The OnBoard uses Expect scripts to handle communications with connected devices. One Expect script is provided to interact with each supported device type using text-based interfaces. The text-based interfaces are defined in a separate
command template for each device type. The Expect scripts use the command templates to log into the devices and perform device management actions on behalf of authorized users.
The default command templates do not always work for all devices of the same type because service processors of the same type often do not use the same syntax for their commands. For example, while
power on is the command string that works to power on a server with some RSA II type service processors,
power -on is the command string that works with some other RSA II type service processors.
An OnBoard administrator (root or an administrative user) can use the
onbdtemplate utility on the command line to test the default command templates when configuring a device and to create a customized command template if needed. Because changes to the commands that are sent to devices can be made and stored in new command templates, OnBoard administrators can accommodate devices that do not work with the default Expect scripts and templates, without having to write custom Expect scripts in most cases.
Application notes in the /usr/share/docs/OnBoard/Application_Notes/Service_Processor_Related directory provide additional information not provided here. Check for updated application notes at
http://www.cyclades.com/support/downloads.php under the product name “AlterPath OnBoard.”