Patent ID: 7496729
Filing Date: 2009-02-24
Classification: G06F,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A method in a logical partitioned data processing system for managing trace data, the method comprising: receiving a call for the trace data from a calling partition within a plurality of partitions in the logical partitioned data processing system, wherein the call for the trace data requests that preexisting trace data to be provided to the calling partition; identifying the trace data in a buffer associated with the calling partition to form identified trace data; returning only the identified trace data for the calling partition, wherein other trace data for other partitions within the plurality of partitions that is actively maintained within the logical partitioned data processing system is not returned to the calling partition; and responsive to the calling partition being a service partition, returning all the trace data requested by the call to the service partition, wherein the trace data in the buffer comprises trace data for each of a plurality of partitions in the logical partitioned data processing system, wherein at least some of the plurality of partitions in the logical partitioned data processing system each simultaneously execute an operating system therein, and wherein the receiving step, the identifying step, and the returning step are performed by platform firmware, wherein the platform firmware also loads a copy of boot strap code onto the partitions of the logical partitioned data processing system when the partitions are instantiated.