Edit: The links no longer work which is a real shame.
Originally posted July 31, 2018 on AIXchange
You don’t need me to tell you that there are a lot of acronyms in tech. But it never hurts to be reminded that more and more workers are entering the world of AIX and IBM Power Systems from non-UNIX and/or non-IBM backgrounds. As a consultant, I regularly meet people who are new to IBM systems and unfamiliar with many IBM-specific terms–e.g., PMR, APAR, NIM, WPAR, VPD and SEA–that we take for granted.
Luckily IBM maintains this index of terms and definitions. Most are specific to IBM software and hardware products, but there are also general computing terms.
Let’s try it, shall we? Check V, and you’ll see that VPD is vital product data. DDM has two meanings (here and here), one of which is “a field-replaceable unit (FRU) that consists of a single disk drive and its associated packaging.”
Admit it: You’re wondering what an FRU is now, aren’t you? Go here.
This is a valuable resource for anyone who’s new to IBM technology and needs help translating from IBM to English.