Flexible configuration and concurrent upgrade for the IBM eServer z900

Flexible, nondisruptive upgrade capabilities and self-healing characteristics in IBM eServer systems are currently being addressed. The IBM eServer z900 and preceding S/390(R) servers have been delivering leading-edge self-configuring, self-optimizing, self-protecting, self-managing, and self-healing capabilities that provide a solid foundation for those efforts. Current processors, memory, and input/output (I/O) cards are produced with dense physical packaging at high volumes without requiring fine configuration granularity. The granularity is provided under the control of Licensed Internal Code (LIC), which enables hardware entities to fulfill specific requirements based on encrypted product data. Disabled hardware entities are "dormant" and are reserved for capacity upgrades or self-healing. Concurrent capacity upgrade functions enable dormant hardware entities to reflect the new configuration. In case of hardware failure, healthy dormant hardware can be enabled, without disruption, to replace failing hardware. This paper describes the high level of concurrent configuration-change flexibility provided in the IBM eServer z900 and the asset protection approach on which it is based.