IBM BladeCenter PS703 Technical Overview And Introduction

Also see for BladeCenter PS703: Service guide

Contents

Chapter 4. Continuous availability and manageability 137Client Notify events are serviceable events by definition because they indicate that somethinghas happened that requires client awareness in the event they want to take further action.These events can be reported back to IBM at the client’s discretion.Call homeA correctly configured POWER processor-based system, SDMC, or BladeCenter AMM caninitiate a call from a client location to the IBM service and support organization with error data,server status, or other service-related information. A call home invokes the serviceorganization for the appropriate service action to begin, automatically opening a problemreport and, in certain cases, dispatching field support. This automated reporting providesfaster and potentially more accurate transmittal of error information. Although configuring acall home is optional, you are strongly encouraged to configure this feature to obtain the fullvalue of IBM service enhancements.Vital product data (VPD) and inventory managementPower Systems store VPD internally, which keeps a record of how much memory is installed,how many processors are installed, manufacturing level of the parts, and so on. Theserecords provide valuable information that can be used by remote support and servicerepresentatives to assist in keeping the firmware and software on the server up-to-date.The BladeCenter AMM also collects VPD on the individual blades and the components of theBladeCenter chassis. This information is used by support representatives to understand thecomplete BladeCenter/blade environment.IBM problem management databaseAt the IBM support center, historical problem data is entered into the IBM Service andSupport Problem Management database. All of the information related to the error along withany service actions taken by the service representative are recorded for problemmanagement by the support and development organizations. The problem is then trackedand monitored until the system fault is repaired.4.4.5 Locating and servicing parts requiring serviceThe final component of a comprehensive design for serviceability is the ability to effectivelylocate and replace parts requiring service. POWER processor-based systems use acombination of visual cues and guided maintenance procedures to ensure that the identifiedpart is replaced correctly, every time.Packaging for serviceThe following service enhancements are included in the physical packaging of the systems tofacilitate service: Color coding (touch points)– Terracotta colored touch points indicate that a component (FRU/CRU) can beconcurrently maintained.– Blue colored touch points delineate components that are not concurrently maintained.(Those that require the system to be turned off for removal or repair.)Note: Call home is used generically to indicate automatically contacting IBM service. Theactual method is through an Internet connection. BladeCenter AMM, SDMC, and individualblades do not have modem capability.