Autonomic computing refers to IT systems being able to manage themselves dynamically adapting to changes in the computing environment, business policies and objectives.

Autonomic functionality is comprised of four key areas, self-configuring, self-healing, self-optimizing, and self-protecting. As computing environments continue to increase in complexity, the costs associated with managing these systems will continue to increase. Self-managing technology helps to reduce the overall cost of IT, enabling companies to use their IT assets strategically.

 The Tivoli software implementation of autonomic computing guidelines
Autonomic computing is the ability of IT infrastructures to adapt to change in a complex environment in accordance with business policies and objectives. This whitepaper defines the concepts and value of autonomic computing; the autonomic self-managing characteristics and its affect on process, tools and skills within the IT organization; and the evolution of systems and technology in autonomic computing (pdf). (Whitepaper)

 Autonomic computing: creating self-managing computing systems
Autonomic computing technology isn’t a dream or a far-off fantasy; it’s a reality that IBM is actively incorporating into our newest products and solutions. Find out what we're doing across all of our product lines to deliver the newest innovations in autonomic computing. (Article)

  Autonomic computing overview from IBM Research
Autonomic computing is an approach to self-managed computing systems with a minimum of human interference. The current strain on IT services demands a look at developing computer systems to be more automated and less reliant on human intervention. This special section on IBM's research site covers Autonomic Computing from a business focus and an academic focus. (Article)

 Tivoli software: autonomic computing and systems management
To maintain service levels that guarantee high availability, enhance asset utilization, optimize system performance, and ensure iron-clad security, you need your IT environment to be smarter and work harder without your constant intervention. (Article)

  ISVs driving adoption of autonomic computing
By building the essential applications for e-business, on top of IBM infrastructure and Tivoli systems management products that are already enabled, ISVs will be arming our mutual customers with applications that are part of a complete autonomic environment. (Article)