Q: What is the method recommended by HP for a Debian installation on HP ProLiant or BladeSystem servers?

A: The following are the best practices for installing the current version of Debian GNU/Linux:

1. If required, download HP installers, drivers, or agents from the HP Software Depot. Review the installation files included.
2. Visit the Debian Web site and download the current version.
3. Review the installation documentation available at the Debian Web site if required.

Q: Does HP provide Debian initial installation and configuration support for my ProLiant or BladeSystem?

A: No, your warranty does not cover the installation or configuration of Debian. HP Care Pack services can be purchased to cover Debian installation and configuration.

Q: Can HP assure me that all Debian GNU/Linux bugs will be fixed?

A: Debian support services are backed by extensive HP expertise and ultimately by the Debian community. When a problem or issue is detected, HP will submit it to the Debian community for resolution. In the meantime, we will collaborate with your staff to seek a work-around solution.

HP cannot commit to fix all Debian GNU/Linux problems for HP ProLiant and BladeSystem server customers. HP customers new to Debian GNU/Linux might conclude that, because it provides no official service level agreement, our Debian support model represents a substantially reduced commitment from standard HP software support. But even with a service level agreement in place, a commercial distributor can exercise the right not to fix bugs that it believes have little operational impact on its customer base or for which, in its opinion, a suitable work-around exists.

HP’s close relationship with the Debian GNU/Linux community allows us to convey to our customers a high confidence that as long as a proposed fix demonstrates clear value to users and doesn’t compromise the Debian code base or render other functionality less reliable, it will likely be executed and sent upstream for inclusion in a future release.

Q: Will HP commit to fix any customer-found defects?

A: HP will resolve any Debian GNU/Linux issues involving ProLiant-related or BladeSystem-related defects.

• HP agents and drivers are supplied “as is” but have been thoroughly tested prior to release. HP will make reasonable resolution efforts if these HP components are the cause of problems or issues.
• If an operating system failure is unique to HP ProLiant or BladeSystem servers, HP will work to resolve any hardware or driver problems to closure.
• If related HP-developed packages such as HPEIFPL are involved, HP will work to resolve those problems to closure as well.
• For the rest of the Debian GNU/Linux distribution, HP will work with the Debian community to help ensure that bugs are fixed and included in upstream releases as appropriate.

Q: Will HP provide these support services on other servers?

A: These HP services support only Debian GNU/Linux running on ProLiant or BladeSystem servers. Any other HP or third-party hardware is excluded from this coverage.