the hardware management console (hmc) uses its connection to the processor subsystem to perform various functions. the main functions of the hmc include:

    1 creating and maintaining a multiple partition environment

    2 detecting, reporting, and storing changes in hardware conditions

    3 acting as a service focal point for service representatives to determine an appropriate service strategy

    the hmc is shipped with the eserver pseries 670 and is the main interface for configuring and managing resources on this system through the hmc virtual terminal window. virtual terminal windowrefers to the operating system session on a particular window. you can have up to 16 virtual terminal windows.

    all the tasks you need to maintain the interface, the underlying operating system, and the hmc application code are available by using the hmc’s management applications.

    for more information on the hmc, refer to the ibm hardware management console for pseries installation and operations guide.