Abstract: A method is disclosed to update multiple devices disposed in a computing system comprising a plurality of devices. The method receives a request to perform a firmware image update for a plurality of designated target devices, where each of those designated target devices comprises a first firmware image, and where the request comprises a second firmware image. The method uploads the second firmware image to a shared memory device, where each of the designated target devices is in communication with that shared memory device, and broadcasts an update command to each of the plurality of devices. The method determines the device state of each of the designated target devices, and if each of the designated target devices reports either an operational device state or an error device state, then the method reports that the firmware update is complete.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for non-interruptively updating firmware on a redundant hardware controller. The apparatus includes a routing module, a receiving module, and a forwarding module. The routing module routes communications between a redundant hardware controller and a service processor associated with a flash update. The receiving module receives a flash command for the flash update from the service processor via a shared serial connection. The forwarding module forwards the flash command via a dedicated point to point connection to the redundant hardware controller configured to receive the flash command over the point to point connection. The apparatus, system, and method provide a non-interruptive overlay of the firmware image on a redundant hardware controller, minimizing system downtime and user intervention.

Abstract: A method to provide an alert notification and a reconcile action to a client computing system, the alert notification being responsive to an error condition in a target computing system, and the reconcile action being responsive to the alert notification, wherein the method supplies a client computing system and a target computing system, wherein the target computing system is in communication with the client computing system. The method further forms an alert notification responsive to an error condition detected in the target computing system, and generates a reconcile action responsive to the alert notification. The method provides the alert notification and the reconcile action to the client computing system. The client computing system returns a selected reconcile action, which is implemented by the target computing system, wherein that implementing step is performed without logging into said target computing system.

Abstract: For controlling power sequence in a blade center environment, a relationship component module creates a topology of interdependent relationships of devices in the blade center environment. The devices include server blades, storage blades, and switch modules. A sequence module defines a sequence of the devices in the blade center environment to power off and on based on the topology of interdependent relationships. The sequence includes an order of a first independent blade server, each dependent storage blade of the first independent blade server, and a second independent blade server. A monitor component module monitors a command from an Advanced Management Module (AMM) to regulate power for the devices in the blade center environment. The AMM regulates power within the blade center. A validation module validates that the command does not violate the interdependent relationships and the sequence of devices or else blocks the command if the command is not validated.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for controlling power sequence in a blade center environment. A blade center environment has many devices requiring power. A relationship component module creates a topology of interdependent relationships of the devices. A monitor component module monitors commands to regulate power for devices. A validating module validates that the commands do not violate the interdependent relationships defined in the topology and returns a failure message if the command is not validated.

Abstract: A method is disclosed to alert a system administrator of a failure condition within a distributed system having a chassis, a management module, and one or more devices installed in the chassis. Such a method may initially identify whether a device within the chassis has encountered a failure condition. The method may then determine whether the device requires removal from the chassis based on the failure condition. The method may cause a visual fault indicator associated with the device to assume a first illuminated state in the event the device requires removal. The method may cause the visual fault indicator to assume a second illuminated state in the event the device does not require removal. If communication with a management module is possible, a visual fault indicator on the chassis may assume a third illuminated state if the device requires removal. A corresponding apparatus and computer-program product are also disclosed.

Abstract: An I/O module includes a switch module, a redundant array of independent disks (RAID) controller and a baseboard management controller (BMC). A first address for a first component of the plurality of components is received. The first address is provided by a user. The switch module is queried for additional addresses for additional components of the plurality of components. The switch module obtains the additional addresses for the additional components from a first persistent storage location associated with the switch module. The first and additional addresses for the first and additional components are stored in a second persistent storage location accessible by the BMC, the switch module, and the RAID controller. Synchronization of the first and additional addresses for the first and additional components in the second persistent location is controlled by the BMC.

Abstract: Provided are a method, system, and article of manufacture, wherein a persistent storage is maintained in a device receiving unit that is capable of receiving one or more devices. The device receiving unit receives a device that includes device specific information that identifies the device. The device is interfaced with the device receiving unit. The persistent storage is updated with the device specific information that identifies the device, in response to the interfacing of the device with the device receiving unit.

Abstract: Provided are a techniques for processing a download. Under control of a first target device, a download command is received via a first communication medium that indicates that an update is to be downloaded. The download command is issued to a second target device via a second communication medium, wherein the second communication medium is a private device communication medium that enables private communication between the first target device and the second target device. The update is received via the first communication medium. In response to determining that the update has been downloaded, run with the update.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for maintaining dynamic persistent data. A selection module selects the most recent metadata. A verification module verifies that the metadata has been successfully updated. A validation module validates that the metadata is accurate. A communication module communicates the Persistent Storage Device data to a system processor if the metadata is validated. A storage module may store primary and secondary information of data, metadata, and data state variables.

Abstract: A method to provide an alert notification and a reconcile action to a client computing system, the alert notification being responsive to an error condition in a target computing system, and the reconcile action being responsive to the alert notification, wherein the method supplies a client computing system and a target computing system, wherein the target computing system is in communication with the client computing system. The method further forms an alert notification responsive to an error condition detected in the target computing system, and generates a reconcile action responsive to the alert notification. The method provides the alert notification and the reconcile action to the client computing system. The client computing system returns a selected reconcile action, which is implemented by the target computing system, wherein that implementing step is performed without logging into said target computing system.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for receiving digital instructions at devices or controllers sharing an identity. A first controller receives a digital instruction instance over a communications medium. The digital instruction instance may be a firmware instance. The first controller has ownership of the communications medium and shares the communications medium and a common identity with a second controller. An ownership module transfers ownership of the communications medium from the first controller to the second controller. The ownership module may transfer ownership in response to the first controller successfully receiving the digital instruction instance. A request module requests a retransmission of the digital instruction instance, and may request the retransmission in response to the transfer of ownership of the communications medium. The second controller receives the retransmitted digital instruction instance in response to the retransmission request.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system are disclosed for exchanging services in a distributed system. A communication module receives an advertisement of service capabilities for a service provider. The communication module further receives a registration of service requirements for a service consumer. A match module determines if the advertisement service capabilities match the registration service requirements. A configuration module configures the service provider to supply the service requirements of the service consumer if the advertisement service capabilities match the registration service requirements. An establishment module establishes a service relationship between the service provider and the service consumer. The service provider provides the service requirements of the service consumer.

Abstract: Provided are techniques for restoring firmware. A first programmable hardware device determines that a second programmable hardware device needs a valid firmware image, retrieves a copy of the valid firmware image from an external memory, and sends the valid firmware image to the second programmable hardware device via a private communication link, wherein the private communication link enables private communication between the first programmable hardware device and the second programmable hardware device. The second programmable hardware device restores existing firmware using the valid firmware image.

Abstract: Provided are techniques for restoring firmware. A first programmable hardware device determines that a second programmable hardware device needs a valid firmware image, retrieves a copy of the valid firmware image from an external memory, and sends the valid firmware image to the second programmable hardware device via a private communication link, wherein the private communication link enables private communication between the first programmable hardware device and the second programmable hardware device. The second programmable hardware device restores existing firmware using the valid firmware image.

Abstract: A method for discovering components on a multi-blade server chassis having an input/output (I/O) module in communication with a plurality of components managed by an advanced management module (AMM) is provided. The I/O module includes a switch module, a redundant array of independent disks (RAID) controller and a baseboard management controller (BMC). A first address for a first component of the plurality of components is received. The first address is provided by a user. The switch module is queried for additional addresses for additional components of the plurality of components. The switch module obtains the additional addresses for the additional components from a first persistent storage location associated with the switch module. The first and additional addresses for the first and additional components are stored in a second persistent storage location accessible by the BMC, the switch module, and the RAID controller.

Abstract: A vital product data system memory stores warranty information in vital product data relating to replaceable unit(s) of a data handling system. The data comprises a date of first use, and a device state field comprising an identifier representing one of the states: “new”, “recertified”, and, “in-use”. Management control, in response to newly sensing a replaceable unit, detects its device state field, and if the detected field is set to the “new” state, resets it to the “in-use” state, sets the date of first use to a current date, and stores the state field and date of first use for the replaceable unit in the memory; and if the detected field is set to the “recertified” state, resets the field to the “in-use” state, and sets the replaceable unit date of first use to the date of first use stored in the memory for the previous replaceable unit at the same location.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for controlling power sequence in a blade center environment. A blade center environment has many devices requiring power. A relationship component module creates a topology of interdependent relationships of the devices. A monitor component module monitors commands to regulate power for devices. A validating module validates that the commands do not violate the interdependent relationships defined in the topology and returns a failure message if the command is not validated.

Abstract: Provided are a method, system, and article of manufacture, wherein a persistent storage is maintained in a device receiving unit that is capable of receiving one or more devices. The device receiving unit receives a device that includes device specific information that identifies the device. The device is interfaced with the device receiving unit. The persistent storage is updated with the device specific information that identifies the device, in response to the interfacing of the device with the device receiving unit.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for maintaining dynamic persistent data. A selection module selects the most recent metadata. A verification module verifies that the metadata has been successfully updated. A validation module validates that the metadata is accurate. A communication module communicates the Persistent Storage Device data to a system processor if the metadata is validated. A storage module may store primary and secondary information of data, metadata, and data state variables.