General Parallel File System for Linux on POWER V2.3 can help improve cluster file system management
IBM United States Software Announcement 204-296December 7, 2004
 ENUS204-296.PDF (46KB)
|
At a glance
 |
| At a glance |
 |
IBM General Parallel File System (GPFS) for Linux on POWER is designed to deliver a fast, highly available, highly scalable shared file system for Linux applications on POWER processors. It allows users access to files spanning multiple disk drives on multiple nodes. GPFS for Linux on POWER V2 offers:
- Configuration simplification
- File sharing in multi-cluster environments
- Increased data availability
- Enhanced system flexibility
- Simplified administration
- Several enhancements over the previous release
For ordering, contact:
Your IBM representative, an IBM Business Partner, or IBM Americas Call Centers at
800-IBM-CALL
(Reference: RE001).
Back to top
|
|
| Overview |
|
IBM General Parallel File System (GPFS) for Linux™ on POWER™ allows users shared access to files within a cluster of IBM POWER-based servers from any IBM server in the cluster running Linux. It also allows parallel applications simultaneous access to the same files, or different files, from any node in the GPFS cluster, while managing a high level of control over all file system operations. 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.
GPFS for Linux, V2.3 offers enhancements in the following areas:
- Shares file systems in a multi-cluster environment
- Uses 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
- Configuration simplification with the convergence on a single cluster type
- Improved failure tolerance and simplified administration with node quorum with tie breaker disk
Back to top
|
|
| Key prerequisites |
|
Any of the following:
-
IBM
pSeries® or p5 servers
-
IBM Cluster 1600
-
IBM BladeCenter™ JS20
-
IBM OpenPower™ 720
- SUSE LINUX Enterprise Server 8
- SUSE LINUX Enterprise Server 9
Back to top
|
|
| Planned availability date |
|
December 17, 2004
Back to top
|
|
| Description |
|
The following enhancements are added to General Parallel File System (GPFS) for Linux:
I/O performance: 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 1 TB. GPFS will support disks up to 2 TB in size. The maximum number 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 number 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.
Section 508 of the U.S. Rehabilitation Act
Operation by keyboard alone is a feature supported for people with disabilities.
Back to top
|
|
| Product positioning |
|
GPFS for Linux offers a robust scalable file system running Linux on POWER servers. GPFS can be ideal for high-performance parallel file transfer and parallel I/O to single or multiple files. The key strengths of GPFS are its superior scalability and performance, its ability to support extremely large files, and its failure recovery, making larger configurations practical.
GPFS can be particularly appropriate in an environment where the aggregate peak need for data
exceeds the capability of a single file system server.
Back to top
|
|
| Reference information |
|
- Software Announcement 204-295 , dated December 7, 2004 (GPFS for Linux)
- Software Announcement 204-294 , dated December 7, 2004 (GPFS for AIX® 5L)
- Software Announcement 204-298 , dated December 7, 2004 (On/Off Capacity on Demand)
Trademarks
Back to top
|
|
| Offering Information |
|
Product information is available via the Offering Information Web site
Back to top
|
|
| Publications |
|
No publications are shipped with this program, however, the following publications are available from the Web:
IBM General Parallel File System (GPFS):
- Concepts, Planning and Installation Guide (GA22-7968)
- Administration and Programming Reference (SA22-7967)
- Problem Determination Guide (GA22-7969)
- Data Management API Guide (GA22-7966)
These displayable manuals are viewable in PDF format from:
The manuals are also available by selecting the Library link from the Cluster Information Center at
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 number for 50 countries. A large number 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 number/product number. PNS subscribers automatically receive e-mail notifications of all new publications defined in their profiles. These may then be ordered/downloaded from the Publications Center
The site is available in English and Canadian French.
Back to top
|
|
| Technical information |
|
Hardware requirements
Any of the following IBM POWER™-based servers:
- pSeries® servers
- Cluster 1600 (with supported network interconnect)
-
IBM p5 servers
- BladeCenter™ (JS20)
- OpenPower™ (720)
Software requirements
- GPFS Service update 2.3.0-1
-
One of the following Linux™ distributions:
- 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 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:
Support for GPFS on the IBM p5 models 590 and 595 is not
provided at general availability. The ordering tables (configurator)
will be updated when testing is completed and GPFS supports the model 590
and model 595.
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.
All statements regarding IBM future direction and intent are subject to change or withdrawal without notice, and represent goals and objectives only.
Planning information
Customer responsibilities: IBM offers a daily price option to enable you to dynamically change your available server capacity. On/Off Capacity on Demand (OOCoD) allows you to dynamically increase and decrease server capacity based on changing workload demands. In order to take advantage of OOCoD, you must have activation of the OOCoD hardware offering for pSeries and the applicable base software license on order or on inventory.
This offering allows you to pay a fee to enable and use temporary server capacity of GPFS on a per-day basis. Refer to the Ordering information section for GPFS features. For specific terms, refer to Software Announcement 204-298 , dated December 7, 2004.
Packaging: This program is distributed as a single package available via CD-ROM media. A product README file and license information is shipped with the product (L-RHAN-655R83 or LC23-4970-00). 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.
Back to top
|
|
| Ordering information |
|
GPFS V2.3 has one charge unit: Number of processors active on either small, medium, or large servers running GPFS for the supported operating environment. A new order for GPFS 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.
GPFS for Linux on POWER, V2 (5765-G20)
New users of GPFS for Linux on POWER, V2.3 should specify type 5765, model G20, and the one-time charge (OTC) feature number in the appropriate server-size column with a quantity equal to the total number of processors active in that server running the supported operating system in which GPFS will be installed. If a processor is active and GPFS will not be running on that processor, an order for GPFS is not required. For CD-ROM media, specify type 5692, model A5L, and feature code 0993.
Note: Throughout the following tables:
- Small = Small capacity servers (processor groups D5 and E5)
- Medium = Medium capacity servers (processor groups F5 and G5)
- Large = Large capacity servers (processor groups H5 and P5)
Small Medium Large
OTC OTC OTC
Program feature feature feature
Description number number number number
Per processor 5765-G20 0003 0005 0007
Block of 250 5765-G20 0004 0006 0008
processors(1)
- 1
- The feature for a block of 250 processors is provided for convenience with large orders. A quantity of one for this feature will order a license for 250 processors.
Media
supply
Program feature
Program name number Media number
GPFS for Linux, V2 5692-A5L CD-ROM 0993
This software license includes Software Maintenance, previously referred to as Software Subscription and Technical Support.
Extending coverage for a total of three years from date of acquisition may be elected. Order the program number, feature number, and quantity to extend coverage for your software licenses. If maintenance has expired, specify the after license feature number.
OTC one-year Software Maintenance for 5771-GLP
Small Medium Large
OTC OTC OTC
feature feature feature
Description number number number
Registration (No charge)
per processor 0808 0814 0820
per block of 250 0809 0815 0821
processors
24 x 7 Support Option
per processor 0810 0816 0822
per block of 250 0811 0817 0823
processors
Maintenance after-license
per processor 0812 0818 0824
per block of 250 0813 0819 0825
processors
OTC three-year Software Maintenance for 5773-GLP
Small Medium Large
OTC OTC OTC
feature feature feature
Description number number number
Registration(2)
per processor 0761 0767 0773
per block of 250 0762 0768 0774
processors
24 x 7 Support Option
per processor 0763 0769 0775
per block of 250 0764 0770 0776
processors
Maintenance after-license
per processor 0765 0771 0777
per block of 250 0766 0772 0778
processors
- 2
- The registration features for 5773-GLP are priced for the second and third years only of the three-year contract.
Withdrawal of feature numbers
The following feature numbers are withdrawn as of December 7, 2004.
Program Feature
Description number number
Per processor 5765-G20 0001
Per 250 processor 5765-G20 0002
1-yr Reg per processor 5771-GLP 0455
1-yr Reg block of 250 5771-GLP 0456
3-yr Reg per processor 5773-GLP 0407
3-yr Reg block of 250 5773-GLP 0408
Program Feature
Description number number
1-yr 24 x 7 support 5771-GLP 0598
per proc
1-yr 24 x 7 support 5771-GLP 0599
250 proc
3-yr 24 x 7 support 5773-GLP 0553
per proc
3-yr 24 x 7 support 5773-GLP 0554
250 proc
1-yr MAL per processor 5771-GLP 0459
1-yr MAL block of 250 5771-GLP 0460
3-yr MAL per processor 5773-GLP 0411
3-yr MAL block of 250 5773-GLP 0412
Customization options (5765-G20)
Select the following feature number to customize your order with this delivery option if desired. This feature can be specified on the initial or MES orders.
Expedite shipments
Feature
Description number
Local IBM Office Expedite 3445
(for IBM use only)
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 send the order via overnight air transportation.
System Program Order (SPO) (5692-A5L): A 5692-A5L SPO is mandatory for shipments of program distribution and publications. The individual licensed program orders are for registration and billing purposes only. No shipment occurs under these orders.
To receive shipment of machine-readable materials stacked on a single 8-mm, 4-mm, or 1/4-inch tape, or CD-ROM requires an SPO (5692-A5L). Billing for the media type selected is generated under the SPO. To prevent additional billing expenses, place only one SPO order per machine.
Select the following feature number for the licensed program hardcopy entitled publications, along with feature number 9001 for asset registration to be shipped on a given date.
Feature
Description number
GPFS for Linux on POWER 0993
(5692-A5L)
Under SPO 5692-A5L, feature number 3470 can be used to suppress hardcopy documentation. To order entitled hardcopy documentation only, order feature number 3430.
OOCoD
GPFS for Linux on POWER, V2 (5765-G20)
Small Medium Large
OTC OTC OTC
Program feature feature feature
Description number number number number
Per processor 5765-G20 0009 0011 0013
day OOCoD
temp use charge
Small Medium Large
OTC OTC OTC
Program feature feature feature
Description number number number number
Temp use 5765-G20 0010 0012 0014
charge
Qty 250(3)
- 3
- The feature for a block of 250 processors is provided for convenience with large orders. A quantity of one for this feature will order a license for 250 processors.
Back to top
|
|
| Terms and conditions |
|
Agreement: IBM International Program License Agreement. Proofs of Entitlement (PoE) are required for all authorized use.
This software license includes Software Maintenance, previously referred to as Software Subscription and Technical Support.
The following agreements apply for maintenance and do not require customer signatures:
- IBM Agreement for Acquisition of Support (Z125-6011)
-
Addendum for Support (Software Maintenance) for Select IBM iSeries™ and pSeries Programs (Z125-6495)
Limited warranty: Yes
Warranty: This program has warranty for a minimum of one year from acquisition from IBM or authorized IBM Business Partner. 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. For clarification, note that:
- This term applies only to your first acquisition of the program.
- For Programs acquired under any of the On/Off CoD software offerings, this term does not apply since these offerings apply to programs already acquired and in use by the customer.
Copy and use on home/portable computer: No
Volume orders (IVO): Yes, contact your IBM representative.
Passport Advantage® applies: No
Software Maintenance applies: Yes
All distributed software licenses include Software Maintenance (Software Subscription and Technical Support) for a period of 12 months from the date of acquisition, providing a streamlined way to acquire IBM software and assure technical support coverage for all licenses. Extending coverage for a total of three years from date of acquisition may be elected.
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
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.IBM Operational Support Services — SoftwareXcel: No
Other support: SWM for pSeries
AIX®/UNIX® upgrade protection applies: No
Entitled upgrade for current AIX/UNIX upgrade protection licensees: No
iSeries Software Subscription applies: No
Variable charges apply: Yes
Educational allowance available: Yes, 15% education allowance applies to qualified education institution customers.
Sub-capacity pricing terms and conditions
To be eligible for Sub-Capacity Pricing, the machine on which the eligible products are installed and running must be eligible for Sub-Capacity pricing terms and conditions. Software pricing at less than full machine capacity for eligible products apply when running
- AIX 5L V5.1, or later, on a pSeries 690 or equivalent partition capable operating system and machine
- OS/400® V5.1, or later, running on an iSeries Server
- Linux running in an LPAR under AIX 5L V5.1, OS/400 V5.1, or in a partition on an equivalent partition capable operating system and Server
Sub-Capacity Pricing for eligible products is based on the current Program pricing methodology but the number of processors will be determined based on the sum of processors for all partitions where the Program is defined(used). To obtain pricing at less than full machine capacity for eligible products, you are required to:
- Install and use, when available, IBM's license use management program which installs with eligible IBM Programs.
- Install available updates to the operating system and eligible products such that license use can be accurately managed.
- If the use of Sub-Capacity Pricing terms results in a reduced requirement for entitlements, you can reallocate the entitlement difference by distributing entitlements across a larger or different set of systems, or reserve then for future growth. There will be no refunds for these "freed up" entitlements. Subscription, Software Maintenance and Support volumes and entitlements for existing contracts will continue at the same levels as the acquired licenses.
OOCoD pricing
To be eligible for On/Off CoD pricing, customers must be enabled for temporary capacity on the
corresponding hardware, and the required contract — Z125-6907, Amendment for iSeries and pSeries
Temporary CoD — Software — must be signed before use.
Back to top
|
|
| 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
Back to top
|
|
| 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.
Small Medium Large
OTC OTC OTC
feature Small feature Medium feature Large
Description number OTC number OTC number OTC
GPFS for Linux on POWER, V2.3 (5765-G20)
Per processor 0003 $ 857 0005 $ 857 0007 $ 857
Block of 250 0004 214,250 0006 214,250 0008 214,250
processors
Per processor 0009 9 0011 9 0013 9
day OOCoD
temp use
charge
Temp use 0010 2,250 0012 2,250 0014 2,250
charge
qty 250
One-year software maintenance for GPFS for Linux on POWER, V2.3
(5771-GLP)
Registration
per processor 0808 NC(4) 0814 NC 0820 NC
per block 0809 NC 0815 NC 0821 NC
of 250
24 x 7 Support
Option
per processor 0810 15 0816 15 0822 15
per block 0811 3,750 0817 3,750 0823 3,750
of 250
Maintenance
after-license
per processor 0812 323 0818 323 0824 323
per block 0813 80,750 0819 80,750 0825 80,750
of 250
Three-year software maintenance for GPFS for
Linux on POWER, V2.3 (5773-GLP)
Registration(5)
per processor 0761 366 0767 366 0773 366
per block 0762 91,500 0768 91,500 0774 91,500
of 250
24 x 7 Support
Option
per processor 0763 41 0769 41 0775 41
per block 0764 10,250 0770 10,250 0776 10,250
of 250
Maintenance
after-license
per processor 0765 688 0771 688 0777 688
per block 0766 172,000 0772 172,000 0778 172,000
of 250
- 4
- No charge
- 5
- The registration features for 5773-GLP are priced for the second and third years only of the three-year contract.
Variable charges:
The applicable processor-based one-time charge will be based on the
group of the designated machine on which the program is licensed for use.
If the program is designated to a processor in a group for which no
charge is listed, the charge of the next higher group listed applies.
For movement to a machine in a higher group, an upgrade charge equal to
the difference in the then-current charges between the two groups will
apply. For movement to a machine in a lower group, there will be no
adjustment or refund of charges paid.
Back to top
|
|
| Order now |
|
To order, contact the Americas Call Centers, your local IBM representative, or your IBM Business Partner.
To identify your local IBM representative or IBM Business Partner, call 800-IBM-4YOU (426-4968).
Phone: 800-IBM-CALL (426-2255)
Fax: 800-2IBM-FAX (242-6329)
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: RE001
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
Back to top
Printable version