Nonvolatile logical partition system data management

A method for managing logical partition data in a multiprocessor computer system, the method comprising the steps of:

• (a) providing a set of tables in nonvolatile memory for storing processor, I/O, and memory allocated to each logical partition defined for the system, wherein each logical partition has its own processor, I/O, and memory;
• (b) initializing the tables to contain predetermined default values when the system is first booted;
• (c) detecting the system resources in the system during the boot process, and updating corresponding records and fields in the tables;
• and
• (d) allowing an operator to configure the system by reallocating system resources in the tables through a console interface.

A computer-readable medium containing program instructions for managing logical partition data in a multiprocessor computer system, the program instructions for:

• (a) providing a set of tables in nonvolatile memory for storing processor, I/O, and memory allocated to each logical partition defined for the system, wherein each logical partition has its own processor, I/O, and memory;
• (b) initializing the tables to contain predetermined default values when the system is first booted;
• (c) detecting the system resources in the system during the boot process, and updating corresponding records and fields in the tables;
• and
• (d) allowing an operator to configure the system by reallocating system resources in the tables through a console interface.

A logical partition (LPAR) computer system, comprising:

• nonvolatile memory;
• a plurality of logical partitions, each running independently from the other logical partitions, wherein each logical partition has its own processor, I/O, and memory;
• a console coupled to the computer system for accepting logical partition configuration data input by an operator, wherein the logical partition configuration data entered by the operator includes the processor, I/O, and memory allocated to each logical partition defined for the system;
• and
• a set of tables maintained in the nonvolatile memory for storing the logical partition configuration data such that the logical partition configuration data is persistent across system power cycle, wherein one of the tables maintains information regarding the resources available for the system, and includes fields for containing a maximum number of slots, a maximum number of processors, a maximum number of drawers, a maximum number of slots for any drawer type, total memory installed, total memory allocated for the logical partitions, and system time information.