checks the current customer service status from the IBM entitlement database; if this reveals that you are not under warranty or MA, then the service call is refused and posted back using e-mail.

Service focal point

Service Focal Point is used by service technicians to start and end their service calls. It provides service representatives with event, Vital Product Data (VPD), and diagnostic information. The HMC can also notify service representatives of hardware failures automatically by using the Service Agent features. You can configure the HMC to use the Service Agent call-home feature to send IBM event information. This information is stored, analyzed, and then acted on by the service representative. Some parts of Service Focal Point have to be configured so that the proper information is sent to IBM.

You can download the latest version of Service Agent at:

ftp://ftp.software.ibm.com/aix/service_agent_code

3.3.3 p5 Customer-Managed Microcode

The pSeries and RS/6000 Customer-Managed Microcode is a methodology that enables you to manage and install microcode updates on p5, pSeries, and RS/6000 systems and associated I/O adapters. The IBM pSeries Microcode Update Web site can be found at:

http://techsupport.services.ibm.com/server/mdownload

IBM provides service tools that can assist in determining microcode levels and updating systems with the latest available microcode. To determine which tool to use in a specific environment, visit:

http://techsupport.services.ibm.com/server/mdownload/mcodetools.html

3.3.4 Service Update Management Assistant

The Service Update Management Assistant (SUMA) helps system administrators retrieve maintenance updates from the Web. SUMA offers flexible options that enable customers to set up policies to automate the download of fixes to their systems. SUMA policies can be scheduled to periodically check the availability of specific new fixes (APAR, PTF, or fileset), critical or security fixes, or an entire maintenance level. A notification e-mail can be sent detailing updates that are needed when comparing available fixes to installed software, a fix repository, or a maintenance level.

Benefits provided by SUMA include:

￿Moves administrators away from the task of manually retrieving maintenance updates from the Web

￿Policy can be scheduled to run periodically; for example, download the latest critical fixes weekly

￿Can compare fixes needed against software inventory, fix repository, or a maintenance level

￿Receive mail notification after a fileset preview or download operation

￿Allows for FTP, HTTP, or secure HTTPS transfers

￿Provides same requisite checking as the IBM fix distribution Web site

￿Available through SMIT menus (smitty suma) or a command line interface

62p5-570 Technical Overview and Introduction

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IBM P5 570 manual 3 p5 Customer-Managed Microcode, Service Update Management Assistant, Service focal point

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.