Processor on Demand Activation Features

Standby processors (two or more) can be permanently activated by ordering a quantity of permanent processor on demand activation features. This order is filled when your service provider receives your request, generates an activation code, and delivers it to you. Activation codes can be delivered to you through postal mail and they are posted on the Web.

Capacity Planning

If you are doing capacity planning for models offering processor on demand, plan ahead for any potentially disruptive actions that might inhibit your using fully the capacity of the activated processors. Some actions you may want to take prior to activating any processor on demand features are as follows:

vPerform any I/O updates, such as adding adapters necessary to increase system capacity

vPerform memory upgrades

vPrepare LPAR partitions

By planning ahead, you can accommodate the growth of existing workloads, as well as handle new workloads without requiring a server outage. Other components of a server such as memory and I/O affect performance and overall throughput of workloads. By planning ahead and taking into account the complete server configuration, you can help ensure that you get the full benefit of processor on demand activations.

Note: If you have questions about capacity-planning topics not covered here, contact your sales representative for assistance.

Processor on Demand Ordering

Permanent processor-on-demand capacity can be activated in either of the following scenarios. The description of each of the following scenarios highlights if and when it is necessary to send vital product data (VPD) to IBM.

vNew system order (new footprint): An order can contain a number of processor on demand activation features. The manufacturing facility fills orders directly at the plant of manufacture, before the server is delivered to the customer.

vOrdering activation features for an installed server: After you have determined that you want to permanently activate some or all of your standby processors, contact your business partner or sales representative to place an order.

When the order record and the VPD are both available to the manufacturing facility, a processor on demand activation code unique to your server is generated. The activation code is mailed to you and posted at a public Web site for quick access: http://www.ibm.com/servers/eserver/pseries/cuod/index.html

As part of the order process, VPD collected from the installed server is combined with information from the actual order records for processor on demand activation features. This combined information is used to generate a processor on demand activation code specifically for your server, enabling the activation of the desired number of standby processors. Allow some time for the order processing and posting

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IBM pSeries690 manual Processor on Demand Activation Features, Capacity Planning, Processor on Demand Ordering
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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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