Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer implemented instructions for saving data in a logically partitioned data processing system. An error is detected in the logically partitioned data processing system. Data needed for error analysis of the error is saved in a power independent memory associated with a service processor.

Abstract: A method for managing system firmware in a data processing system having a plurality of logical partitions is provided. Responsive to a request to update the system firmware from a first logical partition within the plurality of logical partitions in the data processing system, a determination is made whether the first logical partition within the plurality of logical partitions is present in the data processing system. Responsive to the determination that the first logical partition within the plurality of logical partitions is present in the data processing system, the system firmware is updated from the first logical partition in the data processing system. Then starting of additional partitions within the plurality of logical partitions in the data processing system is inhibited until the firmware update from the first logical partition is complete.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a computer system having a plurality of logical partitions with a virtual operator panel is disclosed. The method and apparatus include displaying a plurality of operator panels on a single console corresponding to each of the logical partitions, and providing a buffer for each logical partition. The status codes from each of the logical partitions are then written directly to the corresponding buffer. To display the status codes of one of the logical partitions, the status code from the buffer corresponding the logical partition is read and sent to the corresponding operator panel for display.

Abstract: A method for managing system firmware in a data processing system having a plurality of logical partitions is provided. Responsive to a request to update the system firmware from a first logical partition within the plurality of logical partitions in the data processing system, a determination is made whether the first logical partition within the plurality of logical partitions is present in the data processing system. Responsive to the determination that the first logical partition within the plurality of logical partitions is present in the data processing system, the system firmware is updated from the first logical partition in the data processing system. Then starting of additional partitions within the plurality of logical partitions in the data processing system is inhibited until the firmware update from the first logical partition is complete.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a computer system having a plurality of logical partitions with a virtual operator panel is disclosed. The method and apparatus include displaying a plurality of operator panels on a single console corresponding to each of the logical partitions, and providing a buffer for each logical partition. The status codes from each of the logical partitions are then written directly to the corresponding buffer. To display the status codes of one of the logical partitions, the status code from the buffer corresponding the logical partition is read and sent to the corresponding operator panel for display.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer implemented instructions for saving data in a logically partitioned data processing system. An error is detected in the logically partitioned data processing system. Data needed for error analysis of the error is saved in a power independent memory associated with a service processor.

Abstract: The present invention provides method and system aspects for performing error data gathering from fault isolation registers of a computer system following a machine check occurrence. A method aspect includes utilizing firmware to perform failure information retrieval in software accessible registers and initiating a service processor (SP) for failure data retrieval in non-software accessible registers. The method further includes coordinating the combination of the failure information retrieved and the failure data retrieved in an error log for use in isolation of a fault source in the computer system.