IBM i integration
with BladeCenter and System x

 What integrated server hardware is supported on each IBM Power server?

The integrated server hardware supported depends on the Power server.

• For the iSCSI, see the iSCSI host bus adapter (iSCSI HBA) page for details.
• For the IXA, see the Integrated xSeries Adapter (IXA) page for details.
• For the IXS, see the Integrated xSeries Server: System configurations page for details.

 What BladeCenter and System x models are supported for attachment via iSCSI?

See the BladeCenter and System x models supported with iSCSI page for details.

 What System x models are supported for attachment via the IXA?

See the System x models supported with IXA page for details.

 What operating system versions are supported on integrated servers?

The operating system versions supported depend on the integrated server hardware model and IBM i release level.

See the Operating systems pages for details.

 What Windows service packs are supported?

Refer to the Microsoft service packs page for information on the supported service packs from Microsoft®.

 Do integrated servers support Citrix Metaframe?

Yes, Citrix® Metaframe along with Terminal Services has been tested on integrated servers and is supported.

 Is Microsoft Exchange supported on integrated servers?

Yes.

 Is it recommended to create a special queue for server messages?

Yes, a server message queue can be specified on the INSWNTSVR or CHGNWSD commands. This will provide a more detailed log of the activities regarding the integrated server.

On the INSWNTSVR or CHGNWSD command server message queue (MSGQ) parameter:

• Using a message queue shows the history for the server across multiple cycles of being varied on and off and messages are in a known location, can be spooled, searched etc.
• Using the job log option will create spool files which are sometimes difficult to locate and show the activities for the current session only (time since varied on to time it was varied off).
• Using *NONE will cause only serious messages to be sent to QSYSOPR. These messages will be interspersed with all the other activities of the IBM i logical partition.

 What is the synchronize date and time option?

Specifying *YES synchronizes the time of the integrated server with the time of IBM i during a vary on and every 30 minutes while the server is active. A value of *NO synchronizes the time only during a vary on. For i 6.1, a new value of *NONE disables time synchronization.

Hints:

1. On IBM i, ensure the system time zone is set to the same value as the integrated server: Check system value QTIMZON. QTIMZON will be set automatically one time, during IBM i install. You can use the Change System Value (CHGSYSVAL) command to change the QTIMZON system value.
2. Ensure the Windows "Automatically adjust clock for daylight savings changes" option is checked.
3. Verify that the QTIME system value on IBM i is correct.

 How do I set date and time synchronization for my Windows server?

To prevent a conflict with the time synchronization settings of other Microsoft® Windows® server applications, use the Change Network Server Description (CHGNWSD) command to set the Synchronize date and time value (SYNCTIME) to *NO.

For more information describing how to use date and time synchronization, see topic Setting the Synchronize date and time value in the IBM i Support: Software Knowledge Base.

 Since there is no diskette drive, what replaces the error recovery diskette?

It is recommended that you make a backup of the system drive storage space and other storage spaces to a save file regularly and restore from the save file if required - this takes only minutes.

 Can I use hot plug concurrent maintenance to replace a failed LAN adapter on the IXS?

Yes, however, the Windows or Linux server must be varied off during this operation. The IBM i can remain powered on.

 Can I use hot plug concurrent maintenance to replace a failed IXS without IPLing the IBM i platform?

Hot plug of the IXS is allowed on many, but not all, Power servers. However, the Windows or Linux server must be varied off during this operation. The IBM i can remain powered on.

Hot plug concurrent maintenance of an IXS card can be performed in the system tower of certain Power servers. It can also be performed in certain I/O towers. In addition, it may be possible to replace an IXS card located in certain I/O towers without IPLing the IBM i platform, by powering off the tower, replacing the card, then powering the tower back on.

For most Power Systems family models, see the PCI adapter topic in the IBM Systems Hardware Information Center for more information. For pre-eServer i5 models, see the "Install PCI feature cards" chapter in the  iSeries PCI Card (3.4 MB) document for more information.

 How are the integration code PTFs applied?

You first apply the IBM i integrated server support service pack PTF on IBM i. Then you apply the service pack to the Windows, VMware ESX or Linux server. See the Service packs page for details.

 Is 64-bit Windows Server 2008 supported on iSCSI attached servers?

Yes, 64-bit x64 versions of Windows Server 2008 are supported on IBM BladeCenter or System x servers that are attached via iSCSI. See the BladeCenter and System x models supported with iSCSI page for details.

 Is the Hyper-V function of Windows Server 2008 supported?

No, the Hyper-V function of Windows Server 2008 has not been tested on iSCSI attached servers and is not supported.

 Is 64-bit Windows Server 2003 supported on iSCSI or IXA attached servers?

No, only 32-bit versions of Windows Server 2003 are supported on IBM BladeCenter or System x servers that are attached via iSCSI HBAs or IXAs. See the following pages for details:

• BladeCenter and System x models supported with iSCSI
• System x models supported with IXA

 Does the iSCSI solution support connecting servers other than IBM BladeCenter or System x servers?

No, only IBM BladeCenter or System x servers are supported. See the BladeCenter and System x models supported with iSCSI page for details.

 How can we reduce the IBM i resources that IBM Director uses or what can we do to plan for them?

The iSCSI solution requires IBM Director and some customers are concerned that it takes too much of the IBM i resources.

The IBM i iSCSI solution requires the IBM Director Server to be installed. Please note that if IBM Director Server is only being used for the iSCSI functions it provides, the system load is considerably less than a typical IBM Director installation that is accessed with the IBM Director console. Refer to the IBM Director documentation for the system resources that are required for the IBM Director Server.