Virtual I/O Servers 1

[rzs0502]

Hi all,

We tested Virtual I/O on a couple of test machines but I'm not sure about implementing this on a large prod environment.
Has anyone had any issues with it on large mission critical systems be it performance, stablity or managebility?

Thanks for any tips...!!



"If you always do what you've always done, you will always be where you've always been."

 

[gilsont]

Hi,

I work in an environment where our AIX servers perform mission cricial roles so we have HACMP and N+1 arrangements.

We are now deploying various pSeries with the VIO server - just using virtual SCSI initially but later virtual and shared Ethernet. No issues so far.

IBM is strongly encouraging the use of VIO in order to allow higher utilization levels on machines. I'd say go for it - just make sure you are always running the latest patch levels for the VIO server, AIX and firmware. Also make sure your support team is able to support the virtualization technology and that your documentation is first class.

Good luck and enjoy!

 

[rzs0502]

Thanks for the info gilstnt.
I will definitley look at using it on the 595's arriving soon.


"If you always do what you've always done, you will always be where you've always been."

 

[AIX5L]

Hi

It Depends on your Workload and Performance Requirements.
If you use HACMP i wouldn't use VIO, because you need two VIOs to eliminate SPOFs. On Performance Reasons you need 1 CPU and min. 2 GB on each VIO Server.
What kind of Storage are you using ?
If you want to do Multipathing on Both VIOs with the Same Volume then it could be difficult with some Storage Vendor Drivers.

 

[rzs0502]

Does HACMP support the shared SCSI and Ethernet of the VIO server?
The SAP systems we are building won't require H.A as the DB2 will remain on the Mainframe.
I thought about using shared Etherchannel and HBA adapters and perhaps shared SCSI for some of the Dev Lpars.
Good point on the storage vendor drivers. I have not tested connecting to the Hitachi SAN yet (only recently received an HBA for the test box)
Thanks AIX5L!


"If you always do what you've always done, you will always be where you've always been."