IBM General Parallel File System for Linux helps simplify file system management across clusters

Transcription

1 Software Announcement December 7, 2004 IBM General Parallel File System for Linux helps simplify file system management across clusters Overview A new release of General Parallel File System (GPFS) is available. GPFS is ideal for parallel and serial applications that need to be readily available and require fast, scalable access to large amounts of file data. GPFS for Linux is designed to deliver a robust, scalable file system on an open, Intel -based and AMD-based server platform. GPFS for Linux, V2.3 offers enhancements in the following areas: Configuration simplification with the convergence on a single cluster type Shared file systems in a multi-cluster environment One command to display and monitor I/O performance New file system format which allows support for disks up to 2 Terabytes (TB) in size Improved failure tolerance and simplified administration with node quorum with tie breaker disk Key prerequisites Any of the following combinations: IBM xseries servers IBM 325 or 326 IBM BladeCenter servers IBM Cluster 1350 SUSE LINUX Enterprise Server 8 SUSE LINUX Enterprise Server 9 Red Hat Enterprise Linux 3.0 Planned availability date December 17, 2004 At a glance General Parallel File System for Linux, V2.3 offers: Configuration simplification File sharing in multi-cluster environments Support for SUSE LINUX Enterprise Server 9 Enhancements over previous releases For ordering, contact: Your IBM representative or the Americas Call Centers at 800-IBM-CALL Reference: YE001 This announcement is provided for your information only. For additional information, contact your IBM representative, call 800-IBM-4YOU, or visit the IBM home page at: IBM United States IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation

2 The following enhancements are added to GPFS for Linux: I/O performance: GPFS V2.3 allows the system administrator to collect I/O statistics from the point of view of GPFS servicing application I/O requests. The data can be used for many purposes, including, but not limited to: Tracking usage growth Recording I/O patterns over time (determining peak usage periods, etc) Determining if some nodes service more I/O requests than others Configuration simplification: The multiple GPFS cluster types that existed in prior releases of GPFS have now been converged into a single cluster type for all supported environments. This convergence helps ease cluster interoperability across differing operating system and machine architecture environments and lessens the planning complications and implementation restrictions inherent in the previous cluster types. The dependency on Reliable Scalable Cluster Technology (RSCT) and the requirement for quorum nodes to belong to an RSCT peer domain have been removed. Increased disk support: GPFS V2.3 introduces a new file system format that lifts some of the restrictions present in older releases. This new format is in effect for new file systems created with GPFS V2.3. For file systems that use the new format, the following restrictions are lifted. The maximum disk size is no longer 1TB. GPFS will support disks up to 2TB in size. The maximum of files in a file system has increased from 268,435,455 to 2,147,483,647. Multi-cluster file system: The ability to share GPFS file system data across clusters allows GPFS file systems to be separated into different administrative domains while allowing data to be shared across a large of nodes without the encumbrance of a large single cluster. The GPFS cross cluster mounts allow high speed GPFS file system data access across organizations or geographically separate locations where creating single cluster would be impractical. Overall data availability can be increased as quorum loss in one cluster does not affect the availability of file systems in other clusters. GPFS multi-cluster security uses the Secure Socket Layer. Note: This function is available in the code and can be used for preparation and planning but is not supported for production use until GPFS service is made available. Node quorum: The transition from single-node quorum to node quorum with tie breaker disks introduces improved failure tolerance semantics and simplified administration. Node quorum with tiebreaker disks is uniform and supported regardless of disk subsystem and operating system type. Product positioning GPFS for Linux runs on rack-optimized xseries, 325, 326 and BladeCenter hardware and the Cluster 1350, and is positioned as a complementary offering to GPFS for AIX and GPFS for Linux on POWER. It can be advantageous for customers who require a robust, scalable file system on an open, Intel-based or AMD-based server platform and for applications that need to be highly available and require fast, scalable access to large amounts of file data. Reference information Software Announcement , dated December 7, 2004 (GPFS for Linux on POWER) Software Announcement , dated December 7, 2004 (GPFS for AIX 5L) Trademarks BladeCenter and POWER are trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation in the United States or other countries or both. The e-business logo, xseries, and AIX are registered trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation in the United States or other countries or both. Intel is a trademark of Intel Corporation. Linux is a trademark of Linus Torvalds in the United States, other countries or both Other company, product, and service names may be trademarks or service marks of others. Section 508 of the U.S. Rehabilitation Act Operation by keyboard alone is a feature supported for people with disabilities

3 IBM US Announcement Supplemental Information December 7, 2004 Offering Information Product information is available via the Offering Information Web site Also, visit the Passport Advantage Web site Publications No publications are shipped with this program; however, the following publications are available from the Web: IBM General Parallel File System: Concepts, Planning and Installation Guide (GA ) Administration and Programming Reference (SA ) Problem Determination Guide (GA ) Data Management API Guide (GA ) These displayable manuals are viewable in PDF format from: The manuals are also available from the Library link off of the Cluster Information Center at clresctr/index.jsp The IBM Publications Center The Publications Center is a worldwide central repository for IBM product publications and marketing material with a catalog of 70,000 items. Extensive search facilities are provided. Payment options for orders are via credit card (in the U.S.) or customer for 50 countries. A large of publications are available online in various file formats, and they can all be downloaded by all countries free of charge. The IBM Publications Notification System (PNS) enables subscribers to set up profiles of interest by order /product. PNS subscribers automatically receive notifications of all new publications defined in their profiles. These may then be ordered/downloaded from the Publications Center pnsrege.nsf/messages/welcome The site is available in English and Canadian French. Hardware requirements: servers: Technical information Any of the following IBM xseries servers (32-bit Linux distributions only) Cluster 1350 (when configured with supported servers) BladeCenter (32-bit Linux distributions only) eserver 325 or 326 (supported with 32-bit or 64-bit SUSE LINUX Enterprise Server 8 or 9) Any of the following connectivity and storage: 100 Mb Ethernet or 1 Gb Ethernet or Myrinet IBM TotalStorage DS4000 disk (DS4100, DS4300, DS4400, DS4500) IBM TotalStorage ESS (2105-F20 or ) Note: Refer to the GPFS FAQ available from the following Web site for an updated list of formally qualified disk subsystems and servers Software requirements GPFS Service update One of the following Linux distributions: Red Hat Enterprise Linux 3.0 (AS, ES, or WS) SUSE LINUX Enterprise Server 8 SUSE LINUX Enterprise Server 9 GPFS Portability Layer, which is source code licensed under the Berkeley Software Distribution (BSD) terms and included in the distribution package with GPFS for Linux, and which is compiled by the user to produce a set of kernel module binaries for GPFS. For updated supported kernel levels, consult the Frequently Asked Questions available from Compatibility: With the streamlining of cluster type designations, GPFS V2.3 introduces changes in the format of its cluster configuration files that require existing clusters to be migrated to the new level. Refer to the online documentation on migration. Limitations: GPFS for Linux V2.3, running on the eserver 325 or 326 server, does not support running with Red Hat Enterprise Linux 3. GPFS only supports these servers running SUSE LINUX Enterprise Server 8 or SUSE LINUX Enterprise Server 9. GPFS multi-cluster support is available in the code and can be used for preparation and planning but is not supported for production use until GPFS service is made available. This announcement is provided for your information only. For additional information, contact your IBM representative, call 800-IBM-4YOU, or visit the IBM home page at: IBM United States IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation

4 All statements regarding IBM future direction and intent are subject to change or withdrawal without notice, and represent goals and objectives only. Planning information Packaging: This program is distributed as a single package available via CD-ROM media or electronic download via Passport Advantage. A product README file and license information is shipped with the product. Publications are available online. Security, auditability, and control GPFS uses the security and auditability features of the Linux operating system. The customer is responsible for evaluation, selection, and implementation of security features, administrative procedures, and appropriate controls in application systems and communication facilities. Withdraw from marketing information GPFS for Linux BH00SIE Media Package Eng Replacement information GPFS for Linux BH02AIE Media Package Eng Terms and conditions This product is only available via Passport Advantage. is not available as shrinkwrap. It Ordering information This product is only available via Passport Advantage. is not available as shrinkwrap. GPFS has one charge unit based on the of processors in the server or cluster running GPFS for the supported operating environment. A new order includes one-year IBM Software Maintenance. Upgrades may be acquired via the IBM Software Maintenance agreement up to the current level of use authorized for the qualifying program. Passport Advantage GPFS for Linux on xseries Media Package English LIC+SW MAINT 12 months ANNUAL SW MAINT RNWL SW MAINT REINSTATE 12 months BH02AIE D53GZLL E016TLL D53H0LL Passport Advantage customer: Media pack entitlement details Customers with active maintenance or subscription for the products listed are entitled to receive the corresponding media pack. Entitled maintenance offerings Media packs description description GPFS for Linux English BH02AIE on xseries Withdrawal of previous Passport Advantage part s: The following IPLA software part s are being replaced or obsoleted by this announcement. The effective withdrawal date is January 14, Orders for these part s will not be accepted after the stated effective date of withdrawal, nor will normal marketing activities or educational support be available unless previous agreement exists between the customer and IBM. It Agreement: IBM International Program License Agreement. Proofs of Entitlement (PoE) are required for all authorized use. products only, offered outside of Passport Advantage, where applicable, are license only and do not include Software Maintenance. License information form : L-RHAN-655RLW Limited warranty applies: Yes Warranty: This program has warranty for a minimum of one year from acquisition from IBM or authorized IBM Business ner. The warranty provided to the customer, for at least one year from acquisition, is access to databases (read Web sites) for program information and FAQs, including any known fixes to defects, which the customer can download or obtain otherwise and install at his/her leisure. Money-back guarantee: If for any reason you are dissatisfied with the Program, return it within 30 days from the invoice date, to the party (either IBM or its reseller) from whom you acquired it, for a refund. This applies only to your first acquisition of the Program. Copy and use on home/portable computer: No Volume orders (IVO): No Passport Advantage applies: Passport Advantage Web site at Yes and through the Software Maintenance applies: Yes Software Maintenance, previously referred to as Software Subscription and Technical Support, is now included in the Passport Advantage Agreement. Installation and technical support for the product announced in this letter is provided by the Software Maintenance offering of the IBM International Passport Advantage Agreement. This fee service enhances customer productivity by providing voice and electronic access into the IBM support organizations. IBM includes one year of Software Maintenance with the initial license acquisition of each program acquired. The initial period of Software Maintenance can be extended by the purchase of a renewal option

5 While your Software Maintenance is in effect, IBM provides you assistance for your routine, short duration installation and usage (how-to) questions; and code-related questions. IBM provides assistance via telephone and, if available, electronic access, only to your information systems (IS) technical support personnel during the normal business hours (published prime shift hours) of your IBM support center. This assistance is not available to your end users. IBM provides Severity 1 assistance 24 hours a day, every day of the year. For additional details, consult your IBM Software Support Guide at guides/handbook.html Software Maintenance does not include assistance for the design and development of applications, your use of programs in other than their specified operating environment, or failures caused by products for which IBM is not responsible under this agreement. For more information about the Passport Advantage Agreement, refer to the IBM International Passport Advantage Agreement Software Announcement , dated July 10, 2001, or visit the Passport Advantage Web site at IBM Operational Support Services SoftwareXcel: No AIX /UNIX upgrade protection applies: No Entitled upgrade for current AIX/UNIX upgrade protection licensees: No iseries Software Subscription applies: No Variable charges apply: No IBM Electronic Services IBM Global Services has transformed its delivery of hardware and software support services to put you on the road to higher systems availability. IBM Electronic Services is a Web-enabled solution that provides you with an exclusive, no-additional-charge enhancement to the service and support on the IBM eserver. You should benefit from greater system availability due to faster problem resolution and preemptive monitoring. IBM Electronic Services is comprised of two separate, but complementary, elements: IBM Electronic Services news page and IBM Electronic Service Agent. IBM Electronic Services news page provides you with a single Internet entry point that replaces the multiple entry points traditionally used by customers to access IBM Internet services and support. By using the news page, it enables you to gain easier access to IBM resources for assistance in resolving technical problems. The IBM Electronic Service Agent is a no-additional-charge software that resides on your IBM eserver system. It is designed to proactively monitor events and transmit system inventory information to IBM on a periodic customer-defined timetable. The IBM Electronic Service Agent tracks system inventory, hardware error logs, and performance information. If the server is under a current IBM maintenance service agreement or within the IBM warranty period, the Service Agent automatically reports hardware problems to IBM. Early knowledge about potential problems enables IBM to provide proactive service that maintains higher system availability and performance. In addition, information collected through the Service Agent will be made available to IBM service support representatives when they are helping answer your questions or diagnosing problems. To learn how IBM Electronic Services can work for you, visit Passport Advantage Prices For Passport Advantage information and charges, contact your IBM representative or authorized IBM Business ner. Additional information is also available on the following Passport Advantage Web site Order now To order, contact the Americas Call Centers or your local IBM representative. To identify your local IBM representative, call 800-IBM-4YOU ( ). Phone: 800-IBM-CALL ( ) Fax: 800-2IBM-FAX ( ) Internet: ibm direct@vnet.ibm.com Mail: IBM Americas Call Centers Dept: IBM CALL, 11th Floor 105 Moatfield Drive North York, Ontario Canada M3B 3R1 Reference: YE001 The Americas Call Centers, our national direct marketing organization, can add your name to the mailing list for catalogs of IBM products. Note: Shipments will begin after the planned availability date. Trademarks BladeCenter, iseries, and Electronic Service Agent are trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation in the United States or other countries or both. Passport Advantage, eserver, xseries, TotalStorage, and AIX are registered trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation in the United States or other countries or both. UNIX is a registered trademark of the Open Company in the United States and other countries. Linux is a trademark of Linus Torvalds in the United States, other countries or both Other company, product, and service names may be trademarks or service marks of others