Abstract: A flexible scheduler for matching knowledge seeker(s) with a knowledge provider of a specific subject matter is provided. The scheduler searches a knowledge provider database to identify at least one knowledge provider skilled in the specified subject matter. If no match is found, then the scheduler seeks and selects a new knowledge provider skilled in the specified subject matter. Finally, the scheduler schedules the knowledge sharing session by weighing seeker(s) preferred timeslots and weighing selected provider preferred timeslots.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method, system and computer program product for determining hardware diagnostics during initial program loading (IPL). A space is allocated for a diagnostics hardware table storing hardware identifications corresponding to hardware to be tested. A hardware monitor function detects new and/or defective hardware. Hardware can be manually selected. A runtime diagnostics detects defective hardware. The hardware identifications corresponding to the new, failing, and/or selected hardware are added to the diagnostics hardware table. The hardware identification to be tested is acquired during the building of a system Hardware Objects Model (HOM). A diagnostics flag is set within HOM according to the diagnostics hardware table. Diagnostics are performed per HOM diagnostics flag indication. The diagnostics table is cleared, and the operating system is run. At system runtime, diagnostics code monitors for runtime error.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method, system and computer program product for determining hardware diagnostics during initial program loading (IPL). A space is allocated for a diagnostics hardware table storing hardware identifications corresponding to hardware to be tested. A hardware monitor function detects new and/or defective hardware. Hardware can be manually selected. A runtime diagnostics detects defective hardware. The hardware identifications corresponding to the new, failing, and/or selected hardware are added to the diagnostics hardware table. The hardware identification to be tested is acquired during the building of a system Hardware Objects Model (HOM). A diagnostics flag is set within HOM according to the diagnostics hardware table. Diagnostics are performed per HOM diagnostics flag indication. The diagnostics table is cleared, and the operating system is run. At system runtime, diagnostics code monitors for runtime error.

Abstract: A computer for implementing a method for conditionally capturing hardware scan dump data to minimize the reboot recovery time employs a service processor operable to detect a failure of another hardware component of the computer. Upon detection, the service processor will conditionally capture hardware scan dump data. The first condition for capturing hardware scan dump data is the service processor being activated into an active storing mode of operation labeled “Always”. The second condition for capturing hardware scan dump data is the service processor being activated to a reactive storing mode of operation labeled “As Needed” and the error causing the operational failure being a type of error where hardware scan dump data is needed or desired by a system engineer in correcting the operational failure. By conditionally capturing hardware scan dump data, the amount of data being processed over multiple failures of the computer is minimized.

Abstract: A computer for implementing a method for conditionally capturing hardware scan dump data to minimize the reboot recovery time is disclosed. The computer comprises a service processor operable to detect a failure of another hardware component of the computer. Upon detection, the service processor will conditionally capture hardware scan dump data. The first condition for capturing hardware scan dump data is the service processor being activated into an active storing mode of operation labeled “Always”. The second condition for capturing hardware scan dump data is the service processor being activated to a reactive storing mode of operation labeled “As Needed” and the error causing the operational failure being a type of error where hardware scan dump data is needed or desired by a system engineer in correcting the operational failure. By conditionally capturing hardware scan dump data, the amount of data being processed over multiple failures of the computer is minimized.

Abstract: A computer system including a central processing unit and a system memory accessible to the central processing unit via a host bus. A primary non-volatile storage element and a backup non-volatile storage element are incorporated into the system's motherboard. The primary non-volatile storage element contains the system's boot code that is executed following a reset or power on event. The backup non-volatile storage element contains a restoration sequence that is suitable for reprogramming a first portion of the boot code in the primary non-volatile storage element. A jumper block on the motherboard determines which of the non-volatile storage elements is initially addressed following a power on event. Preferably, the first portion of the boot code comprises the system's boot block or gold code and includes a sequence for downloading and reprogramming remaining portions of the boot code. The primary non-volatile storage element is preferably implemented as a multiple sector flash memory device.

Abstract: A data processing system and method for sharing a component of the data processing system between multiple resources are disclosed. According to the method, at least one query is transmitted from a first resource to a second resource. In response to receipt of the query by the second resource, a reply is transmitted from the second resource to the first resource. The reply indicates that the second resource has an active communication session through a particular communication port controlled by the shared component. In response to receipt of the reply by the first resource, a transfer command is transmitted from the first resource to the second resource. In response to receipt of the transfer command by the second resource, control of the component is transferred from the second resource to the first resource while maintaining the active communication session.