Architecture for high availability using system management mode driven monitoring and communications

摘要

A computer system and method for providing high availability. The computer system includes an application level, an operating system level supporting the application level, and a firmware level supporting the operating system level. The firmware level includes a microprocessor having a system management mode that functions independently from the operating system level. The system management mode is configurable to execute system management code to monitor each of the levels of the computer system and to correct malfunctions in the levels in response to a system management interrupt.