Method, apparatus, and product for an efficient virtualized time base in a scaleable multi-processor computer

An apparatus for providing a virtualized time base in a logically partitioned data processing system, said apparatus comprising:

• a time base determined for each one of a plurality of processor cores, said time base being used to indicate a current time to one of said plurality of processor cores for which said time base is determined;
• said time bases being synchronized together for said plurality of processor cores wherein each one of said plurality of processor cores includes its own copy of a synchronized time base;
• a virtualized time base, generated for one of said plurality of processor cores, that is different from said synchronized time base but that remains synchronized with at least a portion of said synchronized time base;
• said one of said plurality of processor cores utilizing said virtualized time base instead of said synchronized time base for indicating said current time to said one of said plurality of processor cores;
• and
• said synchronized time bases and said portion of said virtualized time base remaining in synchronization together.

A computer program product for providing a virtualized time base in a logically partitioned data processing system, said product comprising:

• instructions for determining a time base for each one of a plurality of processor cores, said time base being used to indicate a current time to one of said plurality of processor cores for which said time base is determined;
• instructions for synchronizing said time bases together for said plurality of processor cores wherein each one of said plurality of processor cores includes its own copy of a synchronized time base;
• instructions for generating, for one of said plurality of processor cores, a virtualized time base that is different from said synchronized time base but that remains synchronized with at least a portion of said synchronized time base;
• instructions for utilizing, by said one of said plurality of processor cores, said virtualized time base instead of said synchronized time base for indicating said current time to said one of said plurality of processor cores;
• and
• said synchronized time bases and said portion of said virtualized time base remaining in synchronization together.