(ELA) can be used to display the failure cause and the physical location of the failing hardware.

With the integrated Service Processor, the system has the ability to automatically send out an alert via phone line to a pager or call for service in the event of a critical system failure. A hardware fault will also turn on the amber system fault LED located on the system unit to alert the user of an internal hardware problem. The indicator may also be set to blink by the operator as a tool to allow system identification.

For identification, the blue locate LED on the enclosure and at the system level will turn on solid. The amber system fault LED will be on solid when an error condition occurs.

On POWER7 processor-based servers, hardware and software failures are recorded in the system log. When an HMC is attached, an ELA routine analyzes the error, forwards the event to the Service Focal Point (SFP) application running on the HMC, and notifies the system administrator that it has isolated a likely cause of the system problem. The Service Processor event log also records unrecoverable checkstop conditions, forwards them to the SFP application, and notifies the system administrator. Once the information is logged in the SFP application, if the system is properly configured, a call home service request will be initiated and the pertinent failure data with service parts information and part locations will be sent to an IBM Service organization. Customer contact information and specific system-related data such as the machine type, model, and serial number, along with error log data related to the failure are sent to IBM Service.

Service Processor

The Service Processor provides the capability to diagnose, check the status of, and sense the operational conditions of a system. It runs on its own power boundary and does not require resources from a system processor to be operational to perform its tasks.

The Service Processor supports surveillance of the connection to the HMC and to the system firmware (Hypervisor). It also provides several remote power control options, environmental monitoring, reset, restart, remote maintenance, and diagnostic functions, including console mirroring. The Service Processors menus (ASMI) can be accessed concurrently with system operation, allowing nondisruptive abilities to change system default parameters.

Call Home

Call Home refers to an automatic or manual call from a customer location to IBM support structure with error log data, server status, or other service-related information. Call Home invokes the service organization in order for the appropriate service action to begin. Call Home can be done through HMC or non-HMC managed systems. While configuring Call Home is optional, clients are encouraged to implement this feature in order to obtain service enhancements such as reduced problem determination and faster and potentially more accurate transmittal of error information. In general, using the Call Home feature can result in increased

system availability. The Electronic Service AgentTM application can be configured for automated call home. Refer to the next section for specific details on this application.

IBM Electronics Services

Electronic Service Agent and the IBM Electronic Services Web portal comprise the IBM Electronic Services solution -- dedicated to providing fast, exceptional support to IBM customers. IBM Electronic Service Agent is a no-charge tool that proactively monitors and reports hardware events such as system errors, performance issues, and inventory. Electronic Service Agent can help focus on the customer's company strategic business initiatives, save time, and spend less effort managing day-to-day IT maintenance issues.

Integrated in the operating system in addition to the HMC, Electronic Service Agent is designed to automatically and electronically report system failures and customer- perceived issues to IBM, which can result in faster problem resolution and increased

IBM Europe, Middle East, and Africa Hardware

IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation 17

Announcement ZG10-0214

 

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IBM 730, 710 manual Service Processor, Call Home, IBM Electronics Services