Abstract: An information processing module includes a processor subsystem including a processor and memory. The information processing module is configured as a field replaceable unit blade server removably receivable in a carrier. Redundant external connections are provided for interconnection with the carrier. The external connections for carry information signals, management signals and power. The information processing module can be configured as a field replaceable blade server. The provision of a limited set of redundant connections provides for highly reliable interconnection between the information processing module and the carrier.

Abstract: A computer system comprises a plurality of processing modules, each operable to provide a service to an external entity. Each processing module has a processor and a memory. A storage module is provided, operable to store information required by the processing modules to provide the service. A switching module is also provided, operable to provide a switching service between the processing module and storage module and between the processing module and an external entity.

Abstract: A computer system comprises a plurality of processing modules, each operable to provide a service to an external entity. Each processing module has a processor and a memory. A storage module is provided, operable to store information required by the processing modules to provide the service. A switching module is also provided, operable to provide a switching service between the processing module and storage module and between the processing module and an external entity.

Abstract: A computer system comprises a plurality of processing modules, each operable to provide a service to an external entity. Each processing module has a processor and a memory. A storage module is provided, operable to store information required by the processing modules to provide the service. A switching module is also provided, operable to provide a switching service between the processing module and storage module and between the processing module and an external entity.

Abstract: First and second host systems can each include a respective repository of host identities. The first host system can encode a host identity to be transferred to the second host system using a parameter, for example a property of the second host system. The first host system can divulge the result of the encoding and remove the host identity from its repository. The second host system can decode the host identity to be transferred using the parameter, and can then add the host identity to be transferred to its repository.

Abstract: A computer system comprises a plurality of shelves. Each shelf has a carrier for removably receiving a plurality of information processing modules and a switching module. Each shelf also has an interconnection member for providing connections between the information processing modules and the switching module. The switching modules of the respective shelves are interconnected in a logical stacking configuration to form a logical stacking arrangement.

Abstract: A first host system can be configured initially with a first host identity and a second host system can be configured initially with a second host identity. A host identity can belong to only one host system at a time. An administrator system can hold an additional host identity. The administrator system can securely connect to the first host system and can pass the additional host identity to the first host system. The first host system can reconfiguring itself to use the additional host identity and can pass the first host identity to the administrator system. The administrator system can securely connect to the second host system and can pass the first host identity to the second host system. The second host system can then reconfigure itself to use the first host identity and pass the second host identity to the administrator system. In this manner the first host identity can be passed securely from the first to the host system without a risk of duplication.

Abstract: A portable storage device, for example a secure smart card, contains network identification information for a processing unit that is connectable to a data communications network, which processing unit includes a device reader for reading the portable storage device. The portable storage device includes storage and an access controller. The storage holds a network identity for the processing unit and at least one encryption key. The access controller is operable to control access to the storage by implementing key-key encryption. An embodiment of the invention thus provides a medium not only for storing a network identity for processing unit, but also for other secure information such as an encryption key associated therewith.

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 system comprises a server blade carrier. The server blade carrier carries a plurality of removably mountable server blades. Each blade includes a blade service controller operable to perform monitoring and management functions in the server blade. The carrier comprises at least one carrier service processor. The carrier service processor is operably connected to the blade service controllers of blade servers mounted in the carrier to provide higher level management functions and is configured to communicate management functions to and from the blades.

Abstract: A server blade is provided which comprises a processor. The server blade additionally comprises an enclosure which encloses the processor. The server blade is configured as a field replaceable unit removably receivable in a carrier of a modular computer system, and is configured as an oversized unit to span more than one standard information processing module receiving location in the carrier.

Abstract: An information processing module, for example a server blade, has information connections and storage connections. A carrier, e.g., a rack mountable shelf, is configured to receive a number of information processing modules. A switch module is operable to connect a received information processing module to an external information network. The switch includes an external storage connection operable under an external storage channel format, e.g., Fiber Channel. A protocol converter converts between information packets comprising packet format storage data (e.g., iSCSI format) received from an information processing module and signals in the external storage channel format. Redundant connections are included to enhance reliability.

Abstract: Monitoring the health of a system module can be carried out during state transitioning, for example when starting or stopping a system module. A monitor module can be operationally connected to the system module. The system module can output a status signal for predetermined system status points during state transitioning. The monitor module can start a timer on detecting a first status signal and can reset the timer on detecting a subsequent status signal. The timer can indicate a failed transitioning of the system module in the event that the timer is not reset within a determined period of being reset.

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, receivable in the support module, includes a protocol translator for translating between information protocols.

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 comprises a plurality of shelves. Each shelf has a carrier for removably receiving a plurality of information processing modules and a switching module. Each shelf also has an interconnection member for providing connections between the information processing modules and the switching module. The shelves are logically connected into a plurality of stacks, the switching modules of the respective shelves in each stack being interconnected in a logical stacking configuration. The computer system further comprises a shelf having a carrier for removably receiving a master switching module, wherein the master switching module is connected into each stack as a common master switch for all of the stacks.

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: Network identities for components (e.g., server blades) of a multi-domain computer system (e.g., a server blade system) are stored in a connection framework (e.g., a carrier for the server blades) and copies thereof are stored in two or more support units (e.g., service processors for the carrier). These multiple copies can then be used to ensure the integrity of network identities that are allocated to the system units by the support units.

Abstract: A modular computer system (e.g., a server blade system) includes a carrier (e.g., a rack mountable shelf) carrying a plurality of removably mountable 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 monitoring and system management functions. The carrier and the information processing modules can be interconnected by separate information and service management paths so that system management signals can be communicated independently of information signals. A combined switch and service processor module can be provided in the carrier. The switch and the service processor can be interconnected via a communications link for controlled information passage between a management network and the information processing modules via an information path.

Abstract: A portable storage device, for example a secure smart card, contains network identification information and configuration information for a processing unit that is connectable to a data communications network, which processing unit includes a device reader for reading the portable storage device. The portable storage device includes storage and an access controller. The storage holds a network identity and configuration information for the processing unit and at least one encryption key. The access controller is operable to control access to the storage by implementing key-key encryption. An embodiment of the invention thus provides a medium not only for storing a network identity and configuration information for processing unit, but also for other secure information such as an encryption key associated therewith.