Support Element, Z990 HMC enhancements

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

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IBM uses remote control program product facilities to assist in problem determination, and to provide operational assistance as required. IBM also uses the SDLC or TCP/IP asynchronous connection facilities to transmit service data to and from the IBM Service Support System, to gather error data, and to receive fixes.A remote operation configuration is shown in

Figure A-10 on page 243.

		Hardware Management Console
	Data		Data	Data
	Center 1		Center 2	Center 3
	to IBM		to IBM	to IBM
	to IBM
Bridge		Bridge
		Bridge	Bridge
			Bridge
Switched
Network		Corporate
		Corporate
		Network
Remote Control
Program Product	Hardware
or Browser	Hardware
	Management		Browser
	Console		Browser
	Console
Backup		Primary	Monitor
Operations		Operations	Monitor

Figure A-10 Remote operation configuration

Support Element

The zSeries 990 is supplied with a pair of integrated ThinkPad Support Elements (SE). One is always active, while the other is strictly an alternate. Power for the support elements is supplied by the processor frame, and there are no additional power requirements.

Each SE comes with two communication adapters included. There are two configuration options: a Dual Ethernet SE, or a Token ring/Ethernet SE.Neither is the default; you must select one or the other. Regardless of which pair of adapters you choose, both SEs will be configured the same.

If you order the Token ring/Ethernet default combination, a Multistation Access Unit (MAU) is required to operate the token ring LAN. The MAU is installed in the A frame and requires no power.

z990 HMC enhancements

z990 HMC Integrated 3270 Console

For many users, particularly those new to zSeries and z/VM, the requirement to invest in rather expensive console hardware such as the 2074 just for having a z/VM console has been

Appendix A. Hardware Management Console (HMC) 243

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 manual Support Element, Z990 HMC enhancements, Z990 HMC Integrated 3270 Console

Models: 990