Patent ID: 7707282

Claim:
An integrated network and management controller for use in monitoring operations associated with a computer system, the network and management controller comprising: means for performing network based functions; and means for performing management functions associated with the computer system, wherein the means for performing network based functions and the means for performing management functions are integrated into a single device; wherein the means for performing network based functions is configured to determine whether data received over a network is intended for consumption by the network and management controller or for consumption by an operating system based on one of a MAC address allocated to the means for performing management functions and a port number at which the data is received, wherein the means for performing management functions is configured to send commands to and receive operational information from one or more components of the computer system accessible via a system interface communicatively connected to the network and management controller, the components being separate and apart from the single device, analyze the operational information received to determine whether an event is occurring, wherein the event is occurring when the operational information includes sensed parameters of the components that are outside of an expected or recommended range, and based on a determination that an event is occurring, issue an alert that an event is occurring and control operation of at least one of the components.