Method and apparatus for concurrent update and activation of partition firmware on a logical partitioned data processing system

摘要

A method, apparatus, and computer instructions for updating partition firmware in a logical partitioned data processing system. A first module in the partition firmware for a partition within a set of partitions is loaded. The first module provides an interface for receiving calls from an operating system in the partition. A second module in the partition firmware for the partition is loaded. The second module is loaded by the first module, and the second module provides a plurality of functions. Calls received at the interface of the first module are routed to the second module. The second module executes functions in response to the calls. A new second module may be loaded while the original second module continues to execute. Thereafter, the new second module may begin execution with the original second module being terminated.