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– Concurrent mode enables the normal system functions to continue while selected
resources are being checked. Because the system is running in normal operation,
some devices might require additional actions by the user or diagnostic application
before testing can be done.
– Maintenance mode enables the checking of most system resources. Maintenance
mode provides the same test coverage as service mode. The difference between the
two modes is the way in which they are invoked. Maintenance mode requires that all
activity on the operating system be stopped. The shutdown -m command is used to
stop all activity on the operating system and to put the operating system into
maintenance mode.
The System Management Services (SMS) error log is accessible from the SMS menu for
tests that are performed through SMS programs. For results of service processor tests,
access the error log from the service processor menu.
Note: Because the p5-550 and p5-550Q systems have an optional DVD-ROM (FC 1994)
and DVD-RAM (FC 1993), alternate methods for maintaining and servicing the system
need to be available if the DVD-ROM or DVD-RAM is not ordered. It is possible to use
Network Install Manager (NIM) server for this purpose.
3.2.3 Service Agent
Service Agent is an application program that operates on an IBM System p computer and
monitors it for hardware errors. It reports detected errors, assuming they meet certain criteria
for severity, to IBM for service with no client intervention. It is an enhanced version of Service
Director™ with a graphical user interface.
Using Service Agent for System p5, pSeries, and RS/6000, you can accomplish:
Automatic VPD collection
Automatic problem analysis
Problem-definable threshold levels for error reporting
Automatic problem reporting where service calls are placed to IBM without intervention
Automatic client notification
In addition, Service Agent provides the following:
Commonly viewed hardware errors. You can view hardware event logs for any monitored
machine in the network from any Service Agent host user interface.
High-availability cluster multiprocessing (HACMP) support for full fallback. Includes
high-availability cluster workstation (HACWS) for 9076.
Network environment support with minimum telephone lines for modems.
Provides communication base for performance data collection and reporting tool
Performance Management (PM/AIX). For more information about PM/AIX, see:
http://www.ibm.com/servers/aix/pmaix.html
Machines are defined by using the Service Agent user interface. After the machines are
defined, they are registered with the IBM Service Agent Server. During the registration
process, an electronic key is created that becomes part of your resident Service Agent
program. This key is used each time the Service Agent places a call for service. The IBM
Service Agent Server checks the current service status from the IBM entitlement database. If
this status reveals that you are not on Warranty or MA, the service call is refused and posted
back using an e-mail notification.
Chapter 3. RAS and manageability
85
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