IBM United States
Software Announcement 201-193
June 26, 2001
IBM General Parallel File System Available on IBM 
xSeries Running Linux
 ENUS201-193.PDF (33KB)
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At a Glance
IBM General Parallel File System for Linux (GPFS) is a shared disk file
system that allows access to files within a cluster of IBM 
xSeries servers from any IBM server in the cluster running Red Hat Linux
7.1.
This GPFS file system is similar to the one used with the
RS/6000 SP. It offers a fast, highly available, highly scalable,
shared file system modified for Linux applications.
GPFS for Linux offers improved system performance, file consistency,
increased data availability, enhanced system flexibility, and simplified
administration.
For ordering, contact:
Your IBM representative, an IBM Business Partner, or IBM Americas
Call Centers at
800-IBM-CALL
(Reference: SE001).
Overview
General Parallel File System (GPFS) is a parallel file system that works
on a shared disk model. It allows access to files from any server in the
system and provides high-performance file I/O to parallel jobs running on
multiple nodes, or to serial applications that are scheduled based upon
processor availability.
GPFS has been available on AIX® for IBM's UNIX® systems: both IBM
pSeries and RS/6000® workstations and/or servers
running HACMP/ES. Now, GPFS for Linux, Version 1 is available for
clusters of IBM xSeries machines.
GPFS offers many of the standard UNIX file system interfaces, allowing
many applications to execute without modification or recompiling. Many
of the UNIX file system utilities are also supported by GPFS.
GPFS for Linux is designed to operate with the Linux kernel providing the
basic operating system services and the routing of file system calls
requiring GPFS data. It uses Topology Services for network adapter
status, node connectivity information, and reliable messaging services
and uses Group Services for distributed coordination and synchronization
service. Both of these components were previously available only with
IBM Parallel System Support Programs for AIX on the RS/6000 SP™ system
and with the IBM High Availability Cluster Multi-Processor/ES for AIX.
Also a component of the GPFS for Linux product is Network Shared Disk
(NSD), which provides remote disk access capability and global disk
naming. You can have a cluster of 32 IBM xSeries machines, Models 330
and 340, with disks directly attached or a cluster of up to 32 machines
with NSD servers.
Key Prerequisites
-
IBM xSeries (Model 330 or 340)
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One or more Netfinity® FAStT500 Fibre Channel disks or twin tailed
SCSI/Fibre Channel disks
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Red Hat Linux 7.1
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GPFS Portability Layer, included on the product CD
Planned Availability Date
June 29, 2001
Description
General Parallel File System (GPFS) provides file system services to
parallel and serial applications running on the Red Hat Linux 7.1
operating environment. GPFS allows parallel applications simultaneous
access to the same file, or different files in the same file system, from
any node in the GPFS nodeset while managing a high level of control over
all file system operations. A nodeset is a group of nodes that all run
the same level of GPFS and operate on the same file system. Serial
applications can be dynamically assigned to processors based on
utilization and achieve high-performance access to their data from
wherever they run.
Using GPFS to store and retrieve files allows multiple processes or
applications on all nodes in the nodeset simultaneous access to the same
file using standard file system calls. It increases aggregate bandwidth
of the file system by spreading reads and writes across multiple disks;
allowing concurrent reads and writes from multiple nodes is key in
parallel processing.
The use of multi-attached Netfinity FAStT500 Fiber Channel disks or
network twin-tailed SCSI/Fibre Channel disks, and backup shared disk
servers, allows applications to continue to operate without interruption
in the event of server or adapter failure.
GPFS is a logging file system that creates separate logs for each node.
These logs record the allocation and modification of metadata, aiding in
fast recovery and restoration of data consistency in the event of node
failure. With a minimum of three servers, GPFS failover support allows
you to organize your hardware to minimize single points of failure.
GPFS supports a maximum file system size of 1.2 terabytes (TB).
Multilevel indirect block support allows file sizes up to the largest
supported GPFS file system size. System control of these values allows
effective caching of i-nodes and may improve the performance of some
applications. In addition, GPFS is a striping file system which
distributes disk blocks across all disks, thereby maximizing their
combined throughput.
GPFS uses a sophisticated token management system to provide data
consistency while allowing multiple, independent concurrent access to the
same file from anywhere in the cluster. When hardware resource demands
are high, GPFS can find an available path to the file system data.
System flexibility is provided with GPFS; you can add or delete disks
while the file system is mounted.
GPFS for Linux provides SAN support and supports Fibre Channel and SCSI
disks up to 32 servers.
Included with GPFS is a portability layer to the Linux kernel that is
encapsulated in a kernel module. This kernel module is provided as
source and multiple binaries that can be used for Red Hat 7.1 Linux
kernels supporting SMP, UP, and varying memory options. Should the
customer run a kernel that does not match the configuration for one of
the portability layer binaries, a simple recompilation specific to the
customer's kernel may be done.
Accessibility by People with Disabilities
The following feature supports use by people with disabilities:
-
Operation by keyboard alone
Euro Currency
This program is not impacted by euro currency.
Product Positioning
GPFS for Linux runs on specific models of rack-optimized IBM
xSeries hardware and is positioned as a complementary offering to GPFS
for AIX. It is targeted for customers who require a robust scalable file
system on a lower-cost, open, Intel-based server platform.
For scientific and technical computing, GPFS is ideal for
high-performance parallel file transfer and parallel I/O to single or
multiple files. GPFS's key strengths are its superior scalability and
performance, its ability to support extremely large files, and its
failure recovery supporting practical larger configurations.
GPFS is particularly appropriate in an environment where the aggregate
peak need for data exceeds the capability of a single file system server.
Trademarks
-
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xSeries and pSeries are trademarks of International Business Machines
Corporation.
-
-
SP and the e-business logo are trademarks of International Business
Machines Corporation in the United States or other countries or both.
-
-
AIX, RS/6000, and Netfinity are registered trademarks of International
Business Machines Corporation in the United States or other countries or
both.
-
-
UNIX is a registered trademark is a registered trademark of the Open
Company in the United States and other countries.
-
-
Other company, product, and service names may be trademarks or service
marks of others.
Offering Information
Product information will be available on day of announcement through
Offering Information (OITOOL) at:
Publications
No hardcopy publications are shipped with this program. However, the
following publications are available from the Web for download:
IBM General Parallel File System for Linux:
-
Concepts, Planning, and Installation Guide
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Administration and Programming Reference
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Problem Determination Guide
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RSCT Guide and Reference
The Publication Notification System (PNS) is available by order
number/product number. Customers currently subscribing to PNS will
automatically receive notifications by e-mail. Customers who wish to
subscribe can visit the PNS Web site location at:
The IBM Publications Center Portal:
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, as well as payment options via
credit card. Furthermore, a large number of publications are available
online in various file formats, which can currently be downloaded free of
charge.
Note that PNS subscribers most often order their publications via the
Publication Center.
Technical Information
Specified Operating Environment
Hardware Requirements
Software Requirements
-
Red Hat Linux 7.1, as distributed and supported by Red Hat, including:
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GNU C library (glibc) 2.2.2-10 or any later levels which maintain full
backward compatibility
-
GNU Debugger (gdb) 5.0 or any later levels which maintain full backward
compatibility
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Korn Shell (ksh) 5.2 or any later levels which maintain full backward
compatibility
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GNU C Compiler (gcc) 2.96.81 or any later levels which maintain full
backward compatibility
-
GPFS Portability Layer, a program licensed under the GNU General Public
License and included in the distribution package with GPFS for Linux
Compatibility:
IBM GPFS for Linux is not compatible with IBM GPFS for AIX®.
Limitations:
GPFS for Linux is supported on a maximum of 32 clustered
xSeries servers. Support is only provided with the hardware and software
specified in the requirements section of this announcement.
Performance Considerations:
In a Network Shared Disk (NSD) environment, Myrinet network is
suggested, 100 Mbit or 1 Gigabit Ethernet operating in full duplex mode
is supported, and twin tailed SCSI/Fibre Channel disk attach is needed
for failover.
In a Direct Disk Attach environment, Myrinet, 100 Mb or 1 Gb Ethernet,
operating in full duplex mode is supported and all nodes intended for
GPFS use require local connection to the disks.
Planning Information
Customer Responsibilities:
Have an understanding of the desired configuration of servers,
clients, and disks prior to ordering.
Packaging:
IBM GPFS for Linux is distributed in one CD-ROM which includes:
IBM GPFS for Linux
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RPM images for SRC, RSCT, and GPFS
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gpfs.base-*.i386.rpm
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gpfs.msg.en_US-*.i386.rpm
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gpfs.docs-*.i386.rpm
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src-*.i386.rpm
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rsct.basic-*.i386.rpm
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rsct.core-*.i386.rpm
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rsct.core.utils-*.i386.rpm
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README file
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IBM International Program License Agreement in multi-language booklet and
its License Information in multiple languages (LI10-0677-00)
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Proof of Entitlement
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IBM General Parallel File System for Linux publications in PDF and HTML
formats:
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Concepts, Planning, and Installation Guide
-
Administration and Programming Reference
-
Problem Determination Guide
-
RSCT Guide and Reference
GPFS Portability Layer
Security, Auditability, and Control
The announced program uses the security and auditability features of Red
Hat Linux 7.1 of the Linux 2.4 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.
Ordering Information
IBM General Parallel File System for Linux Version 1.1 has one
charge unit based on server processors. This product is available in
variable order quantities. The order quantity should reflect the number
of processors within the server, or GPFS Storage Node, with one or more
attached disks for accessing GPFS file systems.
Program Name:
GPFS for Linux, Version 1.1
New users of GPFS for Linux Version 1.1 should specify Machine Type
5765, Model E78, asset feature number 9001, and the feature number
tier equal to the total number of processors within the GPFS Storage Node
which will be disk attached.
For example, if you have a 32 node cluster configured with NSD, and four
of those nodes will be NF 6000R (4-way) GPFS Storage Nodes with disk
attached, you would order the feature number for the Order Type
Description of 9 to 16 processors with a quantity equal to 16 (four 4-way
Storage Nodes attached to disk). Or, if you have a 4 node cluster of NF
4500R (2-way) nodes with directly attached or fully connected disk, you
would order the feature number for the Order Type Description of 1 to 8
processors with a quantity equal to eight (four 2-way servers attached to
disk).
OTC Medium
Order-Type Program Feature Feature
Description Number Number Number Medium
1 to 8 Processors 5765-E78 0001 5809 CD-ROM
9 to 16 Processors 5765-E78 0002
17 to 32 Processors 5765-E78 0003
33 to 64 Processors 5765-E78 0004
65 or More Processors 5765-E78 0005
OTC = One-Time Charge
Customization Options for 5765-E78:
Select the appropriate feature numbers to customize your order to
specify the delivery options desired. These features can be specified on
the initial or MES orders.
Feature
Description Number
Initial Shipments
Serial Number Only (suppresses shipment 3444
of media and documentation)
Ship Media Only 3470
Update Shipments
Ship Media Updates Only (suppresses 3480
update shipment of documentation)
Suppress Updates (suppresses update 3482
shipment of media and documentation)
Feature
Description Number
Expedite Shipments
Local IBM Office Expedite 3445
(for IBM use only)
Customer Expedite Process Charge 3446
($30 charge for each product)
Expedite shipments will be processed to receive 72-hour delivery from the
time IBM Software Delivery and Fulfillment (SDF) receives the order. SDF
will then ship the order via overnight air transportation.
Terms and Conditions
Licensing:
IBM International Program License Agreement. Proofs of Entitlement
(PoEs) are required for all authorized use.
Limited Warranty Applies:
Yes
Program Services:
Available until December 31, 2002.
Money-Back Guarantee:
Two-month, money-back guarantee
Copy and Use on Home/Portable Computer:
No
Volume Orders (IVO):
Yes. Contact your IBM representative.
Passport Advantage Applies:
No
Passport Advantage Subscription Applies:
No
IBM Operational Support Services — Support Line:
Yes
AIX/UNIX® Upgrade Protection Applies:
No
Entitled Upgrade for Current AIX/UNIX Upgrade Protection Licensees:
No
AS/400® Software Subscription Applies:
No
Variable Charges Apply:
No
Educational Allowance Available:
Yes, 15% education allowance applies to qualified education
institution customers.
Prices
The prices provided in this announcement are suggested retail prices for
the U.S. only and are provided for your information only. Dealer prices
may vary, and prices may also vary by country. Prices are subject to
change without notice. For additional information and current prices,
contact your local IBM representative.
OTC
Order-Type Program Feature
Description Number Number OTC
1 to 8 Processors 5765-E78 0001 $7,725
9 to 16 Processors 5765-E78 0002 7,475
17 to 32 Processors 5765-E78 0003 7,225
33 to 64 Processors 5765-E78 0004 6,975
65 or More Processors 5765-E78 0005 6,725
Contact your sales channel for Support Line pricing information.
Customer Financing:
IBM Global Financing offers attractive financing to credit-qualified
commercial and government customers and Business Partners in more than 40
countries around the world. IBM Global Financing is provided by the IBM
Credit Corporation in the United States. Offerings, rates, terms, and
availability may vary by country. Contact your local IBM Global
Financing organization. Country organizations are listed on the Web at:
Order Now
Use Priority/Reference Code: SE001
Phone: 800-IBM-CALL
Fax: 800-2IBM-FAX
Internet: ibm_direct@us.ibm.com
Mail: IBM Atlanta Sales Center
Dept. SE001
P.O. Box 2690
Atlanta, GA 30301-2690
You can also contact your local IBM Business Partner or IBM
representative. To identify them, call 800-IBM-4YOU.
Note:
Shipments will begin after the planned availability date.
Trademarks
-
-
xSeries is a trademark of International Business Machines Corporation.
-
-
The e-business logo is a trademark of International Business Machines
Corporation in the United States or other countries or both.
-
-
Netfinity, AIX, and AS/400 are registered trademarks of International
Business Machines Corporation in the United States or other countries or
both.
-
-
Pentium is a trademark of Intel Corporation.
-
-
UNIX is a registered trademark is a registered trademark of the Open
Company in the United States and other countries.
-
-
Other company, product, and service names may be trademarks or service
marks of others.
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