Set up a system through FlashSystem grid onboarding

This feature enables you to configure a new system from the FlashSystem grid. To begin, initialize the system from the technician port, enter the cluster management IP address and optional DNS, save the settings, and restart the system.

After the system restarts, sign in to the FlashSystem grid coordinator and select Add a system to add a new unconfigured system.

The FlashSystem grid detects that the system is unconfigured and prompts you to reset the password. This step ensures that the system is not added with default credentials.

Next, the unconfigured system imports the configuration from the FlashSystem grid coordinator. You can review the imported settings and deselect configuration groups before applying them. The system applies the selected settings, records progress for audit and resume operations, and then prompts you for system‑specific information (such as, Call Home, Storage Insights, or encryption settings) to complete the setup.
Note: Do not perform any initial configuration if the setup is being completed through the FlashSystem grid.

Configuring a new system setup by using the management GUI

To add and configure a new system in the FlashSystem grid, complete the following steps:
  1. Add the new system from the FlashSystem grid user interface
    From the coordinator system:
    • Specify the target system by using an IP address or a fully qualified domain name (FQDN).
    • Reset the password when prompted to remove default credentials.
  2. Get configuration from the FlashSystem grid
    Import the configuration from the FlashSystem grid coordinator.
  3. Review and apply the configuration on the new system
    In the new system interface, review the prefilled settings. If needed, uncheck any Imported settings that are not required before applying the configuration.
    Note:
    • Required settings are mandatory and cannot be deselected.
    • If the imported Required settings do not include Call Home, Storage Insights (SI) configuration, the setup wizard displays Call Home/Storage Insights in System-specific settings so you can provide the missing information.
    Required settings
    Configure required system parameters needed to complete the system setup. You can validate the imported system settings such as DNS details, date and time, system location, user contact information, Call Home, and IBM Storage Insights configuration.
    Notifications
    Notification settings help the new system communicate events information, such as SNMP server configuration and syslog server details.
    Password policies
    Password policies define rules such as password complexity, reuse limits, and expiration behavior to enforce strong security and consistent password management across the system.
    Other security settings
    Additional controls ensure consistent security level across the grid. These controls may include inactivity logout, SSH rules, security protocol level, and volume protection settings.
  4. Complete system-specific settings
    Complete any system‑specific settings, such as encryption. If a setting fails, the interface displays an error message next to the setting so you can manually correct it.