The Hardware Lifecycle Host (HLH) is designed to enable monitoring and updates for Azure Stack Hub but is not key for day-to-day Azure Stack Hub operations. The HLH is a Dell EMC PowerEdge R640 management server with Dell Technologies management software tools. The HLH enables you to monitor the server and network, use call-home capabilities, and do patches and updates for the Dell EMC components. The HLH is also home to the Dell EMC OpenManage Enterprise, Dell EMC OpenManage Essentials, and Dell EMC OpenManage Network Manager VMs.

Azure Stack Hub is offered as an integrated hardware and software system, with Dell 13th and 14th Generation servers. You have the flexibility and control that you need, and the ability to innovate from the cloud. Azure Stack Hub Integrated Systems scale from 4, 8, and 12, up to 16 scale unit nodes.

The Dell EMC Networking S-Series switches are used for ToR switches (S4048 and S5248F) and BMC management switches (S3048). They support speeds from 10 GbE up to 100 GbE.

Dell OpenManage Enterprise is a virtual machine (VM) that provides a central point of access, through a one-to-many system-management console, to monitor and manage systems. It provides an administrator a comprehensive view across the enterprise environment. OpenManage Enterprise can increase system uptime, reduce repetitive tasks, and prevent interruption in critical business operations. OpenManage Enterprise also delivers extensive infrastructure health monitoring, control, and support for Dell servers, storage, networking, and third-party hardware.

For more information, see the Dell OpenManage Enterprise User's Guide.

Dell OpenManage Network Manager is used for managing and maintaining the Dell or Cisco network switches that are included with the scale unit.

OpenManage Network Manager fulfills several critical functions in the Azure Stack Hub scale unit architecture. OpenManage Network Manager uses SNMP and SYSLOG to monitor switches and to generate alerts when hardware or configuration problems occur.

For more information, see the Dell EMC OpenManage Network Manager documentation.

Dell Secure Connect Gateway is an application that runs on the Management VM and is used to automate technical support for Dell servers. Secure Connect Gateway monitors your devices and proactively detects hardware issues that may occur. When a hardware issue is detected, Secure Connect Gateway automatically opens a support case with Dell Technical Support. Secure Connect Gateway automatically collects the system state information that is required for troubleshooting the issue and sends it securely to Dell. The collected system information helps Technical Support to provide you an enhanced, personalized, and efficient support experience. Secure Connect Gateway also includes a response from Dell Technical Support to help you resolve the issue.

For more information, see the Secure Connect Gateway 5.x — Application Edition User's Guide.