Linux Overview - zSeries Overview
The flexibility and openness of Linux bring with it access to a very large portfolio of applications. IBM eServer zSeries adds the qualities
of service that deliver an industrial strength environment for these Linux applications. In addition, zSeries enables massive
scalability within a single server. Hundreds of Linux images can run simultaneously, providing unique server consolidation capabilities
and reducing both cost and complexity.
The majority of corporate data resides on zSeries systems. Running Linux on zSeries gives you the advantage of Linux applications
accessing enterprise data where it's stored, providing improved responsiveness and reducing unnecessary duplication of data. The
legendary capacity of the zSeries makes it the perfect platform to simplify customer's operations and reduce their costs
by cutting the number of servers in your business. As such, it is a very attractive platform for you, the ISV, to support with your
product offerings.
One zSeries can do the job of a host of servers scattered across the enterprise, usually offering greater security and reliability
in addition to reducing the complexity of maintaining a large number of servers. The flexibility and management characteristics of
the zSeries make it possible to add new Linux servers in minutes rather than days.
All of the great flexibility and openness of Linux combined with the qualities of service of zSeries results in an industrial
strength Linux environment. And, when you blend the data richness of the zSeries with the web capability of Linux applications
you can deliver a highly integrated e-business solution.
The advantages of having Linux reside on your zSeries are clear. And of course, Linux support means that Linux applications can
be moved to whatever server platform is most appropriate quickly and easily.
Linux on zSeries is pure Linux from both a development and run-time perspective. Linux on S/390 and zSeries has been generally
available since early 2000 from either IBM developerworks or from Linux distribution Partners, such as:
Certainly, our main Linux enablement web page is the place to start for your investigation and planning work
for your port or enablement to the IBM eServer zSeries platform. On this central page, you'll find links to a variety of eServer resources
in general.
This web page is the first stop for solution developers and others interested in porting or
enabling their Linux solutions on the IBM eServer platforms and zSeries in particular.
One of the links on this page is the specific zSeries platform home page
that describes the zSeries platform in general. Another link of interest off of the IBM Linux enablement is
the Linux for IBM eServer zSeries page that describes and features
links all concerning Linux on zSeries in general. Both are excellent resources to learn about the zSeries platform if you are new to it.
Another link on this page is to a series of testimonial quotes from ISVs, some of which have ported or enabled to the zSeries platform. They
describe how easy it was to do as well as give some of our programs high marks in their helpfulness and effectiveness.
The bottom line of all of your efforts, we hope, will be to list your product in the IBM Global Solutions Directory, the IBM eServer
Solutions Connection, and the zSeries-specific web page that specifically describes ISV software that has been enabled by other ISVs onto the zSeries
platform. Read on to learn how to do it!
Porting
It is generally easy to bring an application over to Linux on an eServer
platform, either from other platforms or from one eServer platform to zSeries.
In many cases, you will only need to move Linux source code to zSeries and recompile it to have a Linux
application on zSeries. If your original code was already running on one of the distributions that are supported by zSeries, then
a recompilation is often the only thing you have to do (other than testing the resulting binaries, of course!). Rather than calling
this a 'port', we call it an 'enablement' because the movement of Linux code from one platform to zSeries is often extremely easy.
The Linux enablement is the main anchorpoint for web-based information on porting or enabling to zSeries.
As previously mentioned, a recompilation of your already-executing-code on Linux is often what is required for your enablement.
However, as zSeries is probably indeed a new platform (else, why would you be reading this?), there are some "gotchas" that you might
wish to know about ahead of time. The majority of enablements are not affected by these points, but it is worthwhile for you to
review
the
Linux for S/390 and zSeries porting hints and tips document that lists these gotchas before you begin your enablement work.
These Linux for S/390 and zSeries hints and tips have been assembled by an IBM technical team responsible for porting applications
to Linux for S/390 and zSeries. Some key areas of Linux/390 porting are addressed in the document.
If your application specifically is executing on Solaris, a tool exists that can help your port as well. The document
"PortingManager, The New Solaris-to-zSeries Linux Porting Tool"
is located on IBM's alphaWorks site. PortingManager is a tool that provides assistance when porting C and C++ Solaris applications
to Linux platforms, including zSeries Linux. It includes a GUI that displays a work area window where the user selects a source code directory tree to scan. PortingManager will then scan the source code and automatically identify Solaris APIs that may be incompatible with Linux. It provides Linux solutions for these incompatibilities, either in the form of API replacements or suggested work-arounds using coding examples.
PortingManager saves time in porting an application from Solaris to zSeries Linux by reducing the time required to:
- investigate and research various Solaris APIs and Linux equivalents
- scan the source code
- formulate solutions for incompatibilities
If you use open source or third party middleware in your solution, you will
want to ensure that it is also available on the platform you are porting to.
IBM Software Group middleware is being delivered in stages across eServer
Linux platforms for Red Hat and for United Linux including SuSE. A matrix of supported
IBM middleware for zSeries may be found on the web as well.
View the page
and then click on the "Download the IBM Linux software product matrix" button on right side of the page and look for the zSeries entry.
For specific technical information regarding zSeries and Linux in general, a
repository as a
single location that will be of use to you. This page is a key technical reference page that contains a wealth
of pointers to technical porting information on the web, including the following items:
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Hints and Tips
- The link to the Linux on zSeries discussion list
- The link to the generalized Linux for IBM eServer zSeries page
- Linux for zSeries test drive (more information below on this offering)
- Technical support including service offerings
- IBM Linux Technology Center
- Non-IBM Web sites that contains links to a wealth of Linux/390 information and software
- VM and Linux for zSeries and S/390 resources
Infrastructure
System and Software Access
We recognize that there are several models of system access that can be
effective for ISVs producing Linux products on eServer servers. As a result,
IBM has put several types of programs in place that can help you with your
system and software access investments in building
your infrastructure for Linux development on eServer series. These programs
range from short term access to hardware and software to consulting help to
assisting you in acquiring your own systems and software.
IBM has a variety of programs that can assist you in enabling your product(s) to zSeries. You can either obtain machine time on
your own equipment, a third-party provider, or IBM programs developed specifically to assist ISVs such as yourselves in porting or
enabling to zSeries. IBM programs that allow you use of IBM equipment and access to personnel include the
IBM Innovation Centers for Business Partners and the IBM Developer Relations Technical Support and Services. Our general zSeries page
describes the hardware programs available for you to lease or purchase should you wish to go that route as well.
The IBM Innovation Centers for Business Partners: These worldwide centers provide, among other offerings, Linux access
with additional on-site porting assistance and consulting. These centers can assist IBM Business Partners who may be working with
complex configurations, or who want to do more integration with other IBM eServer platform capabilities, or who wish
to engage in on-site work at the IBM center. Generally, system access is done on-site for one to two weeks, but may be remote
depending on the center and/or Solutions development for IBM Systems. Engagements are specifically booked for periods of time at the individual
centers and access is subject to availability.. For additional information and the enrollment process,
visit their Web site.
The IBM Developer Relations Technical Support and Services located in Dallas, Texas, provides remote "test drive" access for all
platforms. Dallas offers both no-charge limited access, as well as, fee-based programs for those interested in long term engagements
and resources outside the no-charge option. A paper describing the Dallas Test Drive System is available for your overview information.
You can sign up for the Linux Test Drive programs using our online enrollment form. For
general information regarding enrollment for this program, see the
IBM eServer Linux Test Drive web site.
Both the free zSeries "Test Drive" and
for-fee zSeries "Remote Development Program" have their own pages describing
the zSeries programs in particular.
If you are interested in obtaining your own hardware, there are a variety of options available as well.
Our page
contains information on new FLEX-ES systems that emulate a zSeries system. These systems are offered by approved
IBM Business Partners. Purchase and support arrangements are made through the IBM Business Partner.
Additionally, should you wish a larger system for your porting and future product support activities, you might consider
obtaining a larger "true" mainframe, the zSeries 800. Members of PartnerWorld for
Developers that are interested in purchasing or leasing a z/800 for
development purposes should contact an IBM Business Partner in the US or
contact your local sales rep. To identify the IBM Business Partners, call
800-IBM-4YOU. See
the product announcement page for further information on
this zSeries platform.
Skills
Linux and its standardization help minimize infrastructure costs for training
for your staff. Your developers and systems administrators are likely to be
able to use and operate a new Linux platform much as they do others you may
already have in house. If you are moving to a new distribution, the Linux
distributors offer training for their software. IBM developerWorks and
PartnerWorld also provide training, some web-based, some
on-line.
IBM Learning Services offers specific classes for Linux on
the eServer platform. Visit their web site for this information.
Another source of information, unique to IBM, are the acclaimed Redbooks, produced by IBM's
International Technical Support Organization.
IBM Redbooks are developed and published by IBM's International Technical Support Organization, the ITSO. The ITSO develops and delivers
skills, technical know-how, and materials to technical professionals of IBM, Business Partners, and customers, and to the marketplace
generally, specifically for both Linux and zSeries as well.
ITSO teams with IBM Divisions and Business Partners in the process of developing IBM Redbooks, Redpapers, Hints & Tips, Training, and
other materials. The ITSO is part of the IBM Global Technical Support organization within IBM Global Sales and Distribution.
ITSO's value-add information products address product, platform, and solution perspectives. They explore integration, implementation,
and operation of realistic customer scenarios that include PeopleSoft, Linux, Windows, SAP, Oracle, and others. Their main web page
may be used to view the following (among others, this is a partial list always changing) Redbooks:
As you look at integrating with other features of the eServer series, you
are likely to benefit from adding skills relating to the other environments.
IBM also offers a wide variety of consulting and classes on these
environments to broaden your expertise and to help you understand how they
can add value to your solution. If you have questions in this area, please
contact us.
Procedures and Tools
The procedures you use to create and
maintain your solution and the tools you do it with are key parts of moving
to a new platform.
Because customer expectations for eServer series are high, especially in
the support area, you will want to be familiar with the IBM support processes. When you are adding
a Linux application to the eServer platform from IBM and a Linux distribution
from a distributor, you will want to plan for an effective 3-way conversation
on support questions. While this is "business as usual" in the Linux
community, some familiarity in advance can ensure that the paths are smooth
for your eServer customers.
Deploying an application requires a robust set of tools for the target server.
The "Linux Application Tools" for zSeries page lists both open source
and commercial tools as they become available. Because open source is a very dynamic environment, all tools useful in
deploying applications to Linux for zSeries might not listed on this web site. This site
is not intended to include all available tools.
Although the referenced tools are not distributed from this site, there are pointers to open source sites and commercial
tool provider sites, as well as to Linux for zSeries distributors. In some cases, the tool is shipped as part of a Linux
for zSeries distribution; in these cases, this site will identify the appropriate distribution.
Tailoring
Tailoring is usually an additional consideration or use of available features
on eServer systems that can add greater customer value to Linux applications.
In many cases, the use of these features can be coded once, then reused from
release to release of the application. Possible examples include scripts or
plug-ins to integrate operations with other applications, directions on using
other server backup facilities effectively, and insights in tailoring
application use of resources across logical partitions.
The first point to remember is "Linux is Linux." It is usually not
necessary to tailor the application to conclude a successful port. Linux runs
natively (directly on the processor) on all eServer systems. On zSeries, it can run native on the hardware, in an LPAR, or as a
guest under z/VM.
Many IBM eServer technologies provide
"extras" that can be exploited without changing your core application to help
you deliver a higher-value solution. By enabling your application on zSeries, you automatically "pick up" the
inherent reliability/availability/serviceability features (LPAR, advanced hardware facilities, legacy applications running in other
partitions that might be available for data sharing, z/VM, etc.)
of the zSeries platform that have been part of the mainframe
experience for almost 40 years!
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