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Support for eServer pSeries servers is the main site for pSeries hardware and operating system technical support. Through this site, you can fulfill your need for pSeries technical information, such as:
The Support for eServer pSeries servers site provides access to:
For example, the hardware technical resources include links to service guides, maintenance guides, and lists of product features. Its software counterpart contains links to AIX and Linux documentation, and application software support. There are links to product documentation, education, training, and developer resources. Every effort has been made to make this website be as comprehensive as possible. The new tab feature simplifies the sorting process and allows you to quickly find information you're looking for. Please take the time to explore what these webpages have to offer you, and bookmark it for future reference. If you cannot find something, do not hesitate to use the "feedback" link to give constructive feedback. You can also use the feedback link for compliments!
The AIX and pSeries Information Centers are divided into two websites. One focuses on AIX 5.3 on pSeries hardware, and the other focuses on older versions of AIX. The IBM eServer pSeries Information Center for pSeries, RS/6000, and AIX 5L versions 5.1 and 5.2 is a very valuable entry point into pSeries topics. There are links to AIX and pSeries documentation, but this site offers a unique sample of other topics as well:
The AIX documentation links from this site are of a technical nature, and include guides for:
The
pSeries and AIX Information Center for AIX 5L version 5.3
is an excellent hub for technical information. pSeries hardware information
can be accessed from here, which includes user, installation,
and service guides. Extensive AIX documentation is accessible from this site.
The most comprehensive technical AIX documentation can be accessed from the pSeries and AIX Information Center for AIX 5L version 5.3 webpage, which is mentioned in the section above.
If what you're looking for is a top-level view of AIX, take a look at the IBM AIX 5L Unix Operating System webpage. This page has a marketing bent to it rather than a technical bent. As such, it gives a very good overview of what features AIX has to offer. There's even a list of what features each version of AIX has called "Upgrade Benefits," so if you're looking for when a particular feature entered the AIX code, this might be just the thing for you.
Recall the categorization of the pSeries machine from the Background information webpage: Server --> Unix Server --> pSeries. Since the pSeries is a type of Server, the IBM Servers - Welcome Kit webpage is a good online resource. Other types of Servers are listed on this webpage, but if you follow the link under the tab "Support" for "UNIX Servers (pSeries)" you can find a top-level list of links to various IBM sites of interest. There are links to pSeries support, training, microcode updates, libraries, white papers, and redbooks.
Redbooks is a very popular and extremely useful group of IBM-published technical writings. Most of the publications are available in pdf for immediate download, but some are available as a CD-ROM or hardcopy. A search function is provided, to search by keyword. pSeries keywords could include the model number of the machine, or the words: "eServer," "Unix Server," "pSeries," "AIX." Redbooks covers a wide range of information, so you can search for both broad topics and for specific tasks and come away with relevant material. Make frequent visits to the online pSeries Library, where you can find up-to-date links to AIX and pSeries technical documentation, support, articles, and other libraries. pSeries has a repository for online papers, in the site System p5 Literature. This excellent resource provides direct access to pdf files or links to eServer pSeries:
![[image of IBM education staff]](images/20-ed6.jpg)
As computers become more complex, it takes a longer time to learn how all the features work. IBM has written materials for self-education, courses taught in classrooms, and even things in-between, such as online learning courses. Take advantage of the free resources, but seriously consider investing in some education or training courses. Transfer of knowledge to you from subject matter experts can familiarize you quickly with all the wonderful things that a pSeries machine can do. Some companies have a combination approach- they send their system administrators to IBM education and training courses, then supply them with manuals and written materials for reference information. One consolidated resource for eServer education is The Campus. Again the knowledge that a pSeries machine is an eServer / UNIX Server will come in handy when navigating this site. Education might be delivered in any these ways, depending on the topic selected:
The following Campus links are highly recommended: IBM Global Services also provides training. Explore the link entitled "Training" to reach the course catalog, courses by location, and even e-learning.
The term "software" can be confusing, because it can be used in three ways:
Some IBM websites include operating system information when addressing the subject of software, but some do not. Be wary. If you're looking for operating system information, look in IBM websites for the hardware model the operating system runs on, and look from there. If you're looking for application software, then most IBM sites which speak of "software" will be relevant for you. A superb entrypoint for application software technical information and support is the Software Support site. Provided from this site are:
Software Support's parent webpage is the IBM Software site, if you want an even higher-level view of popular application software. Last but not least, the IBM Software Support Handbook will tell you everything you need to know about application software that IBM supports. This thorough, well-written, well-organized handbook is an excellent reference material for application software support.
AIX fixes, microcode, drivers and HMC updates can be found through the Support for eServer pSeries servers webpage. Select the pSeries hardware type, and look under the "download" tab. "Maintenance Packages" for AIX are packages of AIX fixes that can be downloaded or ordered on CD-ROM from this site. Sometimes these packages of fixes are referred to as "Recommended Maintenance Packages," "Maintenance Packages," "Maintenance Levels," or "ML's." A good habit to acquire is to apply Maintenance Packages for AIX on a regular basis.
Good news! You can have information delivered to you by e-mail or view it online. Support Subscription Services for Unix Servers allows you to create a profile of what types of information you want, which will be e-mailed to you. You can select from such things as security advisories and alerts that maintenance fixes are available. See the website for the complete list of what you can sign up for. The basic free service is extremely helpful, but you can also choose to expand the capabilities of this service. Offering Information is an entry point website to many, many different kinds of information within IBM, including announcements, redbooks, white papers, marketing materials, and press releases. You can search by hardware category keeping in mind that a pSeries machine is an IBM eServer Unix server. iSource, "Customized weekly e-news from IBM," is a nice free service which delivers information via e-mail. The e-mails have links within IBM's website for you to explore. Just select what categories of information you want delivered to you, and you're off!
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