Patent ID: 6745269
Filing Date: 2004-06-01
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
A method for preserving a data structure for hardware component discovery by a system firmware component, comprising:upon an initial discovery of at least one hardware component by said system firmware component during an initial program load (IPL) stage, creating a first data structure describing the at least one hardware component; storing the first data structure at a first address in a first working area of memory; providing the first address to a second firmware component; receiving said first address at said second firmware component, said second firmware component being an open firmware component that is executed during a second IPL stage that is after said initial IPL stage; copying by said second firmware component during said second stage, said first data structure from said first working area to a second address in a second working area of memory; and utilizing said first data structure stored at said second address by said open firmware component during execution of said open firmware component instead of said first data structure stored at said first address.