Managing systems

You can use the PowerVM® function on the Hardware Management Console (HMC) Version 8, Release 8.1.0, Service Pack 1, or later to manage the system-level virtualization capabilities of IBM® Power Systems™, such as managing a Virtual I/O Server (VIOS), managing virtual networks, managing virtual Network Interface Controllers (vNICs), and managing virtual storage.

If you are using an HMC Enhanced interface, you can use the Manage PowerVM task to manage virtual resources that are associated with a system, such as configuring a Virtual I/O Server (VIOS), virtual networks, and virtual storage. You can manage the PowerVM functions at the managed system level in response to changes in workloads or to enhance performance.

If you are using an HMC Enhanced+ interface, you can perform system management functions, such as configuring a Virtual I/O Server (VIOS), virtual networks, and virtual storage, by accessing the options listed under the PowerVM area of the graphical user interface.

You can manage the system-level virtualization capabilities of IBM Power Servers only when a server is managed by the HMC, or when a server is co-managed by the HMC and PowerVM NovaLink, with the HMC or PowerVM NovaLink in the master mode. The PowerVM NovaLink architecture enables management of highly scalable cloud deployment by using the PowerVM technology and OpenStack solutions. The architecture provides a direct OpenStack connection to a PowerVM server. The NovaLink partition runs the Linux operating system and the partition runs on a server that is virtualized by PowerVM. The server is managed by PowerVC or other OpenStack solutions.

If you want to manage system-level virtualization capabilities by using the HMC, you must set the HMC or the PowerVM NovaLink to the master mode. Run the following command from the command line to switch the HMC to the master mode:

chcomgmt -m <managed system> -o setmaster -t norm

Last updated: Tue, June 12, 2018