Selecting a deployment method

To build out a successful (simple or multi-region/multi-hypervisor) cloud environment, consider the following deployment methods.

The following sections describe the three cloud deployment methods available and are listed in order, from the simplest to the most advanced procedures to follow.

The first two methods are the simplest means of deploying your cloud, but have limitations in terms of the types of hypervisors and complexity of the topologies that they can deploy. The last option is the most advanced form of deployment that allows for the greatest degree of flexibility, which covers all possible topologies and hypervisors. However, it tends to be slightly more complex than the other options.

Review the explanation of each deployment method. Consider the strengths and limitations of each to help you choose the method that best suits your planned deployment architecture.

Deploying using the graphical user interface

The IBM® Cloud Manager - Deployer user interface (UI) is capable of installing a subset of supported hypervisors, namely x86 KVM, PowerKVM and PowerVM®.

About this task

The UI should be used when you want to deploy a single region or the first region of a multi-region deployment topology.

At the moment, it is not possible to deploy VMware or Hyper-V from the UI. The UI cannot add a subsequent region managing another hypervisor in a multi-region deployment topology.

Table 1. When to use the graphical user interface
Summary
Use to deploy on x86 KVM, PowerKVM or PowerVM as the first region. It cannot be used to add a subsequent region.

Deploying prescribed topologies (deploying using the command line interface)

A prescribed topology is a YAML response file that contains a fixed set of necessary parameters for a standard hypervisor deployment.

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Deploying a prescribed topology is done from the command line. A prescribed topology can be used when you want to deploy a single region or the first region of a multi-region deployment topology. A number of prescribed topologies can also be used later to add a region to the multi-region deployment topology. Prescribed topologies can be used to deploy x86 KVM, PowerKVM, PowerVM, and VMware regions.

This deployment method includes multi-region support for KVM and VMware. It does not include Hyper-V. It does not include multi-region support for Power® or Hyper-V.

Table 2. When to use the prescribed topology
Summary
Use to deploy x86 KVM, PowerKVM, PowerVM and VMware, or add VMware or x86 KVM to an existing deployment.

Sample scenario: If you intend to build a mixed environment with Power, then the UI might be used for Power as the first region. Then, KVM, VMware, or both might be added by using the multi-region prescribed topology.

Deploying advanced topologies (deploying using the command line interface)

An advanced topology uses environment and topology files that you must edit and customize manually before deployment.

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The advanced method of deploying a region is used primarily to support:
  • The deployment of Hyper-V, either as the first region or as a subsequent region.
  • The deployment of z/VM®.
  • The addition of Power to an existing deployment (that is, another region with KVM or VMware deployed)
  • Allows for the greatest degree of flexibility in deployment, which covers all possible topologies and hypervisors and allows for a much more advanced user customization of the cloud deployment.
Table 3. When to use the advanced method of deployment
Summary
Use to add Hyper-V (first or subsequent), add z/VM, add Power, or add all to an existing deployment.