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

Fiber optic cabling services from IBM

As mentioned, fiber optic cables, cable planning, labeling, and installation are all customer responsibilities for new installations and upgrades. Fiber optic conversion kits and Mode Conditioning Patch (MCP) cables are not orderable as features on z990.

To better serve the cabling needs of z800, z900, and z990 customers, IBM Networking Services has enhanced their fiber optic cabling services to better match your requirements, and is introducing new services. IBM Networking Integration and Deployment Services for zSeries fiber cabling and for enterprise fiber cabling help to ensure IBM has a comprehensive set of services for all customers, from product-level to enterprise-level services geared for today and tomorrow. These services take into consideration the requirements for all of the protocols/media types supported on zSeries, (for example, ESCON, FICON, Coupling Links, OSA) whether the focus is the data center, the storage area network (SAN), local area network (LAN), or the end-to-end enterprise.

There are three options to provide individual fiber optic cables (jumper cables, conversion kits, MCP cables) for connecting to z800, z900, or z990.

￿Option 1 - Fiber optic jumper cabling package (available today for z800 and z900).

IBM does the detailed planning. This option includes planning, new cables, installation, and documentation. An analysis of the zSeries channel configuration, I/O devices, and any existing fiber optic cabling is required to determine the appropriate fiber optic cables.

￿Option 2 - Fiber optic jumper cable migration and reuse for a zSeries upgrade (new option).

This option includes planning, reuse of existing cables, and documentation. IBM organizes the existing fiber optic cables based upon the new z990 connection details. Relabeling, rerouting, and reconnection to the appropriate z990 channels is performed. New cables are not offered as a part of this option.

￿Option 3 - Fiber optic jumper cables and installation (new option).

The customer tells IBM what they need, but the customer does the detailed planning. The service includes new cables, installation, and documentation. Planning and providing the list of required cables are customer responsibilities.

Options 1 and 2 can be combined within one contract to provide complete upgrade coverage.

Under the Enterprise Fiber Cabling Services umbrella there are two options to provide IBM Fiber Transport System (FTS) trunking commodities (fiber optic trunk cables, fiber harnesses, panel-mount boxes) for connecting to the z800, z900, and z990:

￿Option 1 - zSeries fiber optic trunk cabling package (new option).

IBM reduces the cable clutter under the floor. An analysis of the zSeries (z800, z900, z990) channel configuration and any existing fiber optic cabling is performed to determine the required FTS fiber optic trunking commodities (trunk cables, harnesses, panel-mount

boxes). This option includes zSeries planning, FTS fiber optic trunking commodities, installation, and documentation. This option does not include enterprise-level planning.

￿Option 2 - Enterprise fiber cabling services.

IBM organizes the entire enterprise. This option includes enterprise planning, new cables, fiber optic trunking commodities, installation, and documentation. This is the most comprehensive set of services.

Under the zSeries Fiber Cabling Services umbrella there are two options to provide individual fiber optic cables (jumper cables, conversion kits, MCP cables) for connecting to z800, z900, and z990:

248IBM eServer zSeries 990 Technical Guide

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IBM 990 manual Fiber optic cabling services from IBM

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.