IBM Parallel Environment for Linux, V4.3 delivers enhancements for IBM System x clusters, including a parallel debugger
IBM United States Software Announcement 206-248October 10, 2006
 ENUS206-248.PDF (49KB)
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At a glance
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| At a glance |
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Parallel Environment can offer high performance and fast job turn-around time for numerically intensive and demanding scientific, technical, and strategic business applications.
Parallel Environment for Linux Multiplatform, V4.3 delivers the following benefits:
- Provides support for parallel application development and execution on System x servers (Intel processor-based), and IBM AMD processor-based (e325, e326) servers running the Linux operating system
- Exploits UDP/IP communication on various interconnects
- Adds support with SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 10
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| Overview |
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Parallel Environment for Linux™ Multiplatform (IBM System x™, eServer® 325, 326 servers) is a high-function development and execution environment for parallel applications running on one or more Intel® processor-based and AMD processor-based IBM servers running the Linux operating system.
Parallel Environment for Linux Multiplatform can offer High Performance Computing (HPC) customers whose parallel applications use the industry-standard Message Passing Interface (MPI) a tool for creating and using parallel applications with a familiar look and feel.
The IBM MPI implementation exploits an enhanced low-level application programming interface (LAPI) designed to increase parallel application performance on clusters made up of supported IBM systems running the Linux operating system.
V4.3 provides support for Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) 4, SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES) 9, and SLES 10. Enhancements include:
- Supports up to 512 nodes and 4,096 tasks.
- Adds parallel debugger (pdb).
- Adds SLES 10 support.
- Provides IP support on various interconnects; IP mode uses the standard UDP/IP protocol which is available on many interconnects.
- Includes performance improvements to selected MPI collective communication subroutines.
- Substantially improves MPI one-sided communication performance.
- Includes the Parallel Operating Environment (POE) that will copy user hard limit and soft limit values for non-LoadLeveler® interactive jobs.
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| Key prerequisites |
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Parallel Environment for Linux, V4.3 runs on the following:
- System x servers
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IBM eServer 325 or 326 servers with either
- SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 10
- SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 9, Service Pack 3
- Red Hat Enterprise Linux 4.4
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| Planned availability date |
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October 27, 2006
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| Description |
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Accessibility by people with disabilities
A U.S. Section 508 Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) containing details on the products accessibility compliance can be requested via IBM's web site at
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| Product positioning |
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Parallel Environment can be beneficial for high-performance cluster customers who demand effective tools for developing, debugging, analyzing, tuning, and running parallel C/C++ and Fortran applications that use the industry-standard MPI. It is designed to ease application porting and development and to increase application performance on IBM System x clusters.
Parallel Environment is the IBM strategic, high-function development and execution environment for parallel applications. It is designed to exploit SMP nodes when available and to run single or multi-threaded applications and the MPI message-passing API.
Parallel Environment for Linux can be beneficial for high-performance cluster customers who:
- Require high performance and fast job turn-around time for numerically intensive and demanding scientific, technical, and strategic business applications running the Linux operating system
- Want to exploit parallel computing as a means of obtaining greater performance in a production environment
- Seek ways to improve resource utilization and reduce the time to a solution or solve larger problems by exploiting parallel processing in a cluster environment
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| Reference information |
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- Software Announcement 206-250 , dated October 10, 2006
- Software Announcement 206-247 , dated October 10, 2006
Trademarks
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| Offering Information |
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Product information is available via the Offering Information Web site
Also, visit the Passport Advantage® Web site
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| Publications |
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No publications are shipped with this program.
The following publications are available from the Web:
- IBM Parallel Environment for Linux™: Introduction (SA23-2218)
- IBM Parallel Environment for Linux: Installation (SC23-5208)
- IBM Parallel Environment for Linux: Operation and Use (SA23-2217)
- IBM Parallel Environment for Linux: MPI Programming Guide (SA23-2219)
- IBM Parallel Environment for Linux: MPI Subroutine Reference (SA23-2220)
- IBM Parallel Environment for Linux: Messages (SA38-0648)
To access all Parallel Environment documentation in PDF and HTML formats, including the most recent, visit the IBM eServer® Cluster Information Center Web site
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.
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| Technical information |
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Hardware requirements
Parallel Environment for Linux, V4.3 is supported on the following IBM System servers running the Linux operating system:
- System x™
- eServer 325 and 326
Note: Parallel Environment in IP mode uses the standard UDP/IP protocol, which is available on many interconnects. Parallel Environment in IP mode is tested extensively on 1 Gb Ethernet.
Software requirements
Service update 4.3.0-1 of Parallel Environment is required.
Any of the following Linux distributions:
- SLES 9, Service Pack 3
- SLES 10
- RHEL 4.4
For development, the GNU — Open Software Foundation compiler is required.
Parallel Environment for Linux service update 4.3.0-1 can be obtained from the Cluster Service Web site
Limitations
- Parallel Environment for Linux, V4.3 does not interoperate between different node types or different Linux distributions. All of the nodes used in a parallel job must be of the same type, running the same level of operating system (including service levels), same Linux distribution, and same level for all portions of the Parallel Environment package.
- Parallel Environment for Linux offers a thread-safe MPI library supporting all of MPI 1.1, 1.2, and 2.0, except the functions specified in the "MPI-2: Extensions to the Message Passing Interface" chapter on "Process Creation and Management" found at the MPI Web site
Performance considerations: Parallel Environment and the MPI library are intended for use in HPC applications that can exploit multiple processors to achieve parallelism, using message passing to pass data among the processors where necessary. In such environments, performance of the interconnecting network is important. Enhanced IP performance is achieved with a dedicated, high-performance IP network within the cluster to be used for MPI communication.
Jobs with large task counts are often constrained by the amount of memory available to a process. This version of Parallel Environment uses less memory for jobs with larger task counts than prior versions and may improve performance by allowing a larger problem data space to be maintained in real memory.
Planning information
Ensure all of the nodes to be used in a parallel job are of the same processor type (AMD or Intel®) running the same level of operating system, same Linux distribution and same level for all portions of the Parallel Environment package.
Customers wishing to expand their Parallel Environment jobs beyond 4,096 tasks may submit a special bid.
Packaging: This program is distributed as a single package available via CD-ROM media (LCD8-0281). A product README file and license information file is shipped with the product.
Security, auditability, and control
Parallel Environment for Linux 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.
Software Services
IBM Services has the breadth, depth, and reach to manage your services needs. You can leverage the deep technical skills of our lab-based, software services team and the business consulting, project management, and infrastructure expertise of our IBM Global Services team. Also, we extend our IBM Software Services reach through IBM Business Partners to provide an unmatched portfolio of capabilities. Together, we provide the global reach, intellectual capital, industry insight, and technology leadership to support any critical business need.
To learn more about IBM Software Services or to contact a software services sales specialist, visit
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| Ordering information |
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This product is only available via Passport Advantage. It is not available as shrinkwrap.
Product Group: Other Software Product Identifier Description (PID) Parallel Environment for Linux (5724-N05) Product Category: Parallel Environment
Charge metric
Part number or
Program name PID number Charge metric
Parallel 5724-N05 10 processor Value Units
Environment
for Linux
Value Unit: A Value Unit is a pricing charge metric for program license entitlements which is based upon the quantity of a specific designated measurement used for a given program. Each program has a designated measurement. The most commonly used designated measurement is a processor core. However, for select programs, there are other designated measurements such as users, client devices, and messages.
The number of Value Unit entitlements required for a program depends on how the program is deployed in your environment and must be obtained from a Value Unit table. You must obtain a Proof of Entitlement (PoE) for the calculated number of Value Unit entitlements for your implementation. The Value Unit entitlements are specific to a program and may not be exchanged, interchanged, or aggregated with Value Unit entitlements of another program.
A processor (commonly called a CPU or core) is a functional unit within a computing device that interprets and executes instructions. A processor consists of at least an instruction control unit and one or more arithmetic or logic unit. Not all processors require the same number of Value Unit entitlements. To calculate the number of Value Unit entitlements required, refer to the processor Value Unit table at the following Web site
With full capacity licensing, a PoE must be acquired for the appropriate number of Value Units based on all activated processors available for use on the server.
Managed processor
A processor (commonly called a "CPU" or "core") is a functional unit within a computing device that interprets and executes instructions. A processor consists of at least an instruction control unit and one or more arithmetic and/or logic unit. With multi-core technology each core is considered a processor. A POE must be acquired for all activated processors on the server in the computing environment affiliated with the program or component of the program rather than on the server where the program or component of the program is run.
Value Unit: A Value Unit is a pricing charge metric for program license entitlements which is based upon the quantity of a specific designated measurement used for a given program. Each program has a designated measurement. The most commonly used designated measurement is a processor core. However, for select programs, there are other designated measurements such as users, client devices, and messages. The number of Value Unit entitlements required for your specific implementation of the given program must be obtained from a conversion table associated with the program. You must obtain a POE for the appropriate e number of Value Unit entitlements for Your implementation. The Value Unit entitlements of a given program cannot be exchanged, interchanged, or aggregated with Value Unit entitlements of another program.
A processor (commonly called a "CPU" or "core") is a functional unit within a computing device that interprets and executes instructions. A processor consists of at least an instruction control unit and one or more arithmetic and/or logic unit. With multi-core technology, each core is considered a processor. Not all processors require the same number of Value Unit entitlements. To determine the number of Value Unit entitlements required, refer to the processor value unit conversion table on the Passport Advantage Web site
With full capacity licensing, a POE must be acquired for the appropriate number of value units based on all activated processors on the server available to the Program or a component of the Program.
Passport Advantage
Part
Program name/description number
Par Envir for Linux Multiplatform BH036EN
Media Package Eng 4.3
Par Envir for Linux 10 Value Unit D58CCLL
LIC+SW MAINT 12 MO
Par Envir for Linux 10 Value Unit E02JLLL
ANNUAL SW MAINT RNWL
Par Envir for Linux 10 Value Unit D58CDLL
SW MAINT REINSTATE 12MO
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 description Parallel Environment for Linux Media packs Part description number Par Envir for Linux Multi BH036EN Media Package English
Withdrawal of previous Passport Advantage part numbers: There are no IPLA software Media Pack part numbers being replaced or obsoleted by this announcement.
On/Off Capacity on Demand
Part
Description number
Parallel Environment Linux D57SSLL
PER PROCESSOR DAY OOCoD
TEMP USE CHRG
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| Terms and conditions |
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This product is only available via Passport Advantage. It is not available as shrinkwrap.
Agreement: IBM International Program License Agreement and License Information document. PoEs are required for all authorized use. Part number products only, offered outside of Passport Advantage, where applicable, are license only and do not include Software Maintenance.
This software license includes Software Maintenance, previously referred to as Software Subscription and Technical Support.
License information form number: L-RHAN-6RRR8S
On or near the planned availability date, the LI will be available for review on the IBM Software License Agreement Web site
Limited warranty: Yes
Warranty: This program includes a warranty for one year from acquisition from IBM or an authorized IBM Business Partner. For one year from acquisition of the program, this warranty provides the customer with access to databases containing Program information and FAQs, including any known fixes to defects, which the customer can download or otherwise obtain and install.
Program technical support: Technical support of a program product will be available for a minimum of three years from the general availability date, as long as your Software Maintenance is in effect. This technical support allows you to obtain assistance (via telephone or electronic means) from IBM for product-specific, task-oriented questions regarding the installation and operation of the program product. Software Maintenance also provides you with access to updates, releases, and versions of the program. Customers will be notified, via announcement letter, of discontinuance of support with 12 months' notice. If you require additional technical support from IBM, including an extension of support beyond the discontinuance date, contact your IBM representative or IBM Business Partner. This extension may be available for a fee.
Money-back guarantee: If for any reason you are dissatisfied with the program and you are the original licensee, 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 (1) for Programs acquired under the IBM International Passport Advantage offering, this term applies only to your first acquisition of the Program and (2) for programs acquired under any of IBM's On/Off Capacity on Demand (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): No
Passport Advantage applies: Yes, and through the Passport Advantage Web site at
Software Maintenance applies: Yes
Software Maintenance, previously referred to as Software Subscription and Technical Support, is included in the IBM International Passport Advantage Agreement. Installation and technical support is provided by the Software Maintenance offering of the IBM International Passport Advantage Agreement. This fee service provides voice and electronic access to 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, if available.
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.
For additional information about the Passport Advantage Agreement, visit the Passport Advantage Web site at
iSeries™ Software Maintenance applies: No
Variable charges apply: No
Educational allowance available: Not applicable.
On/Off Capacity on Demand
To be eligible for On/Off Capacity on Demand pricing, customers must be enabled for temporary
capacity on the corresponding hardware, and the required contract — Z125-6907, Amendment for
iSeries and pSeries® Temporary Capacity On Demand — Software — must be signed prior to use.
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| IBM Electronic Services |
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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 available on the IBM eServer platform. These services provide the opportunity for 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. The news page enables you to gain easier access to IBM resources for assistance in resolving technical problems.
The IBM Electronic Service Agent is 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 may result in 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
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| Prices |
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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.
Passport Advantage
For Passport Advantage information and charges, contact your IBM representative or authorized IBM Business Partner. Additional information is also available on the following Passport Advantage Web site
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