PM for Power Systems

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• General FAQ (IBM i)

How do I get support for PM for Power Systems? 
Support for the PM for Power Systems: no charge service level does not include reporting problems by voice/telephone to the IBM support center.

If you have a problem, related to the "no charge" version of PM for Power Systems, the PM for Power Systems self-registration process, the PM Web site or the PM for Power Systems no charge reports; we suggest start by reviewing the frequently asked questions (FAQ's). If you are unable to find answer to the problem in the FAQ's, you may submit a problem report to IBM by completing a Web form and then pressing the SUBMIT button. As an alternative to the form, you may also send an e-mail, in English, to 'aixsupt@ca.ibm.com'.

This is a "best effort" support site and IBM will endeavor to respond to you within three business days.

The problem reporting process described above, does not apply to problems that are related to the installation or operation of the "Service Agent" or the transmission of customer data from "Service Agent" to IBM. These problems should continue to be submitted to IBM using normal country procedures already defined for "Service Agent" support.

Problems that are mistakenly submitted to "Service Agent" queues but, are identified as problems associated with the "no charge" version of PM for Power Systems, the PM for Power Systems self-registration process, the PM Web site or the PM for Power Systems no charge reports will be returned to the submitter.

Support for the PM for Power Systems: full function service level - If you have a problem related to PM for Power Systems or the PM Web site, please review the frequently asked questions (FAQ's).

If you are unable to find an answer to the problem in the FAQ's, please use your in country software support process. For more information, please refer to:

• Contact list

What function does the Workload Estimator and PM for Power Systems provide? 
PM for Power Systems data for your system can be integrated with the IBM Systems Workload Estimator (WLE) to help you easily size your next System p upgrade based on your utilization and growth. The PM for Power Systems data can be used to:

• Size an upgrade
• Evaluate/size a server consolidation
• Evaluate/size your LPAR growth and performance
• Size the addition of new workloads like Linux, WebSphere and Domino

PM for Power Systems provides a direct link to WLE. Use the "Size Next Upgrade" feature after signing in to view your reports.

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How long does it take to install the PM for Power Systems software? 
It takes approximately 5 to 10 minutes to install PM for Power Systems code once you have downloaded it and satisfied the prerequisites.

Where is the installation process documented? 
The PM for Power Systems installation process is documented in the performance management User's Guide downloadable from

NOTE: The pmaix.rte file on the FTP site should be dated 1/27/2009 12:00:00 AM. When installing, it may show an incorrect version installed (version 5.4.2.4); however, the correct 6.0.6.0 version will be installed to your server.

• FTP site

Where do I find additional documentation regarding PM for Power Systems? 
You have two basic sources of information:

• Performance Management User's Guide (16.3MB)
• PM for Power Systems graphics tour (1.10MB)
• Get Adobe® Reader®

What is an IBM user id? How do I get one? 
The IBM user ID, coupled with the self registration process gives you access authority to view your on-line reports. You get one by going to the IBM Web site. Follow the instructions on the right side of the page if you do not have an existing id.

• To create IBM registration ID

I cannot get to the PM Website. Why? 
The PM Web site is taken off line for scheduled maintenance. During these windows, the Web site(s) and/or the reports may not be available.

• Weekly Fixes - Tuesday's & Thursday's 5:00pm - 6:00pm ET (U.S. Central time zone)
• Database backups - Saturday's - 9-11pm (U.S. Central time zone)

Where do I get the PM for Power Systems software? 
As of January 1, 2008, all AIX partitions must now be using the most current PM for Power Systems Collection Agent (6.0.6.0), available at:

NOTE: The pmaix.rte file on the FTP site should be dated 1/27/2009 12:00:00 AM. When installing, it may show an incorrect version installed (version 5.4.2.4); however, the correct 6.0.6.0 version will be installed to your server.

• FTP site

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What are the prerequisites for the PM for Power Systems software? 
You need the following:

• Electronic Service Agent Installed and activated (2.2.0.0 or later)
• You must have "root user access"
• You must have the following disk space:
  • 2 MB free in /usr
  • 4 MB free in /var
  • 4 MB free in /tmp
  • 1 MB free in /home
  • 16 MB and sufficient free physical partitions in rootvg to create the "PM pSeries filesystem /var/adm/perfmgr"
• If the ppsize of rootvg is 4 MB then 4 physical partitions will be needed to create the 16 MB filesystem. If the ppsize for rootvg is 32 MB, the 1 physical partition would be used and the filesystem would be 32 MB rather than the 16 MB minimum

• Software
  • AIX 5.1 or later
  • PM pSeries install fileset - pmaix.rte at 5.2.3.1 or later
  • Specific AIX filesets (all at the 5.1.0.0 level or later)
  • 1 MB free in /home
  • 16 MB and sufficient free physical partitions in rootvg to create the "PM pSeries filesystem /var/adm/perfmgr"
    • bos.acct for the commands vmstat and iostat in the /usr/bin
    • bos.rte.control
    • bos.rte.date
    • bos.rte.shell
    • bos.rte.edit
    • bos.rte.lvm
    • bos.rte.filesystem

As of January 1, 2008, all AIX partitions must now be using the most current PM for Power Systems Collection Agent (6.0.6.0), available at:

• FTP site

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Is it important that I remain current with PM for Power Systems collection agent? 
Yes, As of January 1, 2008, all AIX partitions must now be using the most current PM for Power Systems Collection Agent (6.0.6.0), available at:

NOTE: The pmaix.rte file on the FTP site should be dated 1/27/2009 12:00:00 AM. When installing, it may show an incorrect version installed (version 5.4.2.4); however, the correct 6.0.6.0 version will be installed to your server.

• FTP site

I have forgotten my registration key/password. How do I get it resent? 
If you have forgotten your registration key/password, you may still be able to view your reports. Refer to the following instructions depending on the login type.

Customer Login using IBM Web ID
Follow the steps outlined below to have the registration key/password automatically emailed to you:

• Login using your IBM Web ID
• Access or create a new Group
• Click Add Server button
• Click the here link for “If you do not have the registration key/password press here.”
• Follow the instructions on the dialog box

Why are the LPARs not sorted in the forgot registration key/password dialog? 
When you click the here link for “If you do not have the registration key/password press here.” you will be asked to enter the Serial number and Server/system name.

Upon clicking the Continue button, a list of servers will be displayed allowing you to select the appropriate LPAR that you wish to have the registration key/password sent to you. The list is sorted by Last Transmission date and not by LPAR.

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