Abstract: An apparatus, program product and method for managing a number of physical connections to a peripheral device. A multipath driver provides a logical connection interface to a client. This interface allows the client to efficiently access the peripheral device over one or more of the physical connections. In so doing, the logical connection interface associates connections with a primary connection, deletes inactive connections from memory, as well as updates and uses a list of active connections to seamlessly route data to the peripheral device.

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 of replacing a failed hardware device in a computer each rely solely on program code and/or other computer facilities that are ensured of being available in the computer during a concurrent maintenance operation, so that, even in the event that a failure occurs in such a hardware device, successful performance of the concurrent maintenance operation is ensured. For example, the initiation of power up and power down functions necessary to permit replacement of a failed device may be performed through a control panel or other similar facility in a computer that is continuously available when a computer is in a fully or partially active and powered-on state.

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 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.