Appendix A. Hardware Management Console HMC, 233

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

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Appendix A. Hardware Management Console (HMC)

Introduction

In this appendix we discuss the z990 Hardware Management Console, and provide you with some configuration guidelines.

The HMC is a PC/ISA bus PC running OS/2®, Communications Server for OS/2, a remote control systems management product, and the Hardware Management Console Application (HMCA). It also contains configuration information about its own configuration and about the Support Element (SE) defined to it.

The HMC is attached to the SE either by a local area network (LAN) through the Multistation Access Unit (MAU) or by an Ethernet LAN. The HMC resides external to the system frame. The HMC can also control and monitor status for multiple Central Processor Complexes (CPCs) configured to it, providing a single point of control and a single system image. One HMC can control 100 SEs, and one SE can be controlled by 32 HMCs.

The physical location of some HMC hardware features (standard or optional) are dictated by the specific PC. Some features may be mutually exclusive with other features, depending on the PC model.

The HMC user interface is designed to provide the functions you need to operate, monitor, and maintain your processor. Various elements of the processor hardware are represented as objects by the HMC application. Through this application, you can directly manipulate the CPC objects that are defined to the HMC and be aware of changes to hardware status as they are detected.

The Hardware Management Console and Support Elements provide the following:

A Hardware Management Console Application object-oriented interface

Customizable groups of hardware objects

A customizable Hardware Management Console

Application settings

233 990 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.

IBM 990 manual Appendix A. Hardware Management Console HMC, 233

Models: 990

Appendix A. Hardware Management Console (HMC)

Introduction

233

990 specifications