Which of the following allows for out-of-band management of a computer?

The ability to manage a computer out-of-band means that an administrator can access and control a system even when the operating system is not functioning, or the system is powered down. Intelligent Platform Management Interface (IPMI) is specifically designed for this purpose. It provides a standardized interface for monitoring and managing computer systems and allows for remote management of hardware regardless of the state of the operating system.

IPMI operates independently of the system’s CPU, operating system, and firmware, enabling administrators to perform tasks such as power cycling, booting, and accessing system logs over a separate management network connection. This out-of-band management capability is essential in data centers and enterprise environments where uptime and reliability are critical, allowing for quick troubleshooting and resolution of issues without needing physical access to the hardware.

In contrast, Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI), System Management Server (SMS), and Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) mainly facilitate in-band management, which relies on the operating system being functional. These technologies are excellent for monitoring, configuration, and performance management but lack the independent access provided by IPMI in cases where a system is down or unresponsive.