About This Book

This book provides information on how to use the server, use diagnostics, use service aids, and verify server operation. This book also provides information to help you solve some of the simpler problems that might occur.

Highlighting

The following highlighting conventions are used in this book:

Bold

Identifies commands, subroutines, keywords, files, structures, directories, and

 

other items whose names are predefined by the system. Also identifies

 

graphical objects such as buttons, labels, and icons that the user selects.

Italics

Identifies parameters whose actual names or values are to be supplied by the

 

user.

Monospace

Identifies examples of specific data values, examples of text similar to what

 

you might see displayed, examples of portions of program code similar to

 

what you might write as a programmer, messages from the system, or

 

information you should actually type.

ISO 9000

ISO 9000 registered quality systems were used in the development and manufacturing of this product.

Online Publications

IBM Eserver pSeries publications are available online. To access the online books, visit our IBM Eserver pSeries Information Center at

http://publib16.boulder.ibm.com/pseries/en_US/infocenter/base. Click Hardware documentation.

Related Publications

The following publications provide related information:

vThe System Unit Safety Information, order number SA23-2652, contains translations of safety information used throughout this book.

vThe Site and Hardware Planning Information, order number SA38-0508, contains information to help you plan your installation.

vThe Eserver pSeries 690 Service Guide, SA38-0589, contains reference information, maintenance analysis procedures (MAPs), error codes, removal and replacement procedures, and a parts catalog.

vThe Eserver pSeries 690 Installation Guide, SA23-1285, contains information on how to set up and cable the server and verify server operation.

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IBM pSeries690 manual About This Book, Highlighting, Iso, Online Publications, Related Publications

pSeries690 specifications

The IBM pSeries690, also known as the IBM eServer p690, is a high-performance server within IBM's line of Power Systems, designed primarily for enterprise-level workloads. Launched in the early 2000s, it distinguished itself as one of IBM's flagship offerings, aimed at delivering exceptional scalability, reliability, and processing power.

At the heart of the pSeries690 is the IBM POWER4 processor, a revolutionary architecture that significantly enhanced processing capabilities. The system supports multiple processor configurations, allowing businesses to customize performance based on their specific applications. Each pSeries690 can be configured with up to 32 POWER4 processors, providing a maximum processing power that is well-suited for demanding enterprise applications, complex databases, and large-scale transaction processing.

One of the standout features of the pSeries690 is its ability to handle massive amounts of memory — up to 1TB of total RAM. This is particularly advantageous for businesses that run memory-intensive applications or require high availability for critical tasks. The server’s advanced memory architecture contributes to faster data access and improved overall system performance.

Additionally, the IBM pSeries690 employs the innovative AIX operating system, which is tailored for high performance and reliability. AIX comes equipped with features such as dynamic logical partitioning (LPAR), allowing resources to be allocated flexibly and efficiently across different workloads. This technology supports virtualization, enabling multiple operating environments to run concurrently on a single physical server, optimizing resource utilization.

The pSeries690 also includes robust fault tolerance and reliability features. Redundant components, hot-swappable parts, and advanced error detection mechanisms ensure that the system remains operational even in the event of hardware failures. This reliability is crucial for mission-critical applications where downtime can lead to substantial financial losses.

Networking capabilities of the pSeries690 are enhanced by support for high-speed connections, including Gigabit Ethernet and the ability to integrate with various network topologies. This versatility facilitates seamless connectivity in complex IT environments.

In conclusion, the IBM pSeries690 remains a powerful and reliable choice for enterprises seeking to manage and optimize their most demanding workloads. Its combination of cutting-edge processing capabilities, expansive memory support, and robust virtualization features makes it a significant player in the realm of enterprise computing. As businesses continue to evolve, the core strengths of the pSeries690, especially in terms of scalability and reliability, ensure that it continues to meet the needs of demanding applications.