Abstract: A method and system in accordance with the present invention provides a microprocessor on each blade server for providing interfaces at the plurality of blade servers for simultaneous connection with a local or remote drive. The microprocessor can also configure the blade server to simultaneously connect with a plurality of local and/or remote drives. The microprocessor routes data packets between a management system and its respective blade server, while a management module in the management system manages the simultaneous access of the drive(s) by the plurality of blade servers or the plurality of drives by a blade server. This increases the efficiency of the system.

Abstract: Methods and arrangements for activating Internet Protocol (IP) configurations are discussed. Embodiments include transformations, code, state machines or other logic for activating in an end node an IP configuration suitable for IP communications between the end node and another end node upon the detection of a direct IP connection of the end node to another end node. In some embodiments, the other end node may have a direct IP connect only to the end node. In some embodiments, the suitable IP configuration may involve a static IP address which has been published. In some embodiments, detecting a direct IP connection with another node may be accomplished by detecting a crossed-over Ethernet connection. In some embodiments, an operating system device driver may activate the suitable IP configuration. In other embodiments, an embedded system may activate the suitable IP configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method to facilitate I2C communication between a host device and a slave device where the slave device shares a common physical address with another slave device on the I2C bus. The apparatus includes a detection module to detect an incoming address on the I2C bus, a translation module to translate the incoming address to an outgoing address, and a communication module to communicate data between the host device and the slave device where the outgoing address matches the physical address of the slave device. In this manner, the present invention avoids address conflicts between commonly addressed slave devices while reducing costs, components, and complexities traditionally associated with dynamic addressing techniques and other prior art solutions to address conflicts.

Abstract: An arrangement which eliminates the need to remove a computer system from its packaging in order to initiate a re-imaging process. Particularly, there is broadly contemplated herein the use of a position-sensitive switching arrangement, such as a mercury switch, that is configured to power selected control circuitry in a computer so as to receive additional information or data as needed to update imaging or other aspects of a computer's operating system.

Abstract: A method and system for a failover management module for a server blade chassis. A virtual out-of-band network connects management modules in different server blade chassis. Upon a detection of a failure of the management module(s) in a first server blade chassis, a management module in a second server blade chassis takes over control of the first server blade chassis.

Abstract: An design structure to facilitate I2C communication between a host device and a slave device where the slave device shares a common physical address with another slave device on the I2C bus. The design structure includes an apparatus, which includes a detection module to detect an incoming address on the I2C bus, a translation module to translate the incoming address to an outgoing address, and a communication module to communicate data between the host device and the slave device where the outgoing address matches the physical address of the slave device. In this manner, address conflicts between commonly addressed slave devices can be avoided while reducing costs, components, and complexities traditionally associated with dynamic addressing techniques and other prior art solutions to address conflicts.

Abstract: A method and system for method of removing a node from a multi-node computer. The node receives a system management interrupt (SMI), resulting in a quiescenting of only that node. The SMI receiving node then polls other nodes in the multi-node computer to determine if the SMI affects an operation of any of the other nodes, and quiescents any other node affected by the SMI. Each quiescent node then transfers all of the contents of its system memory to a backup memory in an unaffected remote node in the multi-node computer. The remote node than assumes the function of the removed node that had received the SMI. The method and system thus allows node removal in the event of a hot-swap request or a predicted failure of a node.

Abstract: Aspects for providing protection against theft and loss of a portable computer system are described. The aspects include establishing boundary conditions within which the portable computer system is authorized for use and tracking a position of the portable computer system with a global position system (GPS) unit in the portable computer system. The position is compared to the boundary conditions to identify whether the portable computer system has violated the boundary conditions, and anti-theft routines are performed when the position has violated the boundary conditions. The anti-theft routines include calling a preset phone number with a cellular calling facility of the portable computer system.

Abstract: A method and system for managing a computer system including a plurality of servers and at least one shared peripheral device is disclosed. The method and system include performing communications between the plurality of servers and the at least one shared peripheral device using a shared bus. The communications include providing data for a first server of the plurality of servers from the shared peripheral device(s). The data is provided to the servers over the shared bus. The method and system also include caching the data in the plurality of servers and utilizing the data only in the first server in response to receipt of the data.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for transmitting a network packet which identifies only selected ones of a plurality of client computer systems. The client computer systems are coupled to a server computer system to form a network. A logical group is specified which includes only a first plurality of the plurality of client computer systems by specifying one of a plurality of group identifiers. A network packet is then transmitted utilizing the network to the logical group. The network packet includes the group identifier which identifies the logical group, wherein only the logical group are the intended recipients of the packet.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a networked computer system by detecting a change to a configuration of the computer system, using detection logic of the computer, and generating an alert associated with any change in the configuration in real time. The alert is transmitted to a remote server on the network. In an illustrative implementation, the detection logic can detect (i) a change in the number of storage devices present in the computer system, (ii) a change in the number of memory modules present in the computer system, and (iii) a change in the number of processors present in the computer system. The configuration information may be saved between boot operations of the computer using a battery-powered latch.

Abstract: Described is a computer system which can automatically provide its capabilities to a main computer without powering on to facilitate configuring the system in its shipping package. The computer system is coupled to a remote computer via a data communication link. The system includes a communication subsystem which is supplied with auxiliary power and is operative to detect when a valid communication link is established between the computer system and the main computer. After the detection the communication subsystem sends a first packet to the main computer via the communication subsystem. The first packet includes data which specifically identifies the computer system. When the communication link is coupled to the communication subsystem through the packaging and a power source is coupled to a power connector of the system through the packaging, the system is operative to send the first packet without powering on.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a computer system, by detecting a power interruption to the computer system, using power down sense logic, and generating an alert associated with the power interruption. When the computer system is networked, the alert is transmitted to a remote server. The power down sense logic sends a message to an auxiliary processor (which may be an application-specific integrated circuit, or ASIC), and the auxiliary processor creates a network transmission packet indicating that the computer system is losing power. The auxiliary processor may allow selection of a transmission mode such as uni-cast transmission, multi-cast transmission, or broadcast transmission.

Abstract: Described is a computer system which is coupled to a remote computer via a data communication link. The computer system has a normally closed enclosure and is capable of securing data retained within the system against unauthorized access. The computer system includes an erasable memory element mounted within the enclosure for selective activation to active and inactive states and for receiving and storing a security password when in the active state. A manually operable option switch is mounted within the enclosure. The option switch is operatively connected with the erasable memory element and manually settable by a user of the computer system for setting the erasable memory element to the active and inactive states.

Abstract: Described is a computer system which is operable to allow configuration to occur on the system unit without removing the system unit from its packaging. The computer system is coupled to a remote computer via a data communication link. The system is operative to detect whether it is in a configuration mode when a power source and a network connection are made through the packaging. If the configuration mode is detected by the system, the system powers on and places itself in the configuration mode to allow (1) the remote computer to transfer signals to the system via the communication link to set up data transfers to the memory of the system, and (2) the remote computer to transfer data to the memory of the system for storage therein, whereby the system is configured at least in part in its packaging.