Hardware Management Console

Back in 2004, as the POWER5 servers were rolled out, a new server management interface (Hardware Maintenance Console) was introduced. . This month we will explore the HMC and learn when it is required and what functions it provides. The HMC is a powerful tool and provides Dynamic LPAR, CUoD, manage service events, concurrent maintenance, and security. Recently, the HMC's features were enhanced to include remote 5250 console capability and the WebSM client for remote HMC access.

We will also cover advanced topics like HMC connectivity options for managing the i5 and/or p5 servers with emphasis on high availability considerations, customization and management of user security, and user roles and capabilities. We will also review the processes for managing HMC updates and upgrades as well as recent enhancements for managing updates to the server firmware on POWER5 systems. And finally, we will look at the backup / recovery considerations and strategies with the HMC.

Meet the Speaker - Allyn Walsh

has over 30 years working in the IT industry. He has been at IBM Rochester working on the AS/400/iSeries since 1991, working in the Support Center and PartnerWorld for Developers, currently assigned to the Advanced Technical Support organization. Prior experience includes extensive work in the area of data communications, save/restore, LPAR and Systems Management. His current focus areas include Hardware Management Console and High Availability. He has published a number of articles and IBM internal documents on HMC and Systems Management topics. He is a regular speaker at iSeries Technical Conference and User Group meetings.