Patent ID: 8042107
Filing Date: 2011-10-18
Classification: G06F,H04L

Abstract:
1. A method to remotely install an operating system upgrade and at least one optional product on a mainframe computer system using a personal computer over a communication network, said method comprising: performing system discovery to determine existing components installed on said mainframe computer system before said discovery is performed and further to determine how said mainframe computer system is configured, wherein said performing said system discovery occurs substantially automatically; generating information in response to said system discovery wherein said information represents said existing components and said configuration; storing said information representing said existing components and said configuration in a database; transferring a plurality of mainframe operating system components comprising said operating system upgrade to said mainframe; establishing a communication session over said communication network between said personal computer and said mainframe computer, and receiving from said personal computer instructions to control installation of said operating system upgrade; combining said plurality of mainframe operating system components with said existing components and customizing said combination of components in response to receiving said instructions to enable said mainframe to perform a first initial program load, wherein said combining and said customizing are performed automatically using said information; performing said first initial program load on said mainframe computer system; receiving from said personal computer a selection of said at least one optional product to be included in said upgrade; installing said at least one optional product identified in said selection in said mainframe computer system; and performing a second initial program load to implement said at least one optional product.