503 error, and then I get in

I have installed 64-bit SLES10SP2 and OES2SP1 twice now and get the same
thing when I try to authenticate to iManager:

1. Takes a long time thinking and finally throws me a 503 error.

2. If I hang around while it's thinking so the credentials don't time out
after the error, I can hit the Back arrow and it takes me into iManager.

I cannot seem to avoid the error but at least I can get in. What the heck
is going on here and what can I do about it?