In Q1 2021 the new version of LPARKit was released. The latest version brings functionality for ‘small’ Power Servers when no HMC, no VIOS is used, and everything related to the LPAR is managed from the Virtual Partition Manager. This version can allow an user to create and manage LPARs or clone the OS from easy green screen interface.
Category: OS installation
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. Continue reading “LPARKit version 2”
VIOS 3.1 upgrade for everyone
I assume there are many installations which need to go to VIOS 3.1 by October 2020 due to end of support for VIOS 2.x. Because, I did not find any upgrade procedure for “dummies”, I decided to write one which I hope people find useful. I do not cover only the upgrade process itself, but also share some advises how to do it safely and recover in case of troubles. Upgrade Virtual I/O Server to 3.1 is completely different process than before. For instance, you are going to need an extra disk to perform the operation. Interested?
How to install any Operating System on POWER remotely
Since HMC firmware version 7.7.7, IBM added very cool feature, which allows installation of the Virtual I/O Server directly from the HMC. This is very convenient when you get your POWER machine to the new location, and you want to install an operating system, for instance, IBM i or AIX, but you prefer to do it remotely.
Continue reading “How to install any Operating System on POWER remotely”
Building multiple LPARs with dedicated I/O from the CLI
Hi,
Nowadays, I’m preparing for huge hardware delivery. I’m about to get dozen of MMD’s. The challenge is to configure them (LPAR profiles, VIOS, etc) as soon as possible. I found the way how to automate creation of multiple VIO/LPAR profiles including I/O configuration for multiple servers without knowing SN of the expansions drawers.
Continue reading “Building multiple LPARs with dedicated I/O from the CLI”
Managing the Virtual Media Repository
Virtual media repository is very useful PowerVM feature. Some older IBM i administrators probably remember similar function available in iSeries ages ago. In short way, it allows to share CD/DVD images on a frame/server layer.
I use it very often, because it allows load a SLIC without physical access to a server. Practically you can install an IBM i OS, on completely new POWER server, which doesn’t even have a physical CD/DVD drive.
In this post I’d like to show different methods how to manage the Virtual Media Repository. Continue reading “Managing the Virtual Media Repository”
cloning i5/OS
Big shops from time to time have a demand to prepare multiple OS installation in very short amount of time. Or maybe you want to offer ‘a cloud’ with IBM i to your clients. We all know that scratch OS installation with patching the system afterwards may take several hours.
I want to describe a concept of cloning IBM i OS. Unfortunately it requires an external storage. (I’m not sure if the same functionality could not be achieved with an internal storage and Shared Storage Pools – waiting for your feedback).
IBMi.org - Bart's blog 