Abstract: A computer system comprises a plurality of field replaceable units (FRUs) for supplying processing resources and a system controller. Each of the plurality of FRUs has a field replaceable unit identification (FRUID) memory adapted store a capacity-on-demand (COD) indication associated with the FRU, wherein the COD indication is indicative of whether the FRU is a base level resource or a COD resource. The system controller is configured to access the FRUID memory of each of the plurality of FRUs to detect the COD indication. Additionally, the system controller is configured to enable at least those of the plurality of FRUs for which the corresponding COD indication indicates that the FRU is a base level resource. The system controller is further configured to identify a need for additional processing resources, and is configured to enable additional ones of the plurality of FRUs responsive to identifying the need for additional processing resources.

Abstract: A method includes interfacing with a field replaceable unit (FRU) having a memory device configured to store a FRUID image including at least status data. The status data is extracted from the memory device. Repair information associated with a repair of the field replaceable unit is received. The repair information is stored in the memory device. A system includes a field replaceable unit (FRU) and a FRU tool. The FRU includes a memory device configured to store a FRUID image including at least status data. The FRU tool is configured to interface with the FRU, extract the status data from the memory device, receive repair information associated with a repair of the field replaceable unit, and store the repair information in the memory device.

Abstract: A method for configuring a computer system includes identifying a defective component in the computer system; disabling at least the defective component; and dynamically reconfiguring the computer system to allow continued operation with the defective component disabled. A computer system includes a plurality of components and a system controller. The system controller is adapted to identify a defective component from the plurality of components, disable at least the defective component, and dynamically reconfigure the computer system to allow continued operation with the defective component disabled.

Abstract: A method for tracking repair histories includes providing a field replaceable unit having a memory device, generating a repair history record associated with a repair request for the field replaceable unit, and storing the repair history record in the memory device. A computing system includes a field replaceable unit including a memory device configured to store a repair history record associated with repairs performed on the field replaceable unit.

Abstract: A method for tracking repair histories includes providing a field replaceable unit having a memory device. Operational history data is collected during the operation of the field replaceable unit. The operational history data is stored in the memory device. A computing system includes a field replaceable unit including a memory device configured to store operational history data associated with the field replaceable unit.

Abstract: A method for tracking repair histories includes providing a field replaceable unit having a memory device, generating a repair history record associated with a repair request for the field replaceable unit, and storing the repair history record in the memory device. A computing system includes a field replaceable unit including a memory device configured to store a repair history record associated with repairs performed on the field replaceable unit.

Abstract: A method includes interfacing with a field replaceable unit (FRU) having a memory device configured to store a FRUID image including at least status data. The status data is extracted from the memory device. Repair information associated with a repair of the field replaceable unit is received. The repair information is stored in the memory device. A system includes a field replaceable unit (FRU) and a FRU tool. The FRU includes a memory device configured to store a FRUID image including at least status data. The FRU tool is configured to interface with the FRU, extract the status data from the memory device, receive repair information associated with a repair of the field replaceable unit, and store the repair information in the memory device.

Abstract: A method includes providing at least one field replaceable unit in a computer system. The field replaceable unit has a memory device configured to store field replaceable unit data. An authentication check is performed on the field replaceable unit data. The field replaceable unit is identified as being unqualified responsive to a failure of the authentication check. A computer system includes at least one field replaceable unit and a system controller. The field replaceable unit has a memory device configured to store field replaceable unit data. The system controller is configured to perform an authentication check on the field replaceable unit data, and identify the field replaceable unit as being unqualified responsive to a failure of the authentication check.

Abstract: A method for tracking repair histories includes providing a field replaceable unit having a memory device. Operational history data is collected during the operation of the field replaceable unit. The operational history data is stored in the memory device. A computing system includes a field replaceable unit including a memory device configured to store operational history data associated with the field replaceable unit.

Abstract: A computer system comprises a plurality of field replaceable units (FRUs) for supplying processing resources and a system controller. Each of the plurality of FRUs has a field replaceable unit identification (FRUID) memory adapted store a capacity-on-demand (COD) indication associated with the FRU, wherein the COD indication is indicative of whether the FRU is a base level resource or a COD resource. The system controller is configured to access the FRUID memory of each of the plurality of FRUs to detect the COD indication. Additionally, the system controller is configured to enable at least those of the plurality of FRUs for which the corresponding COD indication indicates that the FRU is a base level resource. The system controller is further configured to identify a need for additional processing resources, and is configured to enable additional ones of the plurality of FRUs responsive to identifying the need for additional processing resources.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for conveying component data identifying a component and indicating one or more states of the component existing during component operation (e.g., one or more component operating conditions). One embodiment of the method includes receiving a component data file including the component data, and transmitting the component data file (e.g., to a component data repository). Prior to the transmitting, the component data file may be compressed an/or encrypted. For example, a transmitted encrypted compressed component data file may be received and decrypted to produce a copy of a compressed component data file. The compressed component data file may be decompressed to produce a copy of the component data file, and the component data may be extracted from the component data file. Multiple component data files may be received at different times, compressed to produce corresponding compressed component data files, and the compressed component data files may be stored in a designated location.

Abstract: A method for configuring a computer system includes identifying a defective component in the computer system; disabling at least the defective component; and dynamically reconfiguring the computer system to allow continued operation with the defective component disabled. A computer system includes a plurality of components and a system controller. The system controller is adapted to identify a defective component from the plurality of components, disable at least the defective component, and dynamically reconfigure the computer system to allow continued operation with the defective component disabled.

Abstract: A method includes providing a field replaceable unit having a memory device. A first data element including dynamic information associated with the service life of the field replaceable unit is generated. A first tag is generated for the first data element. The first tag is prepended to the first data element to generate a first tagged data element. The first tagged data element is stored in the memory device. A computing system includes a field replaceable unit having a memory device configured to store a first tagged data element, the first tagged data element including a first data element including dynamic information associated with the service life of the field replaceable unit and a first tag associated with the first data element.

Abstract: A method includes providing a field replaceable unit having a memory device. Static information associated with the identity of the field replaceable unit is stored in the memory device. Dynamic data associated with a service life of the field replaceable unit is stored in the memory device. A computing system includes a field replaceable unit having a memory device storing static information associated with the identity of the field replaceable unit and dynamic data associated with a service life of the field replaceable unit.