Introduction to NonStop Operations Management

Production Management
Introduction to NonStop Operations Management–125507
5-9
Processor Dump
Processor Dump
A processor dump is performed to copy the contents of a processor’s memory onto disk
or tape. Although a processor dump is useful for most processor or system failures, in
some cases you should contact your Tandem representative first.
Processor Reload
A processor reload is performed to bring up a processor in a running system.
System Shutdown
System shutdown is performed to bring down a running system in an orderly manner.
System shutdown involves properly closing all open files and stopping all processing on
the system. If the shutdown is not performed properly, files and applications might be
corrupted.
You might want to develop procedures for handling shutdown requests and informing
users of pending shutdowns. Formal procedures help your staff ensure that it has all the
necessary information and that the requests are approved.
To ensure that all shutdowns are authorized and properly coordinated, you might also
want to develop a shutdown request form. Most shutdown request forms include the
following information:
•
The name of the person making the request
•
The reason for the shutdown
•
Which users must be notified
•
Which backup tapes are required, if any
•
When the shutdown is needed
•
How long the system will be down
•
The signature of the person authorized to approve shutdown requests
Once the shutdown is approved, the operations staff usually:
1. Schedules the shutdown.
2. Notifies users of the shutdown. Notification should take place at least a day in
advance of the shutdown.
3. Performs the shutdown. Intermediate-level or senior-level operations support
personnel usually perform the shutdown. Do not allow people from other groups to
perform the shutdown on your systems.
Be sure to document the procedures for performing a system shutdown and then
automate the task. Automating the task ensures that all processes are stopped in the
correct order, thereby ensuring an orderly shutdown. For more information on
automating operations tasks, refer to Section 12, “Automating and Centralizing
Operations.”