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The HACoC (High Availability Center of Competency)
Jun 19 2007, 10:49:21 PM EDT
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Firmware Cross Reference Table
I had a request to update the firmware table...here you go!
| Firmware Filenames |
Internal Codenames |
Notes |
| 01SF240_320_201 |
GA7 SP6 |
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| 01SF240_299_201 |
GA7 SP5+ |
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| 01SF240_298_201 |
GA7 SP5 |
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| 01SF240_284_201 |
GA7 SP4 |
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| 01SF240_261_201 |
GA7 SP3.2 |
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| 01SF240_259_201 |
GA7 SP3.1 |
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| 01SF240_258_201 |
GA7 SP3 (ECA 815) |
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| 01SF240_233_201 |
GA7 SP2 |
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| 01SF240_222_201 |
GA7 SP1+ |
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| 01SF240_219_201 |
GA7 SP1 |
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| 01SF240_202_201 |
GA7+ |
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| 01SF240 |
GA7 |
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| 01SF235_214_160 |
GA6 SP5 |
end of SP support 3/31/07 |
| 01SF235_209_160 |
GA6 SP4 |
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| 01SF235_206_160 |
GA6 SP3 (ECA 828) |
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| 01SF235_185_160 |
GA6 SP2 (ECA 821) |
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| 01SF235_180_160 |
GA6 SP1 |
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| 01SF230_158_120 |
GA5 SP6 |
end of SP support 3/31/07 |
| 01SF230_156_120 |
GA5 SP5 (ECA 827) |
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| 01SF230_153_120 |
GA5 SP 4+ (ECA 823) |
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| 01SF230_150_120 |
GA5 SP 4 |
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| 01SF230_145_120 |
GA5 SP 3 |
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| 01SF230_143_120 |
GA5 SP 2 |
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| 01SF230_126_120 |
GA5 SP 1 |
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| 01SF230_120_120 |
GA5 |
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| 01SF225_096_096 |
GA4 |
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May 30 2007, 11:06:49 AM EDT
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The POWER of SIX
Just in case you haven't seen the announcements on p6 and AIX 6...here are some links and a summary.
On 5/22/2007 we announced the IBM System p™ 570 server, with the POWER6™ processor. Not only does this model have the fastest ever Power Architecture™ technology we have also enhanced the virtualization capabilities and RAS (reliability, availability and serviceability) functions. Take a look at the web announcement: http://www-03.ibm.com/systems/p/hardware/midrange/570m/index.html
The other really cool announcement is a pre-release version of AIX 6 available through an open beta program. This is a first for IBM and it will allow you to download, install and run an early version of AIX 6 on suitable IBM systems in a non-production, non-supported mode.
The program is planned for the middle of 2007. No formal support will be provided but a Web forum will be available for participants to discuss the program with other participants and report problems. More info on the beta program and AIX 6 is available at: http://www-03.ibm.com/servers/aix/6/beta.html & http://www-03.ibm.com/servers/aix/6/preview.html
May 30 2007, 10:48:02 AM EDT
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Quick comment on firmware
First, I hope everyone had sometime to break away from work for springbreak or the Easter holiday.
Now back to the day to day grind of work. If you noticed on the firmware download site at: http://www14.software.ibm.com/webapp/set2/firmware/gjsn?mode=1&mtm=9119-595&Continue.x=63&Continue.y=13, we removed the ability to download 01SF240_298. It has been supersceded by 01SF240_299. So if you upgraded to 298 or received a server with that level installed, it would be a good idea to go ahead and put the 299 service pack on.
You can install and activiate 299 fairly easily without rebooting your box, if you are coming from 298. We didn't have any issues in the field with 298 but we saw an issue with VIOS in the lab, so we made a small change and released 299. If you are planning on moving from another general release to 01SF240 in the near future, or are not running VIOS, you may want to wait a couple of weeks for the next service pack (currently 320) but of course that is subject to change until release. It is due out the first week of May.
ttfn
Apr 09 2007, 04:48:10 PM EDT
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POWER5/5+ System Firmware
So I wanted to chat about system firmware with you. As you know 01SF240 (GA7 for those that like the internal code names) is the final release level of system firmware for the POWER5/5+ System p and System i servers. It is very mature, it has been out for more than a year now! So all of your servers should be at this level by now. Besides all other system firmware levels are the end of service pack support. So what does that mean? We will continue to support those the older levels but no new service packs will be provide for them. All future fixes, functions and features will be provided on 01SF240 (GA7).
Just to remind you, moving from one release to another will required a reboot of the frame, so you will need a maintenance window to do that. BUT once you get to 01SF240 (GA7) you can apply the service packs concurrently. Most of the fixes can be installed and activated on a running system through CFM (concurrent firmware maintenance).
Below are some of the additional benefits gained through 01SF240 (GA7):
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•4, 8, and 16 GB memory cards with 0% initial activation
•1 GB activation increments
•Mixing CoD-capable and non CoD-capable DDR2 memory
•Cold Repair - Reduces repair time for FSP card replacement
•Many enhancements/additions to Advanced system Management Interface (ASMI)
•Service Network Recovery Improvements
Enhanced memory resilience
•Power 5+/5++ models and memory
•Large page size support
•"Quiet office" insulation
•Backlevel support enablement for POWER5 & 6 systems
•Support for the collection & viewing of logical partitions' utilization of processor and memory resources
•New commands
•Proxy-HTTP support for call-home
Mar 27 2007, 04:23:16 PM EDT
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Servers do not like phone tag!
Electronic Service Agent
I wanted to talk a little about eSA (old service director for RS6K) System p's phone home ability. We have added a lot of new security and configuration options. If you haven't look at it lately take another look. A demo and more information is available at: http://www.ibm.com/support/electronic.
With Electronic Service Agent, you can choose:
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Internet access or modem transmission. (Fenced Internet Remote Access Dial Service, •SSLv4, •IPSec in tunnel mode over a UDP socket using L2TP+PPP encapsulation, •HTTP with encryption/authentication)
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Gateways can communicate to IBM with both a HMC or a network of AIX standalone clients.
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You can also have a network of Linux standalone clients.
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You can activate Electronic Service Agent with your current firewall protection.
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Electronic Service Agent detects a hardware problem and submits to IBM Support Center, without Customer effort. Support Center can begin problem analysis and create an action plan.
So that is the marketing stab, but let me give you a little insight. Since eSA can transmit the error log files as soon as something happens, it can reduce down time significantly by providing the right data - right away. Security is not an issue anymore and the tool is very configurable. If you would like to have a demo or call to discuss this further, email: psat@us.ibm.com and let them know.
Mar 22 2007, 12:10:30 PM EDT
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DST reminder
I am sure you are all aware of the DST changes and the impact of those changes on technology. I guess it makes since but you wonder if congress really thought about how much the world depends on technology....anyway make sure your HMC, OS and software stack are okay. I modified someones note, I did start out as a cobol programmer - easier to modify than recreate if it does what you want - but I will say thanks for saving me some time System i team. Good tools and links below to help - take a look.
For your reference: The Energy Policy Act of 2005 (Public Law 109-58) was passed by the United States Congress on July 29, 2005 and signed into law on August 8, 2005. This law changes the time-change dates for Daylight Saving Time in the United States. Starting in the spring of 2007, the U.S. Daylight Saving Time (DST) will be extended by four weeks, starting three weeks earlier on the second Sunday in March and ending one week later on the first Sunday in November.
Here is the meat:
Daylight Saving Time
As you may be aware, beginning in this year, Daylight Saving Time (DST) starts the second Sunday in March and ends the first Sunday in November. This is the first change in 20 years and will affect most of the United States, Canada, Bermuda, and any other location that has time/date dependent transactions, applications or support services with those countries. Please follow the links below to ensure you've taken the necessary steps for an uneventful transition to the new DST start and stop dates:
• For overall information, please check the following link: http://www.ibm.com/support/alerts/us/en/
• If you use a Hardware Management Console (HMC) to manage your system, you'll also need to ensure your HMC code is at the proper level: http://www14.software.ibm.com/webapp/set2/sas/f/hmc/home.html
Key System Firmware Information
The single most important step you can take to keep your System p running at peak performance is to update your full system firmware levels to the latest available. These later release levels have incorporated numerous reliability and serviceability enhancements. Even if your system is functioning flawlessly today, upgrading to the latest firmware level may enable you avoid a future issue.
• Release SF 240_284 of the firmware is now available. Upgrading to the latest level of firmware provides numerous reliability and serviceability enhancements.
• To obtain the latest firmware and firmware information, please follow this link: http://www14.software.ibm.com/webapp/set2/firmware/gjsn
• Fix Level Recommendation Tool is a planning tool to help administrators determine what key components of your System p server are at the minimum recommended fix level. It is available at: https://www14.software.ibm.com/webapp/set2/flrt/home
• As of March 31, 2007, firmware levels "SF 230_xxx" and "SF 235_xxx" will no longer have service pack support provided. After that date, if a new fix is required for the those firmware levels, you'll need to upgrade to the "SF 240_xxx" level of firmware. Once your system is at the "240" level, quarterly firmware service packs can be applied concurrently, enabling you to benefit from most fixes and enhancements without having to IPL your system.
A couple of other good things to do?
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Make sure your system is set up to take advantage of the built-in Electronic Service Agent(TM). ESA allows your system to "call home" to report service issues directly to IBM so a system service representative can be dispatched quickly and arrive on-site with the knowledge and parts required to resolve issues quickly. More information is available at http://www.ibm.com/support/electronic
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Use the no-charge Subscription Service to receive notification of technical bulletins and updates for selected products or topics of interest. Subscription Service provides a great way to get timely information on topics you've indicated are important to you and your business, helping you make decisions on updates that may affect you. Sign up at: http://www14.software.ibm.com/webapp/set2/subscriptions
Categories
: [ DST | firmware | p | system ]
Mar 07 2007, 12:41:10 PM EST
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More on ITSO Redbook Workshops
What a wild ride this year has been.
The IBM Redbooks organization provides the opportunity, through a residency program, to give back your knowledge to the worldwide technical community. We invite anyone skilled in IBM System p hardware and software to look at our current offerings and decide which is the best fit. It requires a dedicated four to six week commitment, and a passion for accuracy and communication. To get started, it is best to look at announced residencies first, and they can be found at: http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/residents.nsf/ResIndex/
Projects that drive the residency are available before the residency is announced and usually contain less specific dates and information. However, they are a good way to look into a crystal ball at the beginning of a year before you sit down with your manager and discuss your development plan. They are available at: http://w3.itso.ibm.com/itsoapps%5Cprojects.nsf/ProjectSubj/pSeries?OpenDocument
If you cannot participate in a residency, you may with to become a reviewer, or just learn from the materials created by other experts. For IBM System p, the latest Redbooks are available at: http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/Redbooks.nsf/Portals/UNIX
Once you are on the IBM Redbooks Web site, you'll also find ways to get weekly updates through our newsletter, or up to the minute information on new redbooks, residency announcements, or workshops through our various RSS feeds.
Thanks to Scott Vetter for his contribution.
Jul 31 2006, 11:59:06 AM EDT
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Its Conference Time-IBM System p, AIX & Linux Technical Conference
Book your agenda now for a complete technical education and networking event for IBM System p (pSeries), AIX and Linux!
The IBM System p, AIX & Linux Technical Conference provides the ideal opportunity to learn about the new release of AIX and the POWER 5 architecture with new features, functionality and performance and Grid Computing. You will learn about the IBM System p trends and directions and customize the training to meet your needs by building your own course track within the 100 sessions and hands-on labs. On top, you will have the opportunity to get certified on site and meet with the specialists from the IBM labs and peers.
Looking forward to meeting you in person at these events.
Jul 07 2006, 09:35:20 AM EDT
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More websites and tools for admins & developers
New Page 1
In case you haven't heard there are a couple of
new websites for System Admins and developers that have recently went live:
1) AIX User Group Site at www.poweraix.org.
PowerAIX.org is the information hub of the Global Power AIX Community comprising
of user communities, partners, IT professionals and business users. It offers a
forum for participants to communicate experiences, ideas and technical expertise
related to the use of IBM AIX 5L products and related issues. They provide
support for user groups.
2) AIX and UNIX zone of developerWorks at
http://www-128.ibm.com/developerworks/aix/. The AIX and UNIX zone of
developerWorks contains articles, tutorials, and tips to help developers with
AIX and UNIX application development and system administration. For users trying
to find their way in a new topic, all of that information can be overwhelming.
This page provides an overview for readers who would like to learn about AIX and
UNIX, but don't know where to start.
Take a look.
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Regina Moliff's Austin Notes