Abstract: A resource and partition manager of the preferred embodiments includes a lock mechanism that operates on a plurality of locks that control access to individual hardware resources. The resource and partition manager uses the lock mechanism to obtain a lock on a hardware resource when transferring control of the hardware resource to a logical partition that is powering on and when removing the hardware resource from a logical partition that is powering off. The resource and partition manager uses the lock mechanism to remove control of a hardware resource from, or return control to, an operating logical partition in order to facilitate hardware service operations on that hardware resource or on the physical enclosure in which it is contained.

Abstract: A resource and partition manager includes a power on/power off mechanism that is used to assure a hardware resource is powered down when control of the resource is removed from a logical partition, and to assure the hardware resource is powered up when control of the hardware resource is transferred to a logical partition. In the alternative, the resource and partition manager may simply place the hardware resource in a power on reset state when the hardware resource is transferred to a logical partition. In this manner, when made available to a partition, the hardware resource is in a power-on reset state, which is the state typically expected by the logical partition.

Abstract: An apparatus, clustered computer system, program product and method assist in the distribution of configuration data such as VPD for a switchable resource to multiple nodes within a clustered computer system. Program code operating as a resource manager is used to enroll a node to receive updates to a switchable resource in the clustered computer system, and, in response to an update to the switchable resource, to notify each enrolled node of the update. Moreover, configuration data is communicated along with the notification to each enrolled node, such that any data required to initiate acquisition of functional ownership of a switchable resource by any such node will be locally available to such node.

Abstract: An apparatus, program product and method to dynamically control the bindings between Input/Output Adaptors (IOA's) and Input/Output Processors (IOP's) in a hierarchical I/O interface of a computer, such that an IOA can be dynamically reassigned from one IOP to another IOP such that the latter IOP takes over management of data transfer between the processing complex of the computer and the IOA from the former IOP. At least partial system availability is maintained in the computer during dynamic reassignment to minimize system downtime and simplify maintenance operations on the computer.

Abstract: An apparatus, program product and method of managing computer resources each facilitate concurrent maintenance operations by automatically re-associating existing resources in a computer, when suitable, with appropriate hardware devices installed into the computer after a concurrent maintenance operation has been performed. An existing resource is re-associated with an installed hardware device by updating at least one of a device identifier and a location identifier associated with the resource based upon that of the installed hardware device. A resource identifier for the resource, however, is preserved so that any computer application that relies on the resource can still access the resource without additional manual reconfiguration of the resource or the computer application. Consequently, maintenance operations are substantially simplified and expedited, thereby facilitating system maintenance and minimizing computer downtime.