p550 - Do I need a HMC

[aixTim]

I'm looking at getting a p5-550 with IVM & APV options. Do I need a HMC?

If I don't then what provides the HMC functionality?

tia

 

[khalidaaa]

The IVM is part of APV, an optional feature on the servers mentioned above, and is packaged in the Virtual I/O Server. It is activated and usable only on certain platforms and where no Hardware Management Console (HMC) is present. The Integrated Virtualization Manager is not a replacement for the HMC in all environments. Rather, it is a targeted offering for clients requiring a simplified user interface and basic virtualization features. The major difference to keep in mind is that an HMC is the ideal choice for a high availability environment since it allows for a fully redundant configuration.

http://www-03.ibm.com/systems/p/apv/explanation.html

Regards,
Khalid

 

[p5wizard]

It's either IVM (VIOS+HMClike functionality packaged in the first LPAR) or HMC (one or two). problem is that IVM is a single point of failure - ther is only one IVM, and so only one VIOS. For path failover you should have 2 VIOSs...

You'll still need APV (of which IVM is an optional feature) if you want to do any virtual I/O (virtual SCSI, virtual LAN) should you decide to the HMC way.


HTH,

p5wizard

 

[aixTim]

p5W,

Are you saying that if I go the IVM route then I can only have one VIO server? I'm looking at configuring half the box as 1 LPAR and the other with 2 VIO servers to give me vLPARS as required.

 

[p5wizard]

When IVM first came out, that was a given. I have not heard of any change on that issue. (reason why we chose not to use IVM).

Also with IVM, every LPAR you build is a VLPAR, you are not allowed / won't be able to assign real IO adapters to an LPAR. All real IO adapters are owned by IVM LPAR and everything is virtualized for client LPARs' use.


HTH,

p5wizard

 

[aixTim]

Thanks p5W - Looks like I'll go down the HMC route.

 

[p5wizard]

Plus don't forget to order APV (you'll need that to run VIOSs and to virtualize disks and networks for your VLPARs)



HTH,

p5wizard

 

[hoangkim]

What is the feature code of APV? Thanks.

 

[DukeSSD]

hoangkim,
Do you see the "Start New Thread" link at the top of the forum page?
Please start using it!

 

[hoangkim]

sorry, I will use it.