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

6947ch08.fm

Customer

HMC

ibm.com/servers/resourcelink

Internet

Access

 

Support

CIU order

Element

 

(SE)

 

 

CIU order

z990

Remote Support

Server

Facility

Figure 8-5 CIU activation example

Figure 8-5 shows the CIU activation process. IBM Resource Link communicates with the Remote Support Facility to stage the CIU order and prepare it for download. The customer is automatically notified when the order is ready for download.

Order and fulfillment process

By using the CIU process, associated systems allow the customer to order increased capacity for CPs, ICFs, IFLs, zAAPs and/or memory. Resource Link is responsible for delivering the price or lease agreement to the customer. The interface handles the order differently based on whether the customer is leasing the server or not. The customer profile associated with the machine serial number will contain an indicator that Resource Link uses to make the determination. If the customer chooses to accept this agreement, then it will be forwarded to the correct billing system. Only Resource Link users who accept this feature will be able to access to this CIU application.

The two major components in the process are Ordering and Activation.

Ordering

Resource Link provides the interface that allows the customer to order a dynamic upgrade for a specific server. The customer is able to create, cancel, and view the order. The customer also is able to view the history of orders that were placed through this interface. Configuration rules will enforce only valid configurations being generated within the limits of the individual server. Warning messages will be issued when certain invalid upgrade options are selected.

Figure 8-6 on page 198 shows a Resource Link Web page that displays a CIU order example.

Chapter 8. Capacity upgrades 197

Page 210 Page 212
Page 211
Image 211
IBM 990 manual Order and fulfillment process, Ordering
Page 210 Page 212

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