IBM TS7700 Family

This family consists of TS7740 and TS7720.

Each machine group as a cluster.Cluster group as a family.

Each family and cluster can be in a grid.Maximum 8 cluster is allowed.

IBM TS7720- consists of 3957-veb. And ds6000 disk.

It does not have any external tape drive and tape library.

256 virtual drive emulated .data read and write much more faster than TS7740.

Cons-no physical stack volume.

IBM TS7740-4th generation of enterprise storage.

Later version called VTS(virtual tape system) attached to IBM 3494.

It used 3540 and 3590 drives.some customer upgrade and add 3592 drive.

TS7740 also called as VE (virtual engine).The engine using p-series machine.

Knowledge in AIX is recommended to have but not necessary as is use smitty menu.

TS7740 : VE is attach to IBM TS3500 tape library.Machine type 3584 and use 3592 drive.

Drives is connect to Fibre switch and native drive connect directly to VE.

New born

Newborn in system Z family , latest z114 Machine type, 2818 .



Enterprises of all sizes need to take a close look at how the z114 might help lower their total cost of computing while increasing their qualities of service delivery."

- Mike Kahn, Managing Director, The Clipper Group

Highlights

• Unique hybrid design integrates Mainframe, POWER7 and IBM System x technologies in a single unified system, allowing simplified operations across application environments.
• Designed and right-sized as an entry level hybrid mainframe server with increased flexibility and performance in a lower cost package, now starting under $75K USD¹.
• Industry-leading virtualization, security, resiliency, and connectivity technologies cost-effectively packaged as a midrange enterprise solution.
• A great choice as a standalone development machine, a coupling facility or as an on ramp for any growing business looking to exploit mainframe technologies.
• Up to 18 percent performance improvement per core and up to 12 percent more capacity within the same energy footprint as a z10 BC.
• Consolidate an average of 30 distributed servers or more on a single core, or an average of 300 in a single footprint, delivering a virtual Linux server for under $1.45 day.².

source from http://www-03.ibm.com/systems/z/hardware/zenterprise/z114.html

In a few weeks , I will get a chance to install the z114 in our first customer here. Official service and installation document already release in the IBM Resource Link . For customer who already registered in IBM Resource Link , they can view the new z114 document, library, fixes and etc .

"Our two mainframes host 100 virtual servers, replacing at least 50 under-utilised x86 machines....this ultimately means that we're making better use of taxpayer money."

- Tim Simpson, IT Support Manager, Dundee City Council

Today , 100 years

A century ago IBM built meat scales and tabulating machines.Today we're building a smarter planet, where everyone from business to governments can do anything from reduce crime and treat disease to save energy and cut traffic.Proof that thinking ahead can drive a century of progress. Something we believe will serve us well in the next 100 years.

On last 7th June, I replaced an Internal Battery Feature (IBF).

The IBF is an option for customer to have it . It is a part of the power components in mainframe as use for power shortage.It was designed to keep the server up long enough to properly shutdown or to ride through short power outages. IBF is connected to Bulk Power Regulator (BPR).
The BPR function is to convert AC voltage to 350 VDC as supply power to whole mainframe components.

To handle IBF it required at least 2 persons. The Pb battery weight was more than 40 KG (if im not mistaken).

The IBF is seat on the top frame of mainframe. Depend to the model it can be in both Z and A frame or only in a single frame.
To install, it required a lift tool in order to lift it down and up to the top frame. Procedure to install the lift tools can be view during the R&V procedure. In the 2nd picture as below , the IBF already take out and will be lift down.
In the 3rd picture, the IBF is being lift up by the lift tool.
The lift gear need to manually turn until it reach the IBF cage. After the IBF was installed to the original location, follow the R&V to connected the IBF cable, switch ON CB, and powering ON the IBF. Once the success message appear , the R&V complete.



This is the old and new IBF. New IBF was 'Made In Malaysia' and proudly that now many of the mainframe components are made locally .

Optica Converter

What it bus and tag channel ?

Definition of: bus and tag channel

A common name for the parallel channel between IBM mainframes and peripherals. One set of cables carries the data (the bus), and another set is for control information (the tag). IBM's OEM Information publication (OEMI) is another term for this

What is Optica Converter ?
To convert bus and tag channel to ESCON channel .

Why need it ?
Because mainframe does not support bus and tag channel card .

Now in market , we already have FICON converter - to convert ESCON to FICON. Soon mainframe will no
longer have ESCON card.

Countdown !!!!

COUNTDOWN

9 days to 100 years
14 days to 50 years ..


Yes..my company celebration Centennial and 50th Anniversary.

Today Watson quote
Watson on TAKING A STAND
If you stand up and are counted, from time to time you may get yourself knocked down. But remember this: A man flattened by an opponent can get up again. A man flattened by conformity stays down for good. .

A lot of charity activity was organized as a Celebration of Service . Our executive had pledged in the volunteering activities such as Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat , a visit to Komplek Penyanyang,youth association, orphanage and elder center.

I'm considering to pledge on Turtle Saving program at Terengganu / Melaka. But it took 5 days on weekday for this activities. That mean , I and my wife need to got 5 days annual leave.
My wife annual leave is reserve for Hari Raya puasa celebration. So we may not join this activity.

Career Grow ^^^

Lately, I thinking of career switch. From Field Engineer (CE) to another IT role such as architect, specialist, PM or Consultant. Now I'm still reviewing GTS Career Day slides to make decision . It not a minutes jump , maybe my decision is today but to be what I decide it may take several years. I read that certain basic skill and fundamental must be learn first.

I really hope an opinion and comment from you .