Updated: 12 October 2011

Today, IBM announced a z/VM Version 6 Release 2 (V6.2), the newest version of z/VM introduces the next step in the evolution of mainframe virtualization. Multi-system virtualization allows up to four instances of z/VM to be clustered together as members in a Single System Image (SSI), where they can be managed as a single z/VM system and share system resources.

With the IBM z/VM Single System Image Feature (VMSSI), a running Linux virtual machine can be relocated from one member system to any other, a process known as Live Guest Relocation. Live Guest Relocation occurs without disruption to the buisness. It provides application continuity across planned z/VM and hardware outages and flexible workload balancing that allows work to be moved to available system resources.

This release provides the basis for some major future enhancements as indicated by the announced Statements of Direction* that include:

• Support for HiperSockets Completion Queue:
  IBM plans to support transferring HiperSockets messages asynchronously, in addition to the current synchronous manner on z196 and z114. This data transfer method can be especially helpful in burst situations. The Completion Queue function is designed to allow HiperSockets to transfer data synchronously if possible and asynchronously if necessary, thus combining ultra-low latency with more tolerance for traffic peaks. HiperSockets Completion Queue is planned to be supported in a future z/VM deliverable
• Support for HiperSockets integration with the Intraensemble Data Network (IEDN):
  Within a zEnterprise environment, it is planned for HiperSockets to be integrated with the intraensemble data network (IEDN), extending the reach of the HiperSockets network outside of the central processor complex (CPC) to the entire ensemble, appearing as a single Layer 2 network. HiperSockets integration with the IEDN is planned to be supported in a future z/VM deliverable.
• Support for High Performance FICON (zHPF) Guest Exploitation:
  IBM intends to provide support for guest virtual machines utilizing the High Performance FICON for System z (zHPF) I/O protocol. z/VM will support guest operating systems that issue single track as well as multiple track zHPF I/O.
• Support for GDPS 3.8 Hyperswap:
  IBM intends to provide in a future z/VM release support for Disk subsystem pre-emptive HyperSwap and Summary event notification for PPRC suspend scalability. These two new functions are applicable to GDPS/PPRC 3.8 and supporting IBM DASD hardware. In addition, IBM intends to provide in a future z/VM release support for an alternate subchannel set to place PPRC secondary devices. This support is also applicable to GDPS/PPRC 3.8.
• Stabilization of z/VM Performance Toolkit rmfpms support:
  z/VM Performance Toolkit support for rmfpms has been stabilized and may cease to function as the underlying Linux system evolves. Support for the Linux rmfpms agent has already been withdrawn and is available on an as-is basis.
• Withdrawal of HMC z/VM Tower Systems Management:
  z/VM V6.2 is intended to be the last release supported by the HMC z/VM Tower function management originally introduced with System z9. The alternative implementation of virtual server and virtual resource management for z/VM V6 continues to be supported by the zEnterprise Unified Resource Manager on a zEnterprise server or later.
• Withdrawal of Support for A220 and CLAW Device Drivers
  z/VM V6.2 is intended to be the last release to support HYPERchannel Processor Adapter 42990007 and HYPERchannel Series A devices and HYPERchannel Series DX devices which are functioning as Series A devices.
• Withdrawal of z/VM Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) Server:
  z/VM V6.2 is intended to be the last release to support a native Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server.
• Withdrawal of z/VM Line Printer Daemon (LPD) Server Support:
  z/VM V6.2 is intended to be the last release to support a native Line Printer Daemon (LPD) link driver. IBM recommends using RSCS for remote printing instead, but plans to continue to support the LPR client for use with LPD on other platforms.
• Withdrawal of the OVERRIDE Utility and UCR Support:
  z/VM V6.2 is intended to be the last release to support the OVERRIDE utility and User Class Restructuring (UCR). IBM supports native CP commands for the creation and modification of privilege classes and recommends the use of these commands instead
• Withdrawal of CSE:
  z/VM V6.2 is intended to be the last release to support the Cross System Extensions (CSE) environment. The z/VM VMSSI feature, introduced in z/VM V6.2, includes most of the functionality in CSE, and extends it with new capabilities such as Live Guest Relocation and autonomic minidisk cache management. VMSSI is the new technology for clustering z/VM systems.

It was important to deliver a new z/VM release as a mechanism to set the stage for these planned future enhancements.

The virtualization technology provided by z/VM and the IBM System z platform is a cornerstone and key enabler for building a dynamic infrastructure and may help clients achieve operational goals of high availability, business resilience, improved speed-to-market, better resource control and reporting, and the flexibility to expand and contract system resources with changing business demands.

Additional questions related to this announcement are available at: ibm.com/vm/faq/faq62.pdf

Note:
* All statements regarding IBM's plans, directions, and intent are subject to change or withdrawal without notice.