The p5-570 (or the logical partition) must be equipped with either a graphic adapter that is connected to a graphics display, keyboard, and mouse device, or an ASCII display terminal that is connected to one of the native serial ports or the attached HMC to use the SMS menus. You can view information about the system (or the single logical partition) and perform tasks such as set a password, change the boot list, and set the network parameters.

If the system or the partition has been activated without flagging the option to stop to the SMS, you have the option to press the 1 key on the terminal or in the graphic window after the word keyboard appears and before the word speaker appears. In the terminal or in the GUI, the system or the partitions require you to enter the password that is defined for admin or general access. When the text-based SMS starts (either for terminal or graphic window), a screen similar to Figure 2-17opens.

Version SF220_004

SMS 1.5 (c) Copyright IBM Corp. 2000,2003 All right reserved

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Main Menu

1.Select Language

2.Setup Remote IPL (Initial Program Load)

3.Change SCSI Settings

4.Select Console

5.Select Boot Options

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Navigation Keys:

X = eXit System Management Services

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Type the number of the menu item and press Enter or select Navigation Key:

Figure 2-17 System Management Services main menu

Note: The version of system firmware that is installed in your system is displayed at the top of each screen. Processor and other device upgrades might require a specific version of firmware to be installed in your system.

On each menu screen, you are given the option of choosing a menu item and pressing Enter (if applicable) or selecting a navigation key. You can use the different options to review or set the boot list information, or to set up the network environment parameters if you want the system to boot from a NIM server.

2.11.8 Boot options

The p5-570 handles the boot process in a way that is similar to other pSeries servers.

The initial stage of the boot process establishes that the machine has powered up correctly and that the memory and CPUs are functioning correctly. When the machine or the logical

8American Standard Code for Information Interchange: this is the worldwide standard for the code numbers that are used by computers to represent all uppercase and lowercase Latin letters, numbers, punctuation, and so on.

Chapter 2. Architecture and technical overview 47

Page 59
Image 59
IBM P5 570 manual Boot options, System Management Services main menu

P5 570 specifications

The IBM P5 570 is a high-performance server that was designed for enterprise-scale computing, offering a blend of advanced technologies and a flexible architecture. Launched as part of IBM's Power5 server line, the P5 570 stands out for its robust processing capabilities and extensive scalability, making it a preferred choice for businesses requiring reliable and efficient computing solutions.

At the heart of the P5 570 is the IBM Power5 processor, which employs simultaneous multi-threading (SMT) technology. This allows the processor to handle two threads per core, effectively doubling the throughput for workloads ideally suited to multi-threading. The server typically features a configuration of up to 32 Power5 processors, providing an impressive compute power that supports demanding applications, ranging from databases to complex enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.

The P5 570 architecture supports a wide range of memory configurations, with a maximum memory capacity of up to 512 GB. Utilizing IBM’s proprietary Chip Memory technology, it can deliver high bandwidth and low latency, significantly enhancing performance for memory-intensive applications. Furthermore, the integrated memory controller architecture optimizes memory access, ensuring that critical workloads run smoothly.

Scalability is a key characteristic of the P5 570, with the ability to expand processing power and memory capacity as an organization’s needs grow. The server supports various operating systems, including AIX, Linux, and IBM i, which provides flexibility for diverse IT environments. This versatility ensures that companies can run their preferred applications without the need for substantial system overhauls.

In terms of storage, the P5 570 utilizes advanced RAID technology and supports a variety of disk configurations, ensuring that data integrity and availability are maintained. Coupled with built-in security features, such as the IBM Trusted Foundation, which establishes a secure boot environment, the P5 570 offers a reliable platform for mission-critical workloads.

Finally, the IBM P5 570 is designed for high availability and redundancy. Features like hot-swappable components and advanced error detection and recovery mechanisms minimize downtime, making it a dependable choice for businesses that operate around the clock. Combined with its powerful hardware and versatile software support, the IBM P5 570 remains a formidable player in the high-performance server arena.