IBM eServer Cluster 1600 Managed by PSSP 3.5: What's New

© Copyright IBM Corp. 2002. All rights reserved. xiii

Preface

This IBM Redbook explores the evolution of the IBM RS/6000 SP system into the

IBM ^ Cluster 1600 and the impact of pSeries POWER4 LPAR

technology in the pSeries clusters. This publication also highlights the new

pSeries servers, which can be incorporated into Cluster 1600. This book

provides pSeries cluster configuration information, including hardware and

software hints and tips, as well as changes in the packaging of the cluster

management components: AIX 5L and Parallel System Support Program

(PSSP).

An overview of Reliable Scalable Cluster Technology (RSCT) is included to

introduce the reader to the latest developments of the RSCT clustering software.

The latest enhancements in PSSP 3.5 are included, highlighting in particular the

changes made to the switch software and Virtual Shared Disks (VSD).

Configuration architectures and examples are included for customers planning to

deploy a Cluster 1600 in their computing environment. PSSP 3.5 and General

Parallel File System (GPFS) enhancements are explored, including the latest

64-bit support and the latest supported levels of AIX 5L.

This redbook also includes helpful information about software coexistence,

migration, and integration in Cluster 1600. Migration scenarios, hints, and tips are

provided for customers planning to migrate to the latest software levels in Cluster

1600. Finally, a high-level comparison between PSSP 3.5 and the new

IBM ^ Cluster 1600 Cluster Systems Management software is provided.

Appendices describing Cluster 1600 scalability rules, a sample switch

management script, PSSP hints and tips, and AIX device drivers are also

included.

The team that wrote this redbook

This redbook was produced by a team of specialists from around the world

working at the International Technical Support Organization, Poughkeepsie

Center.

Dino Quintero is a Project Leader at the ITSO Poughkeepsie Center. He

currently concentrates on pSeries clustering technologies by writing Redbooks

and teaching workshops.