Windows on integrated servers
IBM i integration with BladeCenter® and System x® allows businesses to operate heterogeneous environments that include Intel®-compatible servers running Microsoft® Windows® applications in addition to core business applications on the IBM i platform. Windows is supported on BladeCenter and System x models that are attached to the IBM i platform via an iSCSI network.
IXS/IXA to iSCSI migration utility available: IBM Lab Services is offering a migration utility that can take an IXS/IXA based Windows 2003 Server image to an iSCSI based image. The migration utility saves you from having to do a new operating system install, reinstalling your applications and reconfiguring your server back to its previous state. If you are interesting in taking advantage of this utility, send an e-mail to intwin@us.ibm.com.
Windows operating system versions supported
The specific Microsoft Windows Server™ operating system versions supported depend on the integrated server model and the IBM i release level that is being used. See the Blade server models and System x server models sections in the IBM i iSCSI Solution Guide.
Note: Terminal Server Services is supported on all of the supported Windows versions.
Applications
Support for complementary Windows applications: Some software providers are delivering applications that leverage multiple server platforms. With these complementary applications, both IBM i and Windows server environments are required to support the total solution. BladeCenter and System x models attached to IBM i using an iSCSI network provide an ideal way to meet this requirement, by offering an integrated IBM systems solution.
For an example of how complementary applications can benefit from the integrated IBM i/System x environment, see white paper IBM eServer™ iSeries Advantage: Benefits of Integrated xSeries Adapter for J.D. Edwards OneWorld / ERP 8.0 (PDF, 131KB).
Note: IBM and non-IBM application software that is not "Generally Available" or has not "Officially Shipped" is not supported for use with integrated servers.
Managed delivery of Windows applications:
Support for Citrix® MetaFrame® to deliver Windows personal productivity applications to the desktop. By serving Windows desktop applications on the server instead of installing them on every desktop, management can be dramatically simplified. Application software changes need to be done only once, at the server level, and they are automatically and transparently rolled out to every desktop in the organization.
Documentation
- IBM i iSCSI Solution Guide, which includes the following information:
- Windows Server operating system versions that are supported on each server model.
- Supported Microsoft Windows Server service packs.
- Windows Server installation information.
- Windows Server cloning information.
- IBM i tape devices that are supported for use by integrated Windows servers.
- Additional Windows integration capabilities provided by the IBM i iSCSI solution.
- Many more topics.
- IBM i integration with BladeCenter and System x topic in the IBM i 7.1 Information Center.
- iSCSI-attached System x and blade systems topic in the IBM i 6.1 Information Center.
- Windows environment on iSeries topic in the IBM i 5.4 Information Center.
- Implementing Integrated Windows Server through iSCSI to System i5 i 5.4 Redbook.
