Ras; Reliability - Fujitsu SPARC Enterprise M8000 Overview Manual

In a domain, resources can be divided into sections called containers, and the
processing sections are allocated to each application. The processing resources are
managed independently in each container. If a problem occurs in a container, the
container can be isolated so that it does not affect other containers. It provides
flexible resource allocation that enables optimal resource management with
consideration given to the processing load.
2.4

RAS

RAS is an acronym for functions related to Reliability, Availability, and
Serviceability.
RAS for SPARC Enterprise M8000/M9000 servers minimizes system downtime by
providing for error checking at appropriate locations and by providing centralized
monitoring and control of error checking.
Also SPARC Enterprise M8000/M9000 servers can be configured with clustering
software or centralized management software to enhance the RAS function.
Any scheduled system halt, such as a periodic maintenance or system configuration
change can also be performed without affecting operating resources. This can
improve service uptime significantly.
2.4.1

Reliability

To improve quality and gain high reliability, you must select appropriate
components considering the lifetime of the products and response at the time of
error occurrence.
Reliability is equally important to both hardware and software.
Furthermore, software errors are not only triggered by program errors, but also by
hardware errors.
SPARC Enterprise M8000/M9000 servers provide the following functions to realize
high reliability.
Monitoring by the XSCF to periodically check whether software such as the
■
Solaris OS is running in domains (host watchdog monitoring).
Memory patrol is periodically performed to detect memory software errors and
■
stuck faults, even in memory areas not normally used, to prevent use of faulty
memory and thereby prevent system failures caused by faulty memory from
occurring.
2-14 SPARC Enterprise M8000/M9000 Servers Overview Guide • August 2009