Hardware Management Console and Support Elements

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

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

Models: 990

Software

MSU/ Pricing

model

Hardware Management Console and Support Elements

990 specifications