Planning for the Integrated Virtualization Manager

Proper planning is essential for the successful setup and use of your server. When you install the Integrated Virtualization Manager (IVM), it automatically creates a logical partition for itself on the server. This logical partition is called the management partition. The IVM automatically assigns a fraction of the memory and processors on the server to the management partition. You can change the default amount of memory and processor resources that are assigned to the management partition.

You need to develop a plan that includes information such as the following:

• System resource requirements for the management partition. The system resource requirements for the management partition can depend on many factors. These factors can include the server model, the number of logical partitions that you create on the managed system, and the number of virtual devices used by those logical partitions.
• Storage needs of each logical partition that you are to create on your managed system. Calculate how much storage space each logical partition requires for its operating system, applications, and data. For more information about the storage requirements for each operating system, consult the operating system documentation.

• Planning for a server that is managed by the Integrated Virtualization Manager by using system plans
  Restriction: The System Planning Tool (SPT) does not currently help you plan for IBM® BladeCenter® blade servers.
• Planning for the Virtual I/O Server.
  Note: Although this information is focused on planning for the Virtual I/O Server (VIOS) on a system that is managed by a Hardware Management Console (HMC) most of the information also applies to planning for the VIOS on a system that is managed by the IVM.
• Limitations and restrictions for IBM i client partitions on systems managed by the Integrated Virtualization Manager