If server nanaOement v software 1 20 reports that the status for all of the servers 1 5 located that bank 1 50 is normal, then tile bank status indicator 165 will accordingly reflect the normal operating status. The combination of plenary status indicators 65, cabinet status indicators 160 and banl; status indicators 165 allows a teclmician to locate and replace or repair faulty components much faster. Figure 6 is a flow chart of the process of responding to a failed or

failing server 15 15 with the present disclose. At step 170, the server management software 120 detects a failing or failed component. For example, referring to Figure 5, flee failing component may be a hard drive for server 205 located in cabinet 145c of banlc 150c. Texts at step 175, an alert message Is communicated to tle monitoring console 155. 'late alen status light for the failing hard drive is appropriately illurunated, The primary status indicator 6> associated with server 20 205 is also appropriately illuminated to reflect an alert statics, If bank status indicators 165 arc implemented in data center 140, then bank status indicator 165c is appropriately illuminated to reflect the alert status because server 205 is located in bank 1 50c, If cabinet status indicators 160 are implemented in data center 140, then cabinet status indicator 160c is appropriately Illuminated to reflect the alert stands because server 205 is located in cabinet 145c.

95 A technician is dispatched to data center 140 at step 180. The technician next locates the bank 150 and the cabinet 145 that contains the server with Me fallin,, or failed hard drive at step 185. The tecluician may quickly locate flee banlc 150 and cabinet 145 for server 205 by surveying the primal status indicators 65 as he passes by each basils 150. Because the

( 15 primary stands indicator 65 for server 205 will be properly illuminated to reflect the alen status, while every other primary status Indicator 65 is illuminated to reflect a normal operating status, the technician will lie able to find server 205 quickly. The technician may also quickly and easily locate tle right bank 150 by first surveying the bank status indicators 165 and finding bank 5 status indicator 165c. Because basils status indicator 165c is appropriately illuminated to reflect the alert status, the technician will be able to spot this indicator easily Next, the technician may quicldy and easily locate the right cabinet 145 by first survcyin; the cabinet status indicators 160 and finding banlc status indicator 160c. Because cabinet status indicator 160c is appropriately illunnated to resect the alert status, the technician will be able to spot this indicator easily.

Id) Once the teclcian has located the proper leanly 150c and cabinet 145c, he can easily locate server 205 by looking for the primary status indicator 65 Mat is illuminated to reflect an alert status at step 190. Next, at step 200, tle technician removes or opens the bezel 60 for server 205 to view the Dont panel 55 of server 205. The technician may now view the status display S5 for server 205 and read the stands message corresponding to server 205. If Me hard I drives for server 205 are mounted on the Wont, the technician may also view the status tights 40 for all of the hard drives 35 to locate the hard drive that has failed or is failing. The technician may now replace the faulty hard drive 35.

Because the primary status indicator 65 initially presents only one stands indicator, the technician can quickly assess the status of several servers IS without examining the Wont 90 panel SS of each server 15. Thus, a server 15 with a failing component can be quickly identified out of a large group of served 15. The primary status indicator 65 also provides an unambiguous indication of the status of a server 15 A technician can quicl<.ly detente whether a server component has failed based on Me color and/or position of the illunmation of the parnary status indicator 65. Implementing the prunary status indicator 65 allows for a uniform positioning of 25 stable information across all servers IS in a data center 140 regardless of server configuration and manufacturer. Because only one primary stahls indicator 65 needs to be positioned on a bevel 60, tile primary stays indicators 65 may be urubormly positioned on all of the bezels 60.

The unfond location of the primary status indicator 6S also faclitate.s a fast assessment of server

( status. The primary status indicator 65 may be used on servers 15 with small or nanov front panels 55. because the primary status indicator 65 is only a single indicator, and it may also incorporate a logo or marls that Knight otherwise take up Inmited space. Furthermore, because a corporate mark may be incorporated into the prirnry status indicator 65, positive trademark recognition may lie reinforced during nonnal status conditions. The primary status indicator 65 also allows for a urri form design throughout the data center 140 regardless of server configuration or manufacturer, vlich also reinforces trademark recognition.

Although the disclosed embodiments have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations can be made to the embodiments 0 witlout departing Tom the spins and the scope of the invenhon.

Claims (1)

1. A primary status indicator operable to be communicatively coupled to a server management software operable to monitor one or more computer components of a computer system and determine whether a component is 5 failing or has failed, wherein the primary status indicator is operable to be illuminated in a first state if no components are failing or have failed, wherein the primary status indicator is operable to be illuminated in a second state if a component is failing or has failed, and 10 wherein the primary status indicator is operable to be mounted on a face plate wherein the face plate is operable to be mounted to substantially cover a front panel of the computer system.

2. The primary status indicator of Claim 1, wherein the primary status

indicator is cycloptically positioned on the face plate.

15 3. The primary status indicator of Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the primary status indicator remains level with reference to the horizon despite the orientation of the computer system.

4. The primary status indicator of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the primary status indicator is operable to be illuminated in the colour 20 blue.

5. The primary status indicator of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the primary status indicator is operable to be illuminated in the off state for the first state.

6 The primary status indicator of any one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the primary status indicator is operable to be illuminated in the off state for the second state.

7. The primary status indicator of any one of the preceding claims, 5 including: a normal status section; and an alert status section.

8. The primary status indicator of Claim 7, wherein the sections are presented as a cluster.

10 9. The primary status indicator of Claim 7 or Claim 8, wherein the normal status section is operable to be illuminated if no components are failing or have failed; and wherein the alert status indicator is operable to be illuminated if a component is failing or has failed.

15 10. The primary status indicator of Claim 9, wherein the normal status section is operable to be illuminated in the colour blue.

11. The primary status indicator of Claim 9 or Claim 10, wherein the normal status section displays a corporate logo.

12. A method for displaying status information for a computer system, 20 wherein the computer system includes one or more computer components, and wherein the computer system includes a primary status indicator communicatively coupled to a server management software to monitor the computer components and determine whether a component is failing or has failed, the method comprising the steps of:

( illuminating the primary status indicator in a first state if no components are failing or have failed, and illuminating the primary status indicator in a second state if a component is failing or has failed, wherein the primary status indicator is 5 mounted on a face plate, wherein the face plate is mounted to substantially cover a front panel of the computer system.

13. The method for displaying status information of Claim 12, wherein the primary status indicator is illuminated in the colour blue for the first state.

14. The method for displaying status information of Claim 12, wherein the 10 primary status indicator is illuminated in an off state for the first state.

15. The method for displaying status information of Claim 12, wherein the primary status indicator is illuminated in an off state for the second state.

16 The method for displaying status information of any one of Claims 12 to 15, wherein the primary status indicator is cycloptically positioned on the face 1 5 plate.

17. The method for displaying status information of any one of Claims 12 to 16, wherein the primary status comprises: a normal status section; and an alert status section.

20 18. The method for displaying status information of Claim 17, wherein the step of illuminating the primary status indicator in a first state further comprises the step of illuminating the normal status section.

19. The method for displaying status information of Claim 17, wherein the step of illuminating the primary status indicator in a second state further comprises the step of illuminating the alert status section.

20. The method for displaying status information of any one of Claims 17 to 5 19, wherein the normal status section displays a corporate logo.

21. The method for displaying status information of any one of Claims 12 to 20, wherein the computer system further comprises a status display communicatively coupled to the server management software and operable to display status information communicated from the server management 1 0 software.

22. The method for displaying status information of Claim 21, further comprising the step of displaying status information on the status display.

23. The method for displaying status information of Claim 21 or Claim 22, wherein the status display is operable to be illuminated.

15 24. The method for displaying status information of Claim 23, further comprising the steps of: illuminating the status display in a first state if no components are failing or have failed; and illuminating the status display in a second state if a component is failing 20 or has failed.

25. The method for displaying status information of Claim 24, wherein the status display is illuminated in the colour blue for the first state.

26. The method for displaying status information of Claim 24, wherein the status display is illuminated in an off state in a first state.

( 27. A method according to any one of Claims 12 to 26, in which the status information displayed is for a group of computer systems, wherein each computer system comprises one or more computer components.

28. The method of Claim 27, wherein the group of computer systems are 5 mounted in a cabinet.

29. The method of Claim 27, wherein the group of computer systems are mounted in a plurality of cabinets that are organised into a bank.