Linux

Consider binary compatibility
When enabling an application on the same Linux distribution for either IBM System p, System i or System BladeCenter systems, first consider the compatibility of your application across each hardware platform. Most Linux applications should be fully binary compatible across these systems since the IBM POWER™ technology is utilized in all Linux on POWER processor-based servers. As with POWER4™ processor-based systems, Linux distributions that support POWER5™ and PowerPC® 970 processors are the same on the System p, System i or System BladeCenter systems and do not have significant differences in features or functions.

For most applications that do not have critical dependencies on hardware, you can move directly to enabling your application to run on any of the POWER processor-based servers. If the application relies on device-specific functions that are unique to the device itself and the device is not supported on a specific POWER processor-based platform, then portability may be compromised. See "Qualifications necessary for binary compatibility" for more information.

IBM provides many valuable resources to assist in this endeavor during Step 2: Test.

Contact us at pwrlinux@us.ibm.com for further assistance.

Step 2: Test your linux on POWER Application across IBM System p and System i

	Linux on POWER: Distribution migration and binary compatibility considerations Learn about binary compatibility as it relates to the different operating environments that run on Linux on POWER. Learn about new technologies that can provide performance enhancements for Linux on POWER applications, and follow steps to ensure binary compatibility in the future.
	Linux on POWER information Technical articles, whitepapers, educational offerings and publications of interest for porting/enabling activities
	Power Architecture In today's world - the on demand world - we are surrounded by intelligent devices. What do the best of these devices have in common? Power. As in the Power Architecture.™
	Linux on POWER resource center With IBM's public dedication to Linux and the Power Architecture,™ developers need not go it alone with their Linux initiatives.
	developerWorks Linux on Power Resources and Downloads Comprehensive free Developer Linux Technical Information.
	IBM Innovation Center The new worldwide IBM Innovation Centers provides easy access to IBM skills and equipment to help migrate, test and optimize your applications for an on demand world.