Abstract: A data processing system and method for sharing a component of the data processing system between multiple resources are disclosed. According to the method, at least one query is transmitted from a first resource to a second resource. In response to receipt of the query by the second resource, a reply is transmitted from the second resource to the first resource. The reply indicates that the second resource has an active communication session through a particular communication port controlled by the shared component. In response to receipt of the reply by the first resource, a transfer command is transmitted from the first resource to the second resource. In response to receipt of the transfer command by the second resource, control of the component is transferred from the second resource to the first resource while maintaining the active communication session.

Abstract: A method 201 and implementing system 101 are provided in which information processing system resources are monitored for variant conditions which may exceed acceptable tolerances. A continued count of failed readings is maintained 207 and only when the number of failed condition readings exceed a predetermined failure repetition constant 209, is the operating system notified to take appropriate action. When a resource previously identified as a failing resource, subsequently yields "good" readings 303, a resource identifier is moved from a "failing" status to an "intermittent failure" status 309. Thereafter, when successive "good" readings exceed a predetermined success repetition constant 319, the resource is removed from the "intermittent" status 321 and the monitoring process 201 is continued.

Abstract: Method and system aspects for monitoring computer system operations are provided. A computer system including a processor, the processor supporting firmware and a running operating system, and a service processor coupled to the processor, is monitored by initiating surveillance of the computer system in the firmware when an architected function occurs in the operating system. Monitoring additionally includes providing a pulse indicator from the firmware to the service processor and determining a status of computer system operations with the service processor based on a frequency of the pulse indicator.

Abstract: A computer system with reboot capability includes a processing mechanism, the processing mechanism supporting an operating system. The system further includes a service processor coupled to the processing mechanism, the service processor determining whether a reboot operation is needed. In addition, the computer system includes a memory mechanism coupled to the processing mechanism and the service processor, the memory mechanism storing a plurality of platform policy parameters and an automatic restart policy of the operating system to support the reboot operation of the service processor.