without rebooting. In addition, failing resources can be dynamically released from the owning partition, serviced and reattached, or replaced with an acceptable replacement without disturbing the partition's activities.

Full System Partition

A special partition called the full system partition assigns all of your managed system's resources to one large partition. The full system partition is similar to the traditional, non-partition method of operating a system. Because all resources are assigned to this partition, no other partitions can be started when the full system partition is running. Likewise, the full system partition cannot be started while other partitions are running.

The HMC allows you to easily switch from the full system partition to logical partitions. The actual setup of the operating system in a partition may require some careful planning to ensure that no conflicts exist between the two environments.

For more detail on partitions, see the IBM Hardware Management Console for pSeries Installation and Operations Guide, order number SA38-0590.

Processor on Demand

The Processor On Demand (POD) feature of some IBM servers allows the server to be manufactured with extra processor capacity built in, ready to be activated when you need it. If your system is ordered with processor on demand features, you can activate the features and pay for the increased processing power as your needs grow.

The processor on demand feature enables you to start small, and then increase your processing capacity without disrupting any of your current operations.

For information about how to activate processor on demand features on your server, refer to ªActivating Process for Processor on Demandº on page 8, or refer to theIBM Hardware Management Console for pSeries Installation and Operations Guide, order number SA38-0590 that was delivered with your hardware management console.

The processor on demand feature offers the capability to non-disruptively activate two or more processors on a server that was ordered and installed with inactive processor on demand features. The processor on demand feature adds capacity in increments of two processors, up to the maximum number of standby processors. The processor on demand feature adds significant value if you want to upgrade without disruption, handle business peaks, or add new workloads. The processor on demand feature adds permanent capacity growth with no requirement to reboot the server.

Processor on Demand Features

If your system was ordered with processor on demand features, your managed system has a set of processors that are ″active″ and a set of standby processors that are ″not active.″ In the event that an active processor fails, the inactive processors are then available to be used by the system until the failing processor is replaced.

Chapter 1. Introducing the Eserver pSeries 690 5

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IBM pSeries690 manual Full System Partition, Processor on Demand Features
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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.
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