6947ch02.fm

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

Table 2-8 Software model MSU values

Software

MSU/ Pricing

Software

MSU/ Pricing

model

MSU

model

MSU

 

 

 

 

301

77/70

317

886/799

 

 

 

 

302

147/132

318

927/837

 

 

 

 

303

213/191

319

973/878

 

 

 

 

304

277/248

320

1018/919

 

 

 

 

305

337302

321

1062/959

 

 

 

 

306

395/352

322

1106/999

 

 

 

 

307

451/402

323

1149/1037

 

 

 

 

308

503/448

324

1192/1076

 

 

 

 

309

551/492

325

1234/1114

 

 

 

 

310

601/538

326

1276/1151

 

 

 

 

311

647580

327

1317/1188

 

 

 

 

312

691/620

328

1358/1225

 

 

 

 

313

733/661

329

1398/1261

 

 

 

 

314

772/696

330

1436/1296

 

 

 

 

315

810/730

331

1474/1332

 

 

 

 

316

844/761

332

1512/1365

 

 

 

 

Hardware Management Console and Support Elements

All z990 models include a Hardware Management Console (HMC) and two internal Support Elements (SEs) that are located in the Z frame.

On z990 servers, the Hardware Management Console provides the platform and user interface that can control and monitor the status of the system. The SEs are basically used by IBM service representatives.

Up to four Hardware Management Consoles can be ordered per z990 server, providing more flexibility and additional points of control. The Hardware Management Console can also provide a single point of control and single system image for a number of CPCs configured to it.

The internal SEs for each CPC are attached by local area network (LAN) to the Hardware Management Console, and allow the Hardware Management Console to monitor the CPC by providing status information. Each internal SE provides the Hardware Management Console with operator controls for its associated CPC, so you can target operations in parallel to multiple or all CPCs, or to a single CPC.

The second SE, called Alternate SE, is standard on all z990 models and serves as a backup to the primary SE. Error detection and automatic switch-over between the two redundant SEs provides enhanced reliability and availability. There are also two fully redundant interfaces, known as the Power Service Control Network (PSCN), between the two SEs and the CPC.

66IBM eServer zSeries 990 Technical Guide

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IBM 990 manual Hardware Management Console and Support Elements, Software MSU/ Pricing Model

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.