[Basanta Dhakhwa]

Dear all,

We have procured 3 units of IBM 520 server. All these server have 2 serial port integrated within the system. We are planing to use these serial ports for connecting a device known as HSM (Host security module) which is used for PIN (Personal identification number) generation and verification. The HSM is from THALES Racal 7400 model and supports asynchronous communication.

My vendors claims that we cannot use the integrated serial ports of the server as they have limited functionality. To rule out this confusion, we referred to many of IBM documentation which clearly states these ports supports asynchrounous communication for serial device (like modem) if HMC (IBM hardware management console) is not used. We are not using HMC at all so i am in view that there should be no problem communicationg a serial device with asynchronous protocol. Since our HSM device is serial device and does supports asynchronous protocol, am in view that the integrated serial port should serve our purpose.

In contrary to above, my vendor is insisting to buy a separate add on card from IBM which can expand to multiple serial ports. They think adding this card would definitely solved the problem. It is to be noted each unit of these add on card cost not less than $1200.

Have any one in this board come across similar situation? Appreciate if some one can share their experience and advice us possible solutions to the problem at the earliest. Thanking you in advance.

Regards,
Basanta from Nepal