IBM Power 780 Technical Overview And Introduction page 200

concurrent firmware fix pack updates when possible. The determination of whether a
firmware fix pack release can be updated concurrently is identified in the readme file that is
released with the firmware.
Hot-node add, hot-node repair, and memory upgrade
With the proper configuration and required protective measures, the Power 770 and
Power 780 servers are designed for node add, node repair, or memory upgrade without
powering down the system.
The Power 770 and Power 780 servers support the addition of another CEC enclosure (node)
to a system (hot-node add) or adding more memory (memory upgrade) to an existing node.
The additional Power 770 and Power 780 enclosure or memory can be ordered as a system
upgrade (MES order) and added to the original system. The additional resources of the newly
added CEC enclosure (node) or memory can then be assigned to existing OS partitions or
new partitions as required. Hot-node add and memory upgrade enable the upgrading of a
server by integrating a second, third, or fourth CEC enclosure or additional memory into the
server, with reduced impact to the system operation.
In the unlikely event that CEC hardware (for example, processor or memory) experienced a
failure, the hardware can be repaired by freeing the processors and memory in the node and
its attached I/O resources (node evacuation) dependant on the partition configuration.
To guard against any potential impact to system operation during hot-node addition, memory
upgrade, or node repair, clients must comply with the following protective measures:
For memory upgrade and node repair, ensure that the system has sufficient inactive
or spare processors and memory. Critical I/O resources must be configured with
redundant paths.
Schedule upgrades or repairs during non-peak operational hours.
Move business applications to another server by using the PowerVM Live Partition
Mobility feature or quiesce them. The use of Live Partition Mobility means that all critical
applications must be halted or moved to another system before the operation begins.
Non-critical applications can remain running. The partitions can be left running at the
operating system command prompt.
Back up critical application and system state information.
Checkpoint the databases.
Blind-swap cassette
Blind-swap PCIe adapters represent significant service and ease-of-use enhancements in I/O
subsystem design while maintaining high PCIe adapter density.
Blind-swap allows PCIe adapters to be concurrently replaced or installed without having to
put the I/O drawer or system into a service position. Since first delivered, minor carrier design
adjustments have improved an already well-thought-out service design.
For PCIe adapters on the POWER7+ processor-based servers, blind-swap cassettes include
the PCIe slot, to avoid the top to bottom movement for inserting the card on the slot that was
required on previous designs. The adapter is correctly connected by just sliding the cassette
in and actuacting a latch.
Firmware updates
System firmware is delivered as a release level or a service pack. Release levels support the
general availability (GA) of new function or features, and new machine types or models.
Upgrading to a higher release level is disruptive to customer operations. IBM intends to
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IBM Power 770 and 780 (9117-MMD, 9179-MHD) Technical Overview and Introduction