Patent ID: 7392524

Claim:
A method for managing computer processing functions in a multi-processor computer environment, said multi-processor computer environment including at least one standard logical processor and at least one assist logical processor, each of which share a single operating system instance within a single logical partition, said method comprising: invoking a switch-to service by standard code running on a standard logical processor, said standard code executing a task; wherein said switch-to service performs: checking to see if an assist logical processor is online; if said assist logical processor is online: updating an integrated assist field of a work element block associated with said task operable for indicating said task is eligible to be executed on said assist logical processor; and assigning a work queue to said work element block; if no assist logical processors are online: updating said integrated assist field of said work element block associated with said task operable for indicating said task is eligible to be executed on an assist logical processor when said assist logical processor becomes online; dispatching said task in accordance with business rules identified in a system control block; executing said task by assist code running on said assist logical processor; wherein said work element block includes: a chain pointer; a priority field; and said integrated assist processor field.