6947ch08.fm

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

A z990 server has 16 ESCON channels available, on two 16-port ESCON channel cards installed in an I/O cage. Each channel card has eight ports enabled. In this example, eight additional ESCON channels are concurrently added to the configuration by enabling, via LIC-CC, using four unused ports on each ESCON channel card.

The additional channels installed concurrently to the hardware can also be concurrently activated to an operating system using the Dynamic I/O configuration function. Dynamic I/O configuration can be used by z/OS, OS/390 or z/VM operating systems. Linux and CFCC do not provide Dynamic I/O configuration support.

To better exploit the CUoD for I/O capability, an initial configuration should be carefully planned to allow concurrent upgrades up to a target configuration. Plan Ahead concurrent conditioning process can include, in the initial configuration, the shipment of additional I/O cages required for future I/O upgrades.

Plan Ahead concurrent conditioning

Concurrent Conditioning (FC 1999) and Control for Plan Ahead (FC 1995) features, together with the input of a future target configuration, allow upgrades to exploit the zSeries 990’s order process configurator for concurrent I/O upgrades at some future time.

The Plan Ahead feature identifies content of the target configuration which cannot be concurrently installed, avoiding any down time associated with feature installation. As a result, Concurrent Conditioning may include in the initial order additional I/O cages to support the future I/O requirements.

Accurate planning and definition of the target configuration is vital in maximizing the value of this feature.

8.3 Customer Initiated Upgrade (CIU)

Customer Initiated Upgrade (CIU) is the capability for the z990 user to initiate a permanent upgrade for CPs, ICFs, IFLs, zAAPs and/or memory via the Web, using IBM Resource Link. CIU is similar to CUoD but the capacity growth can be added by the customer. The customer also has the ability to unassign previously purchased CPs and IFLs processors via CIU.

CIU requires the CIU Enablement feature (FC 9898) installed.

The customer will then be able to download and apply the upgrade using functions on the HMC via the Remote Support Facility, without requiring the assistance of IBM service personnel. Once all the prerequisites are in place, the whole process from ordering to activation of the upgrade is performed by the customer. The actual upgrade process is fully automated and does not require any onsite presence of IBM service personnel.

CIU supports LIC-CC upgrades only and does not support I/O upgrades. All additional capacity required by a CIU upgrade must be previously installed. This means that additional books and/or I/O cards cannot be installed via CIU. The sum of CPs, unassigned CPs, IFLs, unassigned IFLs, ICFs, and zAAPs cannot exceed 8 PUs per book. The number of zAAPs cannot exceed 4 zAAPs per book. The total number of zAAPs cannot exceed the number of CPs plus unassigned CPs on a z990 server.

Important: CIU for processors cannot be completed when CBU or On/Off CoD is activated on a z990 server. In this case the CIU for processors can be ordered and retrieved by the customer, but cannot be applied until the temporary capacity upgrade via CBU or On/Off CoD is deactivated.

194IBM eServer zSeries 990 Technical Guide

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IBM 990 manual Customer Initiated Upgrade CIU, Plan Ahead concurrent conditioning
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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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