Abstract: A logically-partitioned computer system provides support for multiple logical partitions to access a single file system, thereby allowing the logical partitions to share a file without the overhead of communicating over a VLAN. An area of shared memory is defined that multiple logical partitions may access. One or more file control blocks that control access to the files in the file system are then created in the shared memory. Existing mechanisms for locking a file system between processes may then be used across logical partitions to serialize access to the file system by all processes in all logical partitions that share the file system. In this manner the sharing of files in a file system is enabled by leveraging existing technology that is used within a single logical partition to extend across multiple logical partitions.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture for installing multiple, heterogeneous operating systems is provided. A network install manager is used to process network requests for various different operating system installs. The network install manager may be configured to provide an install kernel for a variety of operating systems to partitions defined for a logically partitioned system.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, system, and signal-bearing medium that, in an embodiment, access a common data structure via a customized rule. The common data structure is accessed by multiple tools and each tool has a customized rule for accessing the common data structure. Each of the customized rules specifies a subset of the fields in the common data structure, values for which the subset of fields are to be restricted, and a hierarchy of a logically-partitioned computer, where each of the values belongs in the hierarchy. The common data structure has a record for each of the partitions in the logically-partitioned computer, and each of the records contains the fields.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to improve order fulfilment and the management of installed software on a computer system. In preferred embodiments, a software catalog provides a proxy entry to a CD image stored on a system resource. When the proxy entry is selected by the computer user, the proxy entry is materialized, it is changed into an actual image of the software on the user's computer ready for use. In preferred embodiments, the proxy entry includes installation information. In other preferred embodiments, the software catalog is used in a system for the management of software installation and order fulfilment of purchased software. The proxy entry may also include ownership information such as a key or certificate to increase security from software piracy.

Abstract: A partition wizard allows automatically defining from a set of system requirements a solution profile that defines a combination of hardware and software in multiple logical partitions to satisfy the performance objectives. The solution profile may be used by an order processing system to automatically generate an order for a target computer system. The solution profile may also be used by a hardware management console to automatically create logical partitions on the target computer system, then may be used by an operating system install engine to automatically install a desired operating system in each of the logical partitions on the target computer system and to automatically install desired software into each of the logical partitions in the target computer system. The solution profile may also be used to manage the target computer system.

Abstract: A logically-partitioned computer system provides support for multiple logical partitions to access a single file system, thereby allowing the logical partitions to share a file without the overhead of communicating over a VLAN. An area of shared memory is defined that multiple logical partitions may access. One or more file control blocks that control access to the files in the file system are then created in the shared memory. Existing mechanisms for locking a file system between processes may then be used across logical partitions to serialize access to the file system by all processes in all logical partitions that share the file system. In this manner the sharing of files in a file system is enabled by leveraging existing technology that is used within a single logical partition to extend across multiple logical partitions.