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

6947ch02.fm

Table 2-5 z990 upgrade paths

z990 Models

2084-A08

2084-B16

2084-C24

2084-D32

 

 

 

 

 

2084-A08

-

X

X

X

 

 

 

 

 

2084-B16

-

-

X

X

 

 

 

 

 

2084-C24

-

-

-

X

 

 

 

 

 

2084-D32

-

-

-

-

 

 

 

 

 

Upgrade paths from IBM 2064 models (z900) offer a virtually unrestricted upgrade capability. Upgrades from any z900 to any z990 server are supported (with the exception of the IBM 2064 model 100, which can only can be upgraded to another z900 model).There are also no upgrade paths from IBM 9672 G5 and G6 models, nor is there an upgrade path from the IBM 2066 models (z800).

There are limited upgrade paths from 2086-A04 model (z890) to 2084-A08 model (z990). For details contact your IBM representative or IBM Business Partner.

Figure 2-17shows all upgrade paths from z900 to z990 models, and all upgrade paths within the z990 model range.

z900

z990

100

 

101-109

A08

1C1-116

B16

2C1-216

C24

 

D32

Figure 2-17 Supported z900-to-z990 upgrade paths

Software models

In order to recognize how many PUs are characterized as a CP, the STSI instruction returns a value that can be seen as a software model number to determine the number of assigned CPs. Characterization of a PU as an IFL, an ICF or an zAAP is not reflected in the output of the STSI instruction, since they have no effect on MLC software charging.

Table 2-6shows that regardless of the number of books, a configuration with one characterized CP is possible (for example, an IBM 2084 model D32 may have only one PU characterized as a CP for customer use).

Chapter 2. System structure and design 63

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IBM manual Software models, Z990 Models 2084-A08 2084-B16 2084-C24 2084-D32
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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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