RAS design for the IBM eServer z900

The IBM eServer zSeries™ Model 900, or z900, has been designed with major enhancements for hardware reliability, availability, and serviceability (RAS) in support of the zSeries RAS strategy, the eServer self-management technologies, and the z900 design objective of continuous reliable operation. The eServer self-management technologies enable the server to protect itself, to detect and recover from errors, to change and configure itself, and to optimize itself, in the presence of problems and changes, for maximum performance with minimum outside intervention. From the RAS perspective, the longstanding RAS strategy for the IBM S/390® and now the zSeries has provided an excellent foundation for self management. This paper describes the z900 RAS enhancements and how they strengthen the RAS strategy building blocks and provide a basis for autonomic computing.