What Is an HMC?

A Hardware Management Console (HMC) is simply a desktop or rack-mounted computer, very similar to the kind that most of us use every day. What makes an HMC different from other personal computers is that the HMC is connected to other computer systems.

You will use the HMC to manage the configuration and operation of partitions in a system, as well as add and remove hardware without interrupting system operation. With an HMC, you can control Capacity on Demand resources. One HMC is capable of controlling multiple servers. The systems that are monitored by the HMC are called managed systems.

The HMC provides a Web user interface (WUI) for configuring and operating single or multiple managed systems. There is also a command line interface (CLI), which is covered in detail in the Command Line Interface Support education module.

The HMC may connect locally to the systems it manages via a private network or connect remotely via an open network.

What Does an HMC Do?

The HMC uses its connections to managed systems to perform various functions, including:

• Creating and maintaining a multiple-partitioned environment
• Managing Capacity on Demand resources.
• Displaying a virtual operating system session terminal for each partition.
• Displaying virtual operator panel values for each partition.
• Detecting, reporting, and storing changes in hardware conditions.
• Powering managed systems on and off.
• Starting, stopping, and resetting logical partitions.
• Managing serviceable events
• Reporting serviceable events