Abstract: A system and method for scaling the performance of a data processing system is disclosed. According to one method, a level of system performance is purchased for use with the data processing system. This purchased performance level is described in Millions of Instructions Per Second (MIPS) or a similar unit of measure. A system administrator selects which resources within the data processing system will be enabled, as well as how those resources will be configured. The enabled system resources will include one or more instruction processors. The performance of each of the enabled processors is then scaled to achieve the purchased system performance level. Performance scaling is performed in a manner that takes into account characteristics associated with the selected configuration as well as the system architecture.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for authorizing a temporary or permanent increase in the performance of a data processing system while providing little or no down time. This is accomplished by including extra or additional computer resources in the data processing system when, for example, it is provided to the customer. However, only those resources required to achieve the performance level purchased by the customer are enabled for use during normal operation. To temporarily or permanently increase the performance level of the data processing system, the customer purchases an authorization key. When the customer desires increased performance, the authorization key is registered on the data processing system, which enables the use of additional hardware resources. The authorization key may be used akin to an insurance policy that allows selective increases in performance level to accommodate unplanned increases in performance requirements.