Concurrent upgrades, Capacity Upgrade on Demand CUoD

6947ch01.fm

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

The z990 server implements two fully redundant interfaces, known as the Power Service Control Network (PSCN), between the two Support Elements and the CPC. Error detection and automatic switch-over between the two redundant Support Elements provides enhanced reliability and availability.

1.3.12 Concurrent upgrades

The z990 servers have concurrent upgrade capability via the Capacity Upgrade on Demand (CUoD) function. This function is also used by Customer Initiated Upgrades (CIUs) and by the Capacity BackUp (CBU) feature implementation; following are more details.

Capacity Upgrade on Demand (CUoD)

Capacity Upgrade on Demand offers server upgrades via Licensed Internal Code (LIC) enabling. CUoD can concurrently add processors (CPs, IFLs, ICFs, or zAAPs), and memory to an existing configuration when no hardware changes are required, resulting in an upgraded server. Also I/O features can be added concurrently.

However, adequate planning is required. Proper models and memory card sizes must be used, and the Plan Ahead feature with concurrent conditioning enablement is recommended in order to ensure that all required infrastructure components are available.

Customer Initiated Upgrade (CIU)

Customer Initiated Upgrades are Web-based solutions for customers ordering and installing upgrades via IBM Resource Link and the z990 Remote Support Facility (RSF). A CIU requires a special contract and registration with IBM. The CIU uses the CUoD function to allow concurrent upgrades for processors (CPs, IFLs, ICFs, and zAAPs), and memory, resulting in an upgraded server.

As a CUoD, it also requires proper planning with respect to z990 model and memory card sizes. CIU is not available for I/O upgrades.

On/Off Capacity Upgrade on Demand (On/Off CoD)

On/Off Capacity on Demand (On/Off CoD) for z990 gives the customer the ability to temporarily turn on unowned PUs available within the current model. This capability allows customers to add capacity (CPs, IFLs, ICFs, and zAAPs) temporarily to meet peak workload demands.

Note: The On/Off CoD capability can coexist with Capacity BackUp (CBU) enablement. Both On/Off CoD and CBU LIC-CC can be installed on a z990 server, but the On/Off CoD activation and CBU activation are mutually exclusive.

The customer has to accept contractual terms for On/Off CoD to use this capability; activation of the additional capacity uses the CIU process. The usage is monitored and customer incurs additional charges for both the hardware and software until the added capacity is deactivated.

Capacity BackUp (CBU)

Capacity BackUp (CBU) is a temporary upgrade for customers who have a requirement for a robust disaster/recovery solution. It requires a special contract with IBM. CBU can concurrently add CPs to an existing configuration when another customer’s servers are experiencing unplanned outages.

16IBM eServer zSeries 990 Technical Guide

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 Concurrent upgrades, Capacity Upgrade on Demand CUoD, Customer Initiated Upgrade CIU

Models: 990