The installation sessions for multiple targets can be controlled from a single server in a true client/server model. A Graphical User Interface (GUI) is provided to run on the server and manage multiple simultaneous client installation sessions. Alternatively, a single installation session can be controlled from the client machine. A single Ignite-UX installation server can serve multiple releases of HP-UX to clients.
Installations can use multiple Software Distributor (SD) depots in a single installation session. For example, you could install your base OS from one SD depot, a set of patches from another SD depot, and the applications you want from a third SD depot; all in one session.
Ignite-UX supports tar, cpio, and with HP-UX 11i v3, pax format archives. Tools are provided to help you create a golden image if you wish to install from an archive.
It is easy to create a system that is ready to go as soon as the installation session completes. Many of the tasks that are typically done as separate steps after an installation have been incorporated into the installation process. Ignite-UX allows you to specify kernel parameters you want set and user-supplied scripts you would like to run as part of the session. In addition, the host and networking information normally supplied at first boot can be specified at install time.
You can create a configuration for your particular needs, save it, and then quickly apply that configuration to multiple installation targets.
Ignite-UX allows you to set up a configuration and then install it on a target machine with no further user interaction.
The command print_manifest(1M) is provided to scan a system and produce a report detailing the hardware present, how the disks are used, what kernel modifications have been made, and the software installed.
It is easy to construct your own customized, bootable installation media using make_medialif(1M) and instl_combine(1M). An example script, make_media_install, helps automate the creation of bootable media, including DVDs.
The make_tape_recovery(1M) and make_net_recovery(1M) tools enable consistent, reliable recovery in the event of a catastrophic failure of the system disk or root volume group.
Each new release of the Ignite-UX product supports the new hardware included in the corresponding release of HP-UX.