IPL templates
An IPL configuration makes use of a template and defines the consoles session and the management console. It can be started with an RDL function that can be triggered by an operating system message, an operator using an BMC AMI Ops Console Automation viewer, or from a scheduled task.
When an automated IPL is started, SecureHMC examines the status of the target system (operating, not-operating, or not-activated, and so on) to determine which state to start with. When the initial state is entered, the entry commands for that state are sent to the target console or management console.
As messages are received from the console and target console, the rules for that state are executed. If the action for one of the rules is Change State, that current state is exited, and the next state is entered. The entry commands for the new state, and the process repeats until the next state is #finish.
Templates may be used for IPLing many mainframe systems. Information within the template may contain replaceable parameters that are filled in when the IPL configuration is merged with the template. The replaceable parameters are:
- %name%
- %cpc%
- %lpar%
- %hmcsession%
- %consolesession%
- %deactivate%
- %loadaddress%
- %loadparameter%
- %loadtimeout%
- %zvm-host%
- %zvm-guest%
The IPL Templates page shows the list of templates available for use. Except for templates delivered with SecureHMC, templates may be edited, copied, deleted, and exported.
Create a new template
To create a new template:
- Click New Template.
- Select the IPL type.
- If you select LPAR, SecureHMC sends commands to the HMC to manage an LPAR (or PR/SM) system.
- If you select z/VM Guest, SecureHMC sends commands to the IBM z/VM system that hosts a guest operating system.
Edit a template
To edit a template, click the template name hyper link and make the required changes. You can also use the Edit option available in the Actions column.
To edit a template delivered with SecureHMC, copy it and edit the copy.
The Edit page contains the following tabs:
- Overview
- Error Handling
Overview tab
Go to the Overview tab to fill in the template details.
The following table fields the properties that you can fill in under General Properties:
Field | Description |
|---|---|
(Required) Template name | Enter the template name. |
Description | Enter text describing the template. |
The following table describes the states for LPAR that you can define under Startup State:
Parameters | Description |
|---|---|
Operating | Select a starting state for LPAR from the drop-down list. |
Not operation | Select a starting state for LPAR from the drop-down list. |
Not activated | Select a starting state for LPAR from the drop-down list. |
You can also create a new startup state for the server:
- Click the New State.
Fill in the following fields under the General Properties tab:
Field
Description
(Required) State Name
Enter a state name.
Timeout (seconds)
Set seconds for timeout.
- To enter commands, select the desired state, click the Commands tab (if it isn’t already selected), and click Add Command.
Commands are executed when the state is entered. You can send commands to the target console or to the management console. Select which type of command will be sent. For console commands or z/VM host commands, enter the command. For HMC commands, select the operation and enter the appropriate information. Click on Assigned Rules tab to manage the rule assignment of the state. Select the rule you want to assign to the state.
Click New Rule and you are redirected to the Rules tab to create a new rule.
To edit a rule, click the rule name hyperlink and make the required changes.
For more information, see Rules-tab.- Click the Create button at the bottom right of the page after filling in all the required details.
To remove a State, click the 
icon under the Actions row.
To edit a State, click the state name hyperlink and make the required changes.
Error Handling tab
Go to the Error Handling tab to perform a health check for the session. See Health-Check for more information.
Delete a template
In the IPL Templates page, select one or more templates and click Delete available in the Actions (row) button.
Also, you can use the Delete option available under the Actions (column) button.
Export a template
In the IPL Templates page, select one or more templates and click Export available in the Actions (row) button.
Also, you can use the Export option available under the Actions (column) button.
Import a template
To import a previously exported template, click the Import Template button, attach the file, and click the upload button. You can see the imported templates in the template list.
For more information on IPL automation, see IPL-Automation-tab.