6947ch08.fm

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

Customeribm.com/servers/resourcelink

Internet

CIU order

Optional customer

secondary order

approval

Remote Support

Facility

Figure 8-4 CIU ordering example

The following is a sample list of the screen sequences a customer must follow on Resource Link to initiate an order:

1.Sign on to Resource Link.

2.Select the CIU option from the main Resource Link page.

3.Customer and machine details associated with the Userid are listed.

4.Current configuration (PU allocation and memory) is shown for the selected server serial number.

5.Create a target configuration step-by-step for each upgradeable option. Resource Link limits options to those which are valid/possible for this z990 configuration.

6.The target configuration is verified.

7.Customer has the option to accept or reject.

8.An order is created and verified against the pre-established Agreement.

9.A price is quoted for the order; customer signals acceptance/rejection.

10.A customer secondary order approval is optional. 11.On confirmation of acceptance, the order is processed. 12.LIC-CC for the upgrade should be available within few hours.

196IBM eServer zSeries 990 Technical Guide

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IBM 990 manual Internet
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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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