IBM Canada Ltd. Software Announcement A08-1506, dated October 7, 2008
IBM enhances PowerVM to boost the flexibility and security of your IBM Power Systems servers
Table of contents 2 Key prerequisites 5 Offering Information 2 Planned availability date 5 Publications 2 Description 5 Technical information 4 Statement of direction 6 Ordering information 4 Reference information 7 Terms and conditions 4 Program number 8 Prices 5 IBM System Planning Tool 9 Order now
At a glance
tm IBM® PowerVM technology offerings can boost overall system flexibility through virtualization technologies that can reallocate system resources to where they are needed and tap into additional resources on demand. Power Systems servers running PowerVM technology offerings can help clients:
• Consolidate servers • Reduce server sprawl • Simplify systems management • Improve business resiliency • Potentially reduce total cost of ownership (TOC) • Enhance performance by automatically reacting to anticipated and unanticipated spikes in server demand • Potentially reduce energy consumption • Increase business flexibility
Overview
IBM PowerVM technology offerings deliver industrial-strength virtualization for AIX, IBM i, tm and Linux® environments on IBM POWER processor-based systems. Power Systems servers coupled with PowerVM technology are designed to help consolidate and simplify IT environments.
Key capabilities include:
• Improved server utilization and shared I/O resources to help reduce total cost of ownership and make better use of IT assets • Improved business responsiveness and operational speed by dynamically reallocating resources to applications as needed to better match changing business cycles or handle unexpected surge in demand • Simplified IT infrastructure management by making workloads independent of hardware resources, thereby enabling clients to make business-driven policies to deliver resources based on time, cost, and service-level requirements
PowerVM technology is enhanced with support for N_Port ID Virtualization (NPIV), virtual tape, enhancements to Live Partition Mobility support, and enhancements to PowerVM Lx86.
IBM Canada Ltd. Software Announcement IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation 1 A08-1506 Key prerequisites
tm tm PowerVM Editions require a Power Systems server with an IBM POWER5 or POWER6 processor running an AIX®, IBM i, or Linux operating system.
Live Partition Mobility requires systems with a POWER6 processor running AIX or Linux operating systems and PowerVM Enterprise Edition.
Planned availability date
• October 17, 2008, for AME SPO feature 2209 • October 31, 2008, for PowerVM Lx86 • November 14, 2008, for PowerVM enhancements
Description
N Port ID Virtualization (NPIV) provides direct access to Fiber Channel adapters from multiple client partitions, simplifying the management of Fibre Channel SAN environments. NPIV support is included with PowerVM Express, Standard, and Enterprise Edition and supports AIX 5.3 and AIX 6.1 partitions on selected POWER6 processor-based servers Power 520, 550, 560, and 570, with an 8 GB Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapter (HBA).
NPIV is a standardized method for virtualizing a physical Fibre Channel port. An NPIV-capable Fibre Channel HBA can have multiple N_Ports, each with a unique identity. NPIV coupled with the Virtual I/O Server (VIOS) adapter sharing capabilities allow a physical Fibre Channel HBA to be shared across multiple guest operating systems. The PowerVM NPIV implementation enables logical partitions (LPARs) to have virtual Fibre Channel HBAs, each with a dedicated worldwide port name. Each virtual Fibre Channel HBA has a unique SAN identity similar to that of a dedicated physical HBA.
NPIV offers many benefits:
• Ease-of-use allowing storage administrators to use existing tools for storage management (including SAN managers, copy services, and backup and restore) • Simplified storage provisioning using standard zoning and LUN masking techniques • Physical and virtual device compatibility • Access to SAN devices including tape libraries • Distributed solutions that depend on SCSI heuristics SCSI-2 (Reserve/Release and SCSI3 Persistent Reserve)
PowerVM partitions support both physical and virtual I/O enabling dynamic heterogeneous multiple path I/O. With this support, partitions can have paths to a storage device that includes both physical (that is, dedicated FC adapters) and virtual (that is, NPIV) adapters.
This multiple path support is a key enhancement for Live Partition Mobility, which requires that a partition use virtual I/O resources exclusively. With this enhancement, a partition can be dynamically changed from using physical adapters to using only virtual (that is, NPIV) resources, leaving the partition ready for Live Partition Mobility without an outage. Another benefit of this multiple path support is efficient redundancy using shared resources. Typically, redundancy has been achieved with dedicated physical I/O resources in each partition (that is, two or more HBAs, cables, or switch ports). Although NPIV is functionally comparable to a physical Fibre Channel HBAs, some may prefer to use physical paths as the primary access to storage. Multiple path support allows a configuration to use dedicated resources as the primary paths, and virtual (that is, NPIV) paths as the failover paths. The failover paths can be sharing adapter/ cable/switch ports with other failover paths for other partitions .
Multiple path I/O is supported with Live Partition Mobility environments with AIX 5.3 and AIX 6.1 partitions on POWER6 processor-based servers.
IBM Canada Ltd. Software Announcement IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation 2 A08-1506 PowerVM Live Partition Mobility is supported in environments with two Hardware Management Consoles (HMCs) supporting larger and more flexible configurations. Partitions may be migrated between systems that are managed by two different HMCs. This support is provided for AIX 5.3, AIX 6.1, and Linux partitions on POWER6 processor-based servers.
PowerVM has two virtualization methods for using tape devices on POWER6 processor- based servers, simplifying backup and restore operations. Both methods are supported with PowerVM Express, Standard, or Enterprise Edition and supports AIX 5.3 and AIX 6.1 partitions on POWER6 processor-based servers.
• NPIV enables PowerVM LPARs to access SAN tape libraries using shared physical HBA resources. • Virtual tape support allows serial sharing of selected SAS tape devices
PowerVM VIOS monitoring has been enhanced with new function:
• topasrec tool: A new tool named topasrec is introduced to do topas or nmon style recordings. This tool supersedes the functionality of xmwlm. • LVM / volume group monitoring monitors Logical Volume and Volume Group statistics. • Disk / multipath I/O monitoring monitors Disk Service Time metrics along with its Path statistics in a single screen. • Adapter statistics monitors an adapter's throughput statistics and also displays associated disk service time metrics. • VIOS Server / Client I/O throughput monitoring provides screen panels to view VIOS Server / Client throughput summary and also Server / Client association and also provides screen panels to view Host Adapter / Target Device / Client Device statistics with its association. • Detailed network adapter monitoring provides detailed network statistics and Shared Ethernet Adapter (SEA) statistics along with the association of physical network adapters.
For more information, visit
http://www-03.ibm.com/systems/power/software/virtualization/ index.html
The new PowerVM Lx86 V1.3 offers the potential to improve the performance of certain 1 32-bit x86 Linux applications enabled with PowerVM Lx86 compared to prior versions, particularly on POWER6 processor-based systems. With additional POWER6 server support, PowerVM Lx86 V1.3 is now designed to support the installation and running of most 32- bit x86 Linux applications on IBM Power 520, 550, 560, 570, and 595 server platforms, and tm IBM BladeCenter® JS21, JS22, JS12, and System p servers with POWER6, POWER5+ , or POWER5 processors.
With new operating system support, PowerVM Lx86 V1.3 now supports SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 9 Service Pack 4 for POWER, SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 10 Service Pack 2 for POWER, and Red Hat Enterprise Linux 4 update 7 for POWER.
PowerVM Lx86 V1.3 offers the following additional enhancements:
• Enhanced PowerVM Lx86 installer supports archiving the previously installed environment for backup or migration to other systems. • Automate installation for non-interactive installation. • Automate installation from an archive. • Support installation using the IBM Installation Toolkit for Linux. • SELinux is supported by PowerVM Lx86 when running on RHEL. • Enhancements to GDB for improved debugging of x86 applications.
The IBM Installation Toolkit for Linux provides a set of tools that greatly simplifies the installation and management of Linux on IBM POWER processor-based servers. The IBM Installation Toolkit for Linux, V3.1 has been enhanced to include the installation of PowerVM Lx86 V1.3.
IBM Canada Ltd. Software Announcement IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation 3 A08-1506 The x86 command line debugging tools gdb, strace, and ltrace are supported within a VxE. It is possible to debug an x86 application from within a translated x86 gdb session. It is also possible to attach a translated x86 gdb to a running x86 process.
PowerVM Lx86 is offered as a standard feature of all PowerVM Editions.
For more information on PowerVM Lx86, visit
http://www.ibm.com/systems/power/software/linux/
For more information on IBM Installation Toolkit for Linux, V3.1, visit
https://www14.software.ibm.com/webapp/set2/sas/f/lopdiags/ installtools/home.html 1 PowerVM Lx86 runs most x86 Linux applications; however, PowerVM Lx86 cannot run certain applications. Refer to the Limitations section for further information.
Accessibility by people with disabilities
A U.S. Section 508 Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) containing details on accessibility compliance can be requested at
http://www.ibm.com/able/product_accessibility/index.html
Statement of direction
tm IBM intends to enhance PowerVM with Active Memory Sharing, an advanced memory virtualization technology, in 2009. Active Memory Sharing will intelligently flow memory from one partition to another for increased utilization and flexibility of memory.
IBM intends to support N_Port ID Virtualization (NPIV) on the POWER6 processor-based Power 595, BladeCenter JS12, and BladeCenter JS22 in 2009. IBM intends to support NPIV with IBM i and Linux environments in 2009.
IBM intends to support VIOS virtual tape capabilities with IBM i and Linux environments in 2009.
All statements regarding IBM's plans, directions, and intent are subject to change or withdrawal without notice.
Reference information
Refer to Software Announcement A08-0361, dated April 08, 2008, for Power Systems Software Enhancements.
Refer to Software Announcement A08-1318, dated October 07, 2008, for IBM Sytems Director for Power Systems, V6.1.
Program number
Previously announced products that are being updated. Program Program number VR name
5765-PVX 2.1 PowerVM Express 5765-PVS 2.1 PowerVM Standard Edition 5765-PVE 2.1 PowerVM Enterprise Edition 5765-WPM 1.2 IBM Workload Partitions Manager 5765-AVE 1.3 PowerVM Lx86 5692-A6P 6.1 AIX V6 SIPO 5692-A5L 5.3 AIX V5 SIPO
IBM Canada Ltd. Software Announcement IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation 4 A08-1506 IBM System Planning Tool
IBM System Planning Tool (SPT):
• Supports the ability to plan for adapters that are not assigned to a partition. • Allows the expansion units in a system plan to be renamed and placed in a specific order by the user. • Can now be used to plan for the installation of AIX and Linux operating systems in partitions managed by the Integrated Virtualization Manager 2.1. When the system plan is deployed by the Integrated Virtualization Manager, it will install AIX or Linux in the new partitions. • Provides an estimate of the energy consumption of the system configuration for POWER6 systems.
The IBM Workload Estimator (WLE) can now save sized system configuration to a file that can be read by the SPT, making it easier to size a system independent of the SPT and providing the ability to later configure the system with SPT.
Offering Information
Product information is available via the Offering Information Web site
http://www.ibm.com/common/ssi
Publications
No publications are shipped with this program.
Technical information
Specified operating environment
Hardware requirements For hardware and software requirements and limitations for PowerVM Enterprise and PowerVM Standard Editions including VIOS, refer to Software Announcement A08-0361, dated April 08, 2008, for Power Software Enhancements.
Software requirements The program's specifications and specified operating environment information may be found in documentation accompanying the program, if available, such as a readme file, or other information published by IBM, such as an announcement letter. Documentation and other program content may be supplied only in the English language.
Limitations PowerVM Lx86 runs most x86 Linux applications, but PowerVM Lx86 cannot run applications that:
• Directly access hardware (for example, 3D graphics adapters) • Require nonstandard kernel module access or use kernel modules not provided by the Linux on POWER operating system distribution • Do not use only the Intel® IA-32 instruction set architecture as defined by the 1997 Intel Architecture Software Developer's Manual consisting of Basic Architecture (Order Number 243190), Instruction Set Reference Manual (Order Number 243191), and the System Programming Guide (Order Number 243192) dated 1997
IBM Canada Ltd. Software Announcement IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation 5 A08-1506 • Do not run correctly on Red Hat Enterprise Linux AS 4 for POWER starting with Version 4.3 or Novell SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 9 (SLES) for POWER, starting with SP3, or Novell SLES 10 • Are Linux/x86 specific system administration or configuration tools • Require x86 real-mode
In addition, the performance of some x86 Linux applications running on PowerVM Lx86 may significantly vary from the performance obtained when these applications are run as a native port. There are various architectural differences between x86 and Power Architecture® that can impact performance of translated applications. For example, translating dynamically generated tm code like Java byte codes is an ongoing translation process, which can be expected to impact the performance of x86 Java applications using an x86 Java virtual machine.
Floating point applications running under x86 have a different default precision level from Power Architecture, so translating between these levels can have additional performance penalties. Also, translating and protecting multi-threaded applications can incur an additional performance overhead as the translator works to manage shared memory accesses. IBM suggests that clients carefully consider these performance characteristics when selecting the best method for enabling applications for their environment.
Planning information
Security, auditability, and control
The customer is responsible for evaluation, selection, and implementation of security features, administrative procedures, and appropriate controls in application systems and communication facilities.
Software Services
IBM Software Services has the breadth, depth, and reach to manage your services needs. You can leverage the deep technical skills of our lab-based, software services team and the business consulting, project management, and infrastructure expertise of our IBM Global Services team. Also, we extend our IBM Software Services reach through IBM Business Partners to provide an extensive portfolio of capabilities. Together, we provide the global reach, intellectual capital, industry insight, and technology leadership to support a wide range of critical business needs.
To learn more about IBM Software Services or to contact a Software Services sales specialist, visit
http://www.ibm.com/software/sw-services/
Ordering information
Software Maintenance
This software license includes Software Maintenance, previously referred to as Software Subscription and Technical Support.
Extending coverage for a total of three years from the date of acquisition may be elected. Order the program number, feature number, and quantity to extend coverage for your software licenses. If maintenance has expired, specify the after license feature number.
System Program Order (SPO): An order for SPO 5692-A5L or 5692-A6P is mandatory for shipments of program distribution. The individual licensed program orders are for registration and billing purposes only. No shipment occurs under these orders.
Specify feature number 3410.
The SPO feature number 2209 is now available under 5692-A6P and 5692-A5L. The supply feature for Management Edition for AIX was originally set up to deliver under the licensed PID
IBM Canada Ltd. Software Announcement IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation 6 A08-1506 5765-AME. The supply feature for this offering now will be delivered under the 5692-A6P and 5692-A5L SPOs. The old supply feature for 5765-AME will be withdrawn on October 7, 2008. 5692-A5L 5692-A6P SPO SPO feature feature Program number Program name number number
5765-AME IBM Management Edition for AIX 2209 2209 tm The following feature will announce IBM Workload Partitions Manager for AIX, V1.2, The configurator will not release the feature for ordering until November 14, 2008. 5692-A6P SPO feature Program number Program name number
5765-WPM WPM for AIX V1.2 2219
Terms and conditions
The information provided in this announcement letter is for reference and convenience purposes only. The terms and conditions that govern any transaction with IBM are contained in the applicable contract documents such as the IBM International Program License Agreement, IBM International Passport Advantage® Agreement, and the IBM Agreement for Acquisition of Software Maintenance.
Licensing IBM International Program License Agreement including the License Information document and Proof of Entitlement (PoE) govern your use of the program. PoEs are required for all authorized use.
This software license includes Software Subscription and Support (also referred to as Software Maintenance).
Agreement for Acquisition of Software Maintenance The IBM Agreement for Acquisition of Software Maintenance (Z125-6011) agreement applies for subscription and support (also referred to as Software Maintenance) and does not require customer signatures.
These programs are licensed under the IBM Program License Agreement (IPLA) and the associated Agreement for Acquisition of Software Maintenance, which provide for support with ongoing access to releases and versions of the program. IBM includes one year of Software Subscription and Support (also referred to as Software Maintenance) with the initial license acquisition of each program acquired. The initial period of Software Subscription and Support (also referred to as Software Maintenance) can be extended by the purchase of a renewal option, if available. These programs have a one-time license charge for use of the program and an annual renewable charge for the enhanced support that includes telephone assistance (voice support for defects during normal business hours), as well as access to updates, releases, and versions of the program as long as support is in effect.
License Information The program's License Information will be available for review on the IBM Software License Agreement Web site
http://www.ibm.com/software/sla/sladb.nsf
Limited warranty applies Yes
Money-back guarantee
IBM Canada Ltd. Software Announcement IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation 7 A08-1506 If for any reason you are dissatisfied with the program and you are the original licensee, you may obtain a refund of the amount you paid for it, if within 30 days of your invoice date you return the program and its PoE to the party from whom you obtained it. If you downloaded the program, you may contact the party from whom you acquired it for instructions on how to obtain the refund.
For clarification, note that for programs acquired under any of IBM's On/Off Capacity on Demand (On/Off CoD) software offerings, this term does not apply since these offerings apply to programs already acquired and in use by you.
Authorization for use on home/portable computer You may not copy and use this program on another computer without paying additional license fees.
Volume orders (IVO) No
Passport Advantage applies No
Software Subscription and Support (Software Maintenance) applies Yes.
All distributed software licenses include Software Subscription and Support (also referred to as Software Maintenance) for a period of 12 months from the date of acquisition, providing a streamlined way to acquire IBM software and assure technical support coverage for all licenses. Extending coverage for a total of three years from date of acquisition may be elected.
While your Software Subscription and Support (Software Maintenance) is in effect, IBM provides you assistance for your routine, short duration installation and usage (how-to) questions, and code-related questions. IBM provides assistance via telephone and, if available, electronic access, only to your IS technical support personnel during the normal business hours (published prime shift hours) of your IBM support centre. (This assistance is not available to your end users.) IBM provides Severity 1 assistance 24 hours a day, every day of the year. For additional details, consult your IBM Software Support Handbook at
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Software Subscription and Support (Software Maintenance) does not include assistance for the design and development of applications, your use of programs in other than their specified operating environment, or failures caused by products for which IBM is not responsible under this agreement.
System i Software Maintenance applies No
Variable charges apply No
Educational allowance available Yes. A 15% education allowance applies to qualified education institution customers.
Academic use allowance: Yes
Prices
IBM Canada Ltd. Software Announcement IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation 8 A08-1506 Prices are subject to change without notice.
GST, QST, and sales taxes, where applicable, are extra.
For additional information and current prices, contact your local IBM representative.
Order now
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Note: Shipments will begin after the planned availability date.
Trade-marks PowerVM, POWER, POWER5, POWER6, POWER5+, Active Memory and Workload Partitions Manager are trade-marks of IBM Corporation in the United States, other countries, or both.
IBM, AIX, BladeCenter, Power Architecture, Passport Advantage and ibm.com are registered trade-marks of IBM Corporation in the United States, other countries, or both.
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Terms of use IBM products and services which are announced and available in your country can be ordered under the applicable standard agreements, terms, conditions, and prices in effect at the time. IBM reserves the right to modify or withdraw this announcement at any time without notice. This announcement is provided for your information only. Additional terms of use are located at:
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IBM Canada Ltd. Software Announcement IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation 9 A08-1506 For the most current information regarding IBM products, consult your IBM representative or reseller, or visit the IBM worldwide contacts page
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IBM Canada Ltd. Software Announcement IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation 10 A08-1506