IBM Support

Support for virtualization technologies

Troubleshooting


Problem

The purpose of this technote is to clarify the support to be provided when IBM WebSphere Application Server is running in a Virtualized Environment that is not explicly supported. For the complete listing of the officially supported Virtualized Environments, please see the Virtualization Policy Product Matrix contained in the following support statement: Virtualization Policy for IBM Software

Resolving The Problem

Virtualization technology provides transparency to the operating systems, middleware, and applications that operate on top of it. Virtualization allows a single physical machine to be partitioned into multiple physical or logical partitions with each partition providing the look and feel of an independent operating system. Each partition is called a virtual machine (VM)

Each VM represents a complete system, with processors, memory, networking, and other system resources. Examples of some virtualization technologies include VMware, AIX DLPARs, KVM, Xen, Sun Solaris Zones, HP Virtual Machines, etc.

IBM Support for virtualization
If you submit a standard usage or defect-related service request and WebSphere Application Server is running in a virtualization environment that is not officially supported, IBM WebSphere Application Server Support will make reasonable efforts to resolve the problem. We will assume the issue is common to both native and virtual operating environments. If we suspect that a problem is the result of the virtualization technology, it may be necessary to re-create the issue in a native environment before providing continued defect support. This will guide subsequent ownership of the problem for further troubleshooting. WebSphere Application Server Support will not provide support or assistance with the set up or configuration of VMs. Customers looking for support setting up VMs should consult their respective vendors.
For more information about the handling of system requirements like virtualization platforms that are not listed as explicitly supported, see https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/websphere-application-server-support-statement

Performance
Partitioning hardware into multiple virtual servers could have a dramatic affect on performance. WebSphere Application Server is sensitive to processor caching and overall memory constraints. Virtualization may make resource availability unpredictable. Therefore, WebSphere Application Server Support can make no guarantees with respect to performance or scalability in a Virtualized Environment. We support that our product installs successfully in the VM and runs without losing functionality or significant performance.

Caveat
Kernel-sensitive modules, device drivers, or low level network software may not supported on some VMs. For example, IBM WebSphere Edge Components: Load Balancer for IPV4 and IPV6 has specific requirements regarding network topology and host integration. It is sensitive to the virtualization model used by the various VMs.
 
IBM and VMware
While troubleshooting a service request, it may be necessary to engage your VMware vendor. Support for VMware products can be purchased through IBM. For additional information, contact IBM Sales or your IBM account team.

For Solaris 10 Zones support

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Document Information

Modified date:
28 November 2022

UID

swg21242532