More p5-590 firmware woes

In reference to my previous post about the long-awaited new p5-590 firmware, here's the latest IBM masterpiece from their website:

This package provides new firmware for i5, OpenPower, p5 Servers and IntelliStation 285, EXCEPT for the following systems: 9119-590 and 9119-595 and 9406-595.
Although 9119-590, 9119-595 and 9406-595 systems are being shipped from the factory with this level of code installed, field upgrades of these models to release level SF235_180 are not supported at this time. This restriction is limited to the 59x models. If you have questions regarding this, please contact your next level of support.

If I had purchasing power, I would have a serious talk with IBM sales people about this >:-(

IBM too eager to ship new stuff

Back in August I got my hands on my first p5 machine, a 590. Two weeks later, the machine's service processor fries (a thing almost unheard of, according to IBM, had to happen to me). It turns out that these machines have two service processors, but automatic failover will be supported only with the next firmware level. So for now the second SP just sits there and does nothing.

Back then I checked the IBM website - indeed, it said that this model features "redundant service processors (planned for 2H/2005)". Today I checked the same page and the "planned for" bit was gone! I go to the firmware page - a new p5 firmware level SF235 is out. The description says:

Added support for redundant service processors with dynamic failover in models 570, 590, and 595.

Yippee!! But wait, what's this - earlier on the same page:

This level of firmware does not support the 9119-590, 9119-595, 9406-595 or 9118-575 systems. Firmware to support these systems is being tested and is expected to be available mid-November 2005.

Gee, thanks but no thanks, still waiting...