Converged Service Architecture; Hardware Management Console - IBM p5 590 System Handbook

6.6.1 Converged service architecture

The IBM Sserver p5 and Sserver i5 systems represent a significant
convergence of platform service architectures, merging the best characteristics
of the iSeries and pSeries product offerings. This union allows similar
maintenance approaches and common service user interfaces. A service
representative can be trained on the maintenance of the base hardware platform,
service tools, and associated service interface and be proficient in problem
determination and repair for either POWER5 processor-based platform offering.
In some cases, additional training may be required to allow support of I/O
drawers, adapters, and devices.
The convergence plan incorporates critical service topics.
Identifying the failing component through architected error codes.
Pinpointing the faulty part for service using location codes and LEDs.
Ascertaining part numbers to quickly and efficiently order replacement
components.
Collecting system configuration information using common Vital Product Data
which completely describes components in the system, to include detailed
information such as their point of manufacture and Engineering Change level.
Enabling service applications, such as firmware and hardware EC
Management (described below) and Service Agent, to be portable across the
multiple hardware and operating system environments.
The resulting commonality makes possible reduced maintenance costs and
lower total cost of ownership for IBM Sserver p5 and Sserver i5 systems. This
core architecture provides consistent service interfaces and a common approach
to service, enabling owners of selected Sserver p5 or Sserver i5 servers to
successfully perform set-up, manage and carry out maintenance, and install
server upgrades; all at their own schedule and without available IBM support
personnel.

6.6.2 Hardware Management Console

The Hardware Management Console is an independent workstation used by
system administrators to setup, manage, configure, and boot their IBM Sserver
p5 server. The HMC for Sserver p5 system includes improved performance,
enabling system administrators to define and manage sub-processor partitioning
capabilities and virtual I/O features; advanced connectivity; and sophisticated
firmware performing a wide variety of systems management and service
functions.
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