Draft Document for Review April 7, 2004 6:15 pm

6947ch06.fm

Even using the soft capping option, the partition’s utilization can reach up to its maximum, based on the number of logical processors and weights, as usual. Only the rolling 4-hour average utilization is tracked, allowing utilization peaks above the defined capacity value.

As in the Parallel Sysplex License Charges (PSLC) software license charge type, the aggregation of servers’ capacities within a same Parallel Sysplex is also possible in WLC, following the same pre-requisites.

For further information about WLC and details how to combine logical partitions utilization see z/OS Planning for Workload License Charges, SA22-7506.

6.9 Concurrent upgrades considerations

Using Capacity Upgrade on Demand (CUoD), On/Off Capacity on Demand (On/Off CoD), Customer Initiated Upgrade (CIU) or Capacity Backup (CBU), you can concurrently upgrade the z990 from one model to another, either temporarily or permanently. You need to consider the effect on the software running on a z990 when performing these upgrades on a z990 processor.

Enabling and using the additional processor capacity should be transparent to all applications. There may be, however, a small class of applications that obtains the processor model-related information, for example, software monitors or applications that use the processor model information as a means of validation.

Processor Identification

There are two instructions used to obtain the processor model information:

￿STIDP, Store CPU ID instruction

STIDP instruction provides a 1-byte hexadecimal version code, which is x'00' for zSeries servers. The STIDP instruction also provides information on the processor type (2084), serial number and LPAR identifier, as shown on Table 6-4.

On the z990, the LPAR identifier field has been expanded to a full byte to support greater than 15 logical partitions.

Table 6-4 STIDP output for z990

 

Version

CPU identification number

Machine

 

 

code

 

 

type number

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

bit position

0-7

8-15

16-31

32-48

48-63

 

 

 

 

 

 

Value

x’00’ (1)

LPAR ID (2)

6-digit number derived from

x’2084’

x’8000’ (3)

 

 

 

the CPC serial number

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)Version code is zero for zSeries processors

(2)The logical partition identifier is a two-digit number in the range from ‘00’ to ‘3F’. It is assigned by the user on the image profile through the Support Element (SE) or Hardware Management Console (HMC).

(3)High order bit on indicates that the LPAR id value returned in bits 8-15 is now a two-digit value. zSeries processors prior to z990 return x’0000’.

When issued from an operating system running as a guest under z/VM, the result depends on whether the SET CPUID command has been used or not.

–Without the use of the set CPUID command, bits 0-7 are set to ‘FF’ by z/VM but remaining bits are unchanged, meaning they are exactly as they would have been without running as a z/VM guest.

Chapter 6. Software support 151

Page 164 Page 166
Page 165
Image 165
IBM 990 manual Concurrent upgrades considerations, Processor Identification
Page 164 Page 166

990 specifications

The IBM 990 series, often referred to in the context of IBM's pioneering efforts in the realm of mainframe computing, represents a unique chapter in the history of information technology. Introduced in the late 1960s, the IBM 990 series was designed as a powerful tool for enterprise-level data processing and scientific calculations, showcasing the company's commitment to advancing computing capabilities.

One of the main features of the IBM 990 was its architecture, which was built to support a wide range of applications, from business processing to complex scientific computations. The system employed a 32-bit word length, which was advanced for its time, allowing for more flexible and efficient data handling. CPUs in the IBM 990 series supported multiple instructions per cycle, which contributed significantly to the overall efficiency and processing power of the machines.

The technology behind the IBM 990 was also notable for its use of solid-state technology. This provided a shift away from vacuum tube systems that were prevalent in earlier computing systems, enhancing the reliability and longevity of the hardware. The IBM 990 series utilized core memory, which was faster and more reliable than the magnetic drum memory systems that had been standard up to that point.

Another defining characteristic of the IBM 990 was its extensibility. Organizations could configure the machine to suit their specific needs by adding memory, storage, and peripheral devices as required. This modular approach facilitated the growth of systems alongside the technological and operational demands of the business environments they served.

In terms of software, the IBM 990 series was compatible with a variety of operating systems and programming environments, including FORTRAN and COBOL, enabling users to access a broader array of applications. This versatility was a significant advantage, making the IBM 990 an appealing choice for educational institutions, research facilities, and enterprises alike.

Moreover, the IBM 990 was engineered to support multiprocessing, which allowed multiple processes to run simultaneously, further increasing its effectiveness in tackling complex computing tasks.

In summary, the IBM 990 series represents a significant advancement in computing technology during the late 20th century. With a robust architecture, versatile configuration options, and a focus on solid-state technology, the IBM 990 facilitated substantial improvements in data processing capabilities, making it a cornerstone for many businesses and academic institutions of its time. Its impact can still be seen today in the continued evolution of mainframe computing.
Top Page Image Contents