what is ipmi

IPMI stands for Intelligent Platform Management Interface, which is a set of standardized specifications for hardware-based platform management systems that makes it possible to control and monitor servers centrally. IPMI is a message-based interface between CPUs and hardware devices of different types, and it enables remote out-of-band management, which allows administrators to contact a server even when the operating system is not operational. IPMI is a software-neutral approach that functions independently from a servers BIOS, CPU, and operating system. IPMI provides a way to manage a computer that may be powered off or otherwise unresponsive by using a network connection to the hardware rather than to an operating system or login shell. IPMI is used by the servers BMC (Baseboard Management Controller), an embedded computer used to provide out-of-band management. The BMC has access to and control of the servers resources, including memory, power, and storage. IPMI has significant differences and benefits compared to system diagnosis software, and it gives you the ability to manage servers in remote physical locations regardless of the installed operating system.