6947ch01.fm

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

http://www.ibm.com/servers/eserver/zseries/library/swpriceinfo

1.3.14 Reliability, Availability, Serviceability (RAS)

The z990 RAS strategy is a building-block approach developed to meet the customer's stringent requirements of achieving Continuous Reliable Operation (CRO). Those building blocks are: Error Prevention, Error Detection, Recovery, Problem Determination, Service Structure, Change Management, and Measurement and Analysis.

The initial focus is on preventing failures from occurring in the first place. This is usually accomplished, for technology, by using “Hi-Rel”(highest reliability) components from our technology suppliers, using screening, sorting, burn-in, run-in, and by taking advantage of technology integration. For Licensed Internal Code (LIC) and hardware design, failures are eliminated through rigorous design rules, design walk-throughs, peer reviews, element/subsystem/system simulation, and extensive engineering and manufacturing testing.

The z990 RAS strategy is focused on recovery design necessary to mask errors and make them “transparent” to customer operations. There is extensive hardware recovery design implemented to be able to detect and correct array faults. In cases where total transparency cannot be achieved, the capability exists for the customer to restart the server with the maximum possible capacity.

1.3.15 Software

By supporting the Application Framework for e-business and Linux on zSeries, IBM provides organizations with the choices and flexibility needed to develop a robust infrastructure that provides the end-to-end qualities of service, speed of innovation, and affordability required for successful e-business.

It also enables a higher degree of integration among the three classes of workload—data transaction applications, Web applications and special function applications—that are the basis of providing a seamless business transaction over the Web.

The result is an infrastructure that supports a more rapid move into advanced e-business, and a better chance of recognizing a lasting competitive advantage.

18IBM eServer zSeries 990 Technical Guide

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IBM 990 manual Reliability, Availability, Serviceability RAS, Software
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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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