Abstract: A computing system comprises multiple domains, each having an independent boot process. This boot process involves the selection of one boot option from a list of potentially multiple boot options available to the domain. The apparatus further comprises a centralised configuration utility, and a boot controller within each domain. The boot controller supplies said configuration utility with the list of boot options available to that domain. The configuration utility allows a user to specify en bloc the boot option for multiple domains. This information is then passed back to the boot controllers of the respective domains, which then boot in accordance with the boot option specified by said configuration utility.

Abstract: Apparatus representing a computer system or such-like is disclosed that includes a hierarchy of field replaceable units (FRUs). Each FRU in the hierarchy has a type, and may have a number of subsidiary FRUs. A FRU stores data indicative of at least the number and type of any subsidiary FRUs that may be immediately below it in the hierarchy, as well as data concerning the identity of the FRU itself. The apparatus has a utility to allow access and consolidation at a single location of all the FRU data stored in the hierarchy. In one embodiment, this utility is provided in the form of a configuration application running on a service processor of the apparatus.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed that allow boot code within the apparatus to be updated using a system controller. The apparatus includes a central processing unit (CPU) and a programmable memory that contains boot code at a predetermined location for use in booting the CPU. The apparatus further includes a bus and a bus master for the bus. The CPU accesses the boot code via the bus and the bus master. The apparatus further includes a system controller. This is operable to write boot code into the programmable memory over the bus. In one embodiment, the above components form a single subsystem within an array of such subsystems. A single control point for the array can transmit updated boot code to the system controller for loading into the programmable memory. This then provides a single interface for simultaneously updating the boot code in all subsystems.

Abstract: A support module monitors the operation of at least one information processing module domain by automatically applying at least one test at intervals to an information processing module domain to be monitored and reporting a fault when the test is unsuccessful. On initiation of an information processing module domain, the support module automatically applies a set of tests to the information processing module domain, and, where a test provides a positive result, reapplies the test at intervals to monitor the operation of the information processing module domain.

Abstract: A modular computer system may be provided. The modular computer system may comprise a carrier operable removably to receive a plurality of computer system modules therein. A plurality of information processing modules can be removably received in the carrier, each module may have a communications port operable to connect to a communications network internal to the carrier. The modular computer system may also comprise a switch operable to connect to the internal communications network to distribute information messages between the modules and to connect to an external communications network. An information distribution module may be provided removably received in the carrier operable connect to the internal communications network to receive an information message, to perform processing on the message to determine a destination, and to forward the message toward the determined destination via the internal communications network.

Abstract: A server blade may comprise a processor and a network interface. The network interface can be configured be connected to a network remote the server blade. The server blade may be configured to detect an access to the network. The server blade may be further configured as a field replaceable unit. Optionally, the server blade may further comprise an enclosure which encloses the processor.

Abstract: A server blade is provided with an enclosure. The server blade can be provided with a plurality of processors in the enclosure. The server blade can be configured as a field replaceable unit removably receivable in a carrier of a modular computer system, for example a high density blade server system. The enclosure for such a multiprocessor server blade can be larger that a standard enclosure for a single processor server blade. The carrier can be configured to receive such an oversized server blade enclosure as well as a standard enclosure.

Abstract: A server blade may be provided. The server blade may comprise a processor and storage. The server blade can further comprise an enclosure that encloses said processor and storage. The server blade can be configured as a field replaceable unit.

Abstract: A support module for a modular computer system can provide switching functions. Internal information signal interfaces can connect to information processing modules. First external information interfaces can connect to a first external information network under a first network protocol different to a network protocol used internally to the support module. A connector sub-module can be receivable the support module includes a protocol translator for translating between information protocols.

Abstract: A server blade may comprise a processor and a network interface. The network interface can be configured be connected to a network remote the server blade. The server blade may configured to perform a privacy function with respect to a network traffic event. The server blade may be further configured as a field replaceable unit. Optionally, the server blade may further comprise an enclosure which encloses the processor.

Abstract: A server blade may comprise a processor and a network interface. The network interface can be configured be connected to a network remote the server blade. The server blade may be configured to perform an edge protection function for an entity connected to the network. The server blade may be further configured as a field replaceable unit. Optionally, the server blade may further comprise an enclosure which encloses the processor.

Abstract: A server blade may comprise a processor and a network interface. The network interface can be configured to be connected to a network remote to the server blade. The server blade may be configured to detect a malicious code occurrence in traffic on the network. The server blade may be further configured as a field replaceable unit. Optionally, the server blade may further comprise an enclosure which encloses the processor.

Abstract: A server blade may comprise a processor. The server blade may additionally comprise a removable media interface device. The server blade can be configured as a field replaceable unit.

Abstract: A modular computer system is provided. The modular computer system may comprise a carrier which may comprise at least one power supply for providing power to the computer system, at least one switch for distributing information signals and at least one service processor for distributing management signals. The carrier may be configured to receive a plurality of removably mountable information processing modules, at least one information processing module may be configured to perform at least one network related function and at least one information processing module may be configured to perform at least one information related function.

Abstract: A server blade may comprise a processor and a network interface. The network interface can be configured be connected to a network remote the server blade. The server blade may be configured detect a property of an entity connected to the network. The server blade may be further configured as a field replaceable unit. Optionally, the server blade may further comprise an enclosure which encloses the processor.

Abstract: A modular computer system (for example a blade server system) includes a plurality of information processing modules (e.g., server blades). Each information processing module can include a processor operable to provide information processing functions and a service controller operable to provide both management and console functions. A service processor can be connectable via a respective management connection to the service controller of each information processing module. Each management connection between the service processor and a service controller can be operable to carry both management signals and console signals. Management signals to be sent between the service processor and the service controller can be interlaced with console signals via the management connection in one or more management packets bounded by terminal escape sequences.

Abstract: A system unit has at least a first network identity and a second network identity for communicating with a network, and an indication of which of the network identities was effective on the most recent complete initialization of the system unit. On a subsequent initialization of the system unit, for example after moving the system unit, the effective network identity is changed. The indication is reset to the effective network identity if initialization completes. A system unit can thus be taken out of service and then restarted with a different identity. This enables the system unit reliably to check information from the network without fear of conflict with its previous network identity. The system unit can be a service processor that is operable to allocate network identities to further units (e.g. on a shelf on which the service processor resides).

Abstract: A combined switch and service processor module is provided for a carrier. The carrier has a plurality of information processing module receiving locations each configured to receive a removably mountable information processing module. The combined switch and service processor comprises a switch portion operable to provide switching functions for a plurality of information processing modules. The combined switch and service processor module also comprises a service processor portion operable to provide management services in respect of said information processing modules.

Abstract: A console concentrator is provided as an integral part of a modular computer system to provide access to consoles in the components of the system in a secure and flexible manner. For example, the console concentrator can provide a common point of access to respective consoles of a plurality of blades in blade server system. It can also provide access to consoles of, for example, a switch processor in the blade server system.

Abstract: A computer system (for example a blade server system) includes a connection framework for receiving at least two replaceable units (e.g., service processor units). Where a first replaceable unit is provided in the connection framework, the first replaceable unit can, on a second replaceable unit being received in the framework, allow restricted use of a default admin user login without a password for up to the end of predetermined period following receipt of the second replaceable unit. On receipt of an admin login with a configured password during the period, or on expiry of the period, the system can revert to normal operation.