LPARKit version 2

Recently the new version of the tool LPARKit was released. The tool which I already described in another post a year ago when the 1st version was released. The 2nd version brings some additional functionality which I describe in this post. Maybe at the begging I will describe main functions of the LPARKit.

• It automates deployment of IBM i LPARs. Not only by creating the LPAR but it also clone the operating system on any type of infrastructure
• It is probably the closest container type deployment tool for IBM i
• It isolates VIOS and the HMC from the green screen user
• Allows to map/umap NPIV adapters from the green screen
• Allows to map/unmap vSCSI disks from the green screen
• Creates NPIV reports in the spool or csv file

The main functionality is the cloning feature. Imagine a situation that the development team is asking for new LPAR in order to test new functionality. Or maybe they need few LPARs with different release level 7.2, 7.3 7.4. With the tool it is possible to quickly deploy the LPARs, the Flashcopy feature on the external storage is not needed, the same functionality can be achieved with the internal storage. The tool uses virtual disks stored on the Virtual I/O Server which allows to clone the disk image.

See the video, how the new LPAR can be easily deployed with the new IP address, new hostname,  and the system name.

Another way how the tool can be used is quick map/unmaping the virtual adapters. IBM i administrator may be in the situation that for some reason there is a need to unmap all virtual adapters which use specific the physical fibre port (it might be a card failure). With the LPARKit, it is possible to create athe report, and using one of the menu, very quick unmap all adapters.

See the video , how easy is to mapping the NPIV adapters or attach/de-attach a vSCSI disk.

The tool was already described in PowerWire article and in IT Jungle

On the cwalkers.com website there are regular live webinars which demonstrate the functionality.

There is new version of the tool behind the corner. This version will allow cloning functionality for small customers who do not use the HMC and the VIOS as the virtualization engine. Process of creating the LPAR is super easy from the native green-screen interface. The users do not need access Virtual Partition Manager in SST anymore. This version should be released at the begging of December.