Availability Guide for Problem Management

Problem Management Tools

Availability Guide for Problem Management–125509

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Tandem Failure Data System (TFDS)

The Tandem Failure Data System (TFDS) is an operations management tool that isolates

software problems and provides automatic processor failure data collection, diagnosis,

and recovery services. TFDS automatically collects data from dumps of frozen or halted

processors, online processor dumps, and saveabend snapshot dumps. It also collects data

from Tandem Maintenance and Diagnostic System (TMDS) and Event Management

Service (EMS) log files and helps you recover quickly from processor halts.

How TFDS Works

TFDS monitors processors and automatically initiates a processor dump if a failure

occurs. The failed processor is reloaded automatically, and the processor dump is

analyzed with the incident database to determine whether the failure is the result of a

recurring or known defect. TFDS creates an incident database that tracks unique

problem occurrences.

If the failure is identified as a recurring or known defect, the dump file is removed from

the system, and the number of occurrences for the particular failure is tabulated. If the

failure cannot be identified as a recurring or known defect, the dump file, the TMDS and

EMS log files, and the CONFLIST file are automatically saved to tape, and a new

incident record is established in the database.

The TFDS tool configuration allows each of its features to be tailored to meet your

specific needs. These features include dump placement, automatic tape backup or

network file transfer, dump file analysis, and the ability to control the dumping and

reloading of failed processors. Figure 9-12 illustrates the TFDS architecture.