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

6947ch08.fm

Activation

The customer's system stores all the LIC-CC records associated with the z990 that has the CIU option. These LIC-CC records will only be available for download when they are externally activated by Resource Link. Upon submission of the order, Resource Link will dynamically enable the appropriate LIC-CC records and make them available to the customer, via the Remote Support Facility, to be downloaded by the Hardware Management Console. When the order is available for download, the customer will be given an activation number. Once Resource Link has notified the customer that the upgrade is ready for download, the customer can go to any of the Hardware Management Consoles attached to the system and do a Single Object Operations to the Support Element where the upgrade is to be applied, selecting the Perform Model Conversion task. Using the Model Conversion screen, select the CIU Options (see Figure 8-7) to start the process.

Figure 8-7 z990 Model Conversion screen

A new Configuration panel, shown in Figure 8-8 on page 200, offers the option Retrieve and Apply CIU. It prompts the customer to enter the order activation number to begin the code download process. Once downloaded, the system will check if the upgrades can be retrieved and applied.

Chapter 8. Capacity upgrades 199

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IBM manual Activation, Z990 Model Conversion screen
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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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