6947ch07.fm

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

7.2.2 Coupling Facility and CFCC considerations

The z990 can participate in a Parallel Sysplex when the Coupling Facility resides in a G5 or G6 or any zSeries Server. When system images in the sysplex reside across z990 and non-z990 Servers, consideration must be given for compatibility support; see “Compatibility support for z/OS” on page 134. When any system image in a Parallel Sysplex resides on a z990 server, all other system images and Coupling Facilities must be on 9672 G5 or G6 or zSeries hardware.

The location of the Coupling Facility and the level of the Coupling Facility Control Code (CFCC) must also be considered. See Table 7-1 for Coupling Facility Control Code requirements when the Coupling Facility resides on a non-z990 Server and is connected to a z/OS image on a z990, or when CF duplexing is used and one Coupling Facility resides on the z990 server.

Table 7-1 z990 CF code level considerations

CF with connections to z990

Connected to a z990 with 15

Connected to a z990 with

z/OS image or z990 (CF

or less LPARs defined

more than 15 LPARs defined

duplexing)

 

 

 

 

 

Pre-G5 CPC

Not supported

Not supported

 

 

 

G5/G6 CPC

CFCC level 11

CFCC level 11

 

 

 

z800 or z900 CPC

CFCC level 12

CFCC level 12b with

 

(not recommendeda b)

Compatibility patch

z990 or z890 CPC

CFCC level 13

CFCC level 13

 

 

 

a. It is recommended that the Compatibility patch be installed prior to the z990 installation. Not installing the patch opens up the possibility that a z990 will have more than 15 partitions defined later without the Compatibility patch being installed.

b. Installation of the Compatibility patch is disruptive.

The initial support of the CFCC on the z990 Server is level 12. Typically each new level of CFCC introduces additional functionality. Coupling Facilities within a Parallel Sysplex should be at equivalent levels, and the precise CFCC level supported can depend on server type. CFFC level 13 is current as of May 28, 2004. CFCC level 13 introduces some availability and performance enhancements.

To support migration from one Coupling Facility level to the next, you can run different levels of the Coupling Facility concurrently as long as the Coupling Facility logical partitions are running on different servers.

CF logical partitions running on the same server share the same Coupling Facility Control Code EC level. A single server cannot support multiple Coupling Facility levels. Table summarizes the CFCC CFLEVELs supported on the z990 servers.

7.2.3 CFCC enhanced patch apply

Patch application to CFCC level 13 code is designed to eliminate the need for a Power-on Reset of the z990 when a ‘disruptive’ patch must be applied.

This method of patch application enables to:

￿Apply the patch on one of the available Coupling Facilities. A good place would be the test Coupling Facility of a test sysplex if one is available. If the test of the CFCC code is successful it can be applied to production Coupling Facility on the same z990. To use the

160IBM eServer zSeries 990 Technical Guide

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IBM 990 manual Coupling Facility and Cfcc considerations, Cfcc enhanced patch apply
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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.
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