My Lucky Number

Edit: I did not make it 13 more years. Originally posted July 14, 2020 on AIXchange While Rob McNelly understands the thinking behind decisions to archive content, he can’t help but dwell on how much we’ve lost over the years as archives across the web have gone away. Thirteen years ago this week, my first AIXchange … Continue reading “My Lucky Number”

When Looking for Answers, Don’t Discount Older Docs

Edit: The loss of old information is tragic. Originally posted July 7, 2020 on AIXchange While a lot of information is dated, it’s still relevant. Old documentation and archives actually hold answers to a lot of our current questions. A while ago I was asked about implementing system accounting software: “The system accounting utility allows … Continue reading “When Looking for Answers, Don’t Discount Older Docs”

More Than Ever, Spare Computing Power is Needed

Edit: Did any of you contribute spare cycles? Originally posted May 19, 2020 on AIXchange Alternatives to running SETI@home. Many years ago as a young-ish administrator, I ran SETI@home. There were clients for different operating systems, including AIX. It was easy to see how different processors affected the speed of completing work units. As of March … Continue reading “More Than Ever, Spare Computing Power is Needed”

POWER Virtualization Best Practices

Edit: Still good stuff Originally posted May 12, 2020 on AIXchange Tips for technical documentation like IBM Redbooks, Power Systems Virtual User Group replays. There’s always something to learn, or relearn. I’m always interested in hearing how others configure and maintain their systems. Sure, many lessons can be learned by trial and error in the … Continue reading “POWER Virtualization Best Practices”

IBM Visual Insights Now With x86 Support

Edit: Does this interest you? Originally posted May 5, 2020 on AIXchange On Twitter, IBM’s David Spurway announced information for IBM Visual Insights V1.2. On Twitter, IBM’s David Spurway posted announcement information for IBM Visual Insights V1.2: IBM Visual Insights V1.2, previously called IBM PowerAI Vision, extends support to GPU-accelerated AI software on x86-based servers. To accommodate the diversity … Continue reading “IBM Visual Insights Now With x86 Support”

Alert Impacts VIOS 3.1.1 NPIV Users

Edit: I still recommend following them. Originally posted March 31, 2020 on AIXchange Today’s post features a trio of valuable technical insights, courtesy of IBMers on Twitter. Chris Gibson alerted me to this IBM technical bulletin (excerpt below) that impacts those running VIO server 3.1.1 and using N_Port ID virtualization (NPIV). “This is only an issue using … Continue reading “Alert Impacts VIOS 3.1.1 NPIV Users”

A Great Reason to Revisit Quick Response (QR) Codes

Edit: I still wonder if I was the only one that did not know. Originally posted March 24, 2020 on AIXchange Want remote access to important customer-based service information? It’s actually just a QR code away. I had to laugh at Kiran Tripath’s Tweet about quick response (QR) code locations. I can’t believe I’ve never actually tried … Continue reading “A Great Reason to Revisit Quick Response (QR) Codes”

Now is the Time to Migrate from Older HMCs

Edit: There are still people that do not know about these changes. Originally posted March 17, 2020 on AIXchange Reminder: Support will soon end for x86-based HMC devices. Now is the time to migrate your data. A coworker alerted me to this end of service notice for x86-based HMC devices (excerpt below): “This is the last release … Continue reading “Now is the Time to Migrate from Older HMCs”

Patching on the Fly with AIX and Linux

Edit: Have you been patching without rebooting? Originally posted March 10, 2020 on AIXchange Both operating systems offer ways to do limited patching without having to reboot the system. AIX admins often manage Linux servers as well. If this fits your job description, you should know that each operating system has an option that allows … Continue reading “Patching on the Fly with AIX and Linux”

PowerVM Capability Offers Value to SAP HANA

Edit: Have you tried this yet? Originally posted February 18, 2020 on AIXchange A new PowerVM capability called Virtual Persistent Memory (vPMEM) provides a fast restart of workloads during outages in SAP HANA environments. Jay Kruemcke recently examined a new PowerVM capability called Virtual Persistent Memory (excerpt below): “One of the drawbacks of in-memory databases is … Continue reading “PowerVM Capability Offers Value to SAP HANA”

developerWorks Connections Pages in Transition

Edit: What a loss to the community. Originally posted February 11, 2020 on AIXchange Today’s post is a friendly (and important) reminder that the developerWorks Connections platform is set to permanently shut down on March 31. You’re probably aware that IBM is sunsetting the developerWorks Connections platform. Hopefully you’ve bookmarked the new locations of your favorite … Continue reading “developerWorks Connections Pages in Transition”

New Redbooks Catalogs Key AIX Enhancements

Edit: You should be able to bypass the registration Originally posted February 4, 2020 on AIXchange Published last month, the new IBM Redbooks publication covers security and networking enhancements, virtualization and cloud capabilities, PowerVM features—plus plenty more. Glad to have come across this current Redbooks pulication, titled “IBM AIX Enhancements and Modernization”: This publication, which was … Continue reading “New Redbooks Catalogs Key AIX Enhancements”

Using nmonchart; Verifying IBM Downloads

Edit: Still good information Originally posted January 21, 2020 on AIXchange Courtesy of Russell Adams, here’s some useful information on performance monitoring tool nmon and how to more securely verify IBM downloads. Recently I found some interesting information on Russell Adams’ blog. This is about nmon, the performance monitoring tool (excerpt below): “Recently I was learning about … Continue reading “Using nmonchart; Verifying IBM Downloads”

Managing POWER8 Update Access Keys

Edit: Hopefully you are on top of this with your machines. Originally posted January 14, 2020 on AIXchange As the initial warranty periods on POWER8 systems start to expire, update access keys will need to be replaced. Here’s how. A customer recently experienced issues with POWER8 firmware access keys (page excerpt below): “POWER8 (and later) servers include … Continue reading “Managing POWER8 Update Access Keys”

ESS Mobile App Updates

Edit: Have you tried this? Originally posted January 7, 2020 on AIXchange The latest version of the IBM Entitled Systems Support mobile app puts asset management at your fingertips. As a business partner, customers often ask me for help with downloading software, updating user access keys, etc. Typically I’d go to ibm.com/eserver/ess to help with … Continue reading “ESS Mobile App Updates”

It Adds Up

Edit: I mention Ragnar and triathlons in this piece, I was not able to do either in 2020, but that did not stop me from running and staying active and being ready for the time when I am once again able to compete. And yes, I am still doing my Duolingo lessons, and I still … Continue reading “It Adds Up”

Take a Sneak Peek at New Hardware

Edit: This is still a great tool Originally posted November 26, 2019 on AIXchange The IBM Interactive Product Tour Catalog allows you virtually preview 3D representations of new hardware. Are you familiar with the IBM Interactive Product Tour Catalog? Just go here, select Systems and Servers, and then click on IBM Power Systems. From there, choose … Continue reading “Take a Sneak Peek at New Hardware”

Two Fast-Approaching Deadlines for Power Systems Users

Edit: Always good to nominate yourself or others, and take the AIX surveys Originally posted November 14, 2019 on AIXchange Technical editor Rob McNelly highlights upcoming deadlines for Champions nominations and to complete an AIX survey. A quick reminder about two rapidly approaching deadlines. First, the nomination period for IBM Champions ends on Friday, Nov. … Continue reading “Two Fast-Approaching Deadlines for Power Systems Users”

AIX Security and IBM i TR Announcement Highlights

Edit: An end of an era. Originally posted December 2020 in the final issue of IBM Systems Magazine Technical Editor Rob McNelly breaks down the latest IBM i and AIX announcements In October, IBM made a series of announcements covering an array of products and offerings, including IBM Power Systems™ hardware enhancements, new AIX® features … Continue reading “AIX Security and IBM i TR Announcement Highlights”

NPIV Client Boot Hanging Fix

Edit: I will miss sharing these tips and tricks Originally posted November 5, 2019 on AIXchange IBM Support troubleshoots an NPIV client boot hanging with Error Code 554. On Twitter Chris Gibson highlighted an IBM Support document that troubleshoots an NPIV clientboot hanging with Error Code 554, which I’ve excerpted below: “AIX NPIV Client Boot Hanging with Error … Continue reading “NPIV Client Boot Hanging Fix”

A Look at the Latest IBM Announcements

Edit: This is quite a bit to digest. Originally posted October 22, 2019 on AIXchange Here’s what AIX/IBM Power Systems users should know about the latest announcements. IBM has come out with a bunch of announcements this month. Here are some details on a few announcements and updates that should be of particular interest to AIX/IBM … Continue reading “A Look at the Latest IBM Announcements”

Speeds and Feeds at Your Fingertips

Edit: Some links no longer work. Originally posted October 8, 2019 on AIXchange A handy, consolidated spreadsheet lets you quickly compare rPerfs and CPW across different hardware generations. Have you ever wondered how much faster POWER9 systems benchmark against earlier versions of the hardware? Well there’s an easy way to find out. Go to the IBM … Continue reading “Speeds and Feeds at Your Fingertips”

Proactive Support Now Default Option on E980 and E950

Edit: I still recommend customers get enhanced support. Originally posted October 1, 2019 on AIXchange IBM’s Proactive Support is now included by default for all mid-range and enterprise POWER9 Systems. For those who create hardware orders, IBM’s configuration tool now includes Proactive Support by default for all E980 and E950 configurations. Under Proactive Support, customers … Continue reading “Proactive Support Now Default Option on E980 and E950”

A POWERful Ad

Edit: Customers will not buy what they do not know about. It looks like the videos have been removed. Originally posted September 24, 2019 on AIXchange Ads for IBM Power Systems must convey both technical and marketing information—undoubtedly quite the needle to thread. A while back I discovered this on the Twitter feed of IBM’s … Continue reading “A POWERful Ad”

Legacy Elastic CoD Offerings Being Withdrawn

Edit: Hopefully you took care of this Originally posted September 17, 2019 on AIXchange Those using legacy versions of Elastic Capacity on Demand (CoD) will soon need to upgrade their codes. In July, IBM’s David Spurway tweeted about Elastic Capacity on Demand (CoD). The enablement codes used with legacy versions of Elastic CoD will soon be withdrawn, … Continue reading “Legacy Elastic CoD Offerings Being Withdrawn”

The Implications of IBM’s Red Hat Acquisition

Edit: Have you noticed any disruptions to either company? Originally posted September 10, 2019 on AIXchange Red Hat’s acquisition by IBM is bound to take us in some interesting directions. In July, Red Hat announced its acquisition by IBM. Senior vice president and CTO Chris Wright also posted this brief Q&A. I’ll excerpt a few key points: … Continue reading “The Implications of IBM’s Red Hat Acquisition”

IBM Guide Shows a Lengthy Road Ahead for AIX

Edit: It is good to know AIX will be around for years to come Originally posted September 3, 2019 on AIXchange IBM’s recently published guide lays out the company’s long-term commitment to AIX. IBM recently published what it calls “an executive guide to the strategy and roadmap for the AIX operating system for IBM Power … Continue reading “IBM Guide Shows a Lengthy Road Ahead for AIX”

POWER9 Quick Reference Guide Now Available Via App

Edit: I still use it Originally posted August 20, 2019 on AIXchange The IBM Power Systems Quick Reference Guide is available in iOS and Android formats. In the span of a few days, I received an email and came across this tweet touting the availability of the IBM Power Systems Quick Reference Guide in iOS and Android … Continue reading “POWER9 Quick Reference Guide Now Available Via App”

Managing Multiple Instances of altinst_rootvg

Edit: Still good information Originally posted August 13, 2019 on AIXchange Chris Gibson recently tweeted this IBM Support technote on how to manage multiple instances of altinst_rootvg on AIX. Earlier this summer Chris Gibson tweeted this IBM Support technote that explains how to manage multiple instances of altinst_rootvg on AIX. Here’s the gist of it: QuestionWhat is the … Continue reading “Managing Multiple Instances of altinst_rootvg”

The POWER Investment: Long-Term Viability of the Power Systems Platform

Edit: Some links no longer work Originally posted August 6, 2019 on AIXchange In this AIXchange blog, Technical Editor Rob McNelly recaps a presentation by IBMer Nigel Griffiths. Nigel Griffiths recently gave a presentation on the long-term viability of IBM Power Systems hardware and the POWER processor. He then summarized his points here: AIX is the … Continue reading “The POWER Investment: Long-Term Viability of the Power Systems Platform”

Understanding Network Attributes in VIOS Configuration

Edit: The first post on the new website Originally posted July 30, 2019 on AIXchange In this AIXchange blog post, Technical Editor Rob McNelly explains network attributes This Technote—authored by Darshan Patel, Perry Smith and Saania Khanna—has some important information about VIO server configuration. I’ll start with their conclusions: Largesend and jumbo frame does two different … Continue reading “Understanding Network Attributes in VIOS Configuration”

Why You Should be Running VIOS 3.x

Edit: Hopefully you have upgraded your VIO servers by now. Originally posted November 2020 by IBM Systems Magazine Technical Editor Rob McNelly explains the advantages of upgrading your VIO server. The PowerVM® Virtual I/O Server (VIOS) provides the capability to virtualize your POWER® servers. It’s the software layer that runs between client VMs and the … Continue reading “Why You Should be Running VIOS 3.x”

Power Systems Best Practices Doc: The Latest

Edit: I still love this document. Originally posted July 23, 2019 on AIXchange The Power Systems Best Practices document was recently updated. This is the presentation that IBMer Fredrik Lundholm maintains.  In his email notification, Fredrik requested reader feedback: I would really like some comments and feedback on VIOS rules, and if we can automate a few … Continue reading “Power Systems Best Practices Doc: The Latest”

A TechU Reminder

Edit: Some links no longer work Originally posted July 9, 2019 on AIXchange I’ve written about the IBM Systems Technical University (TechU) conferences many times, most recently following the event in Atlanta in May. As most of our audience is in the United States, I’ll note the fall conference is in October in Las Vegas, but … Continue reading “A TechU Reminder”

Power E980 Offering Makes Capacity Available as Needed

Edit: Still useful to know about Originally posted June 25, 2019 on AIXchange Those of you who are running E980 servers should be aware of this announcement: IBM Power Enterprise Pools 2.0 is a new IBM Power E980 offering designed to deliver enhanced multisystem resource sharing and by-the-minute consumption of on-premises Power E980 compute resources to … Continue reading “Power E980 Offering Makes Capacity Available as Needed”

Migrating the Cluster Repository Disk

Edit: Still good stuff. Originally posted June 18, 2019 on AIXchange Dino Quintero (@DinoatRedbooks on Twitter) maintains a Redbooks blog on IBM developerWorks. In this post from April, he and Shawn Bodily explain how to migrate the cluster repository disk on PowerHA SystemMirror: The following procedure is valid for clusters that are PowerHA SystemMirror v7.2.0 and … Continue reading “Migrating the Cluster Repository Disk”

Power Overload

Edit: Some links no longer work Originally posted June 11, 2019 on AIXchange I attended last month’s IBM Systems Technical University (TechU) conference in Atlanta, and as always, it was an enjoyable and enlightening time. In one of his sessions, Nigel Griffiths had a great slide that challenged attendees’ “street cred”: Which is right? PowerPower9Power 9Power-9POWER9POWER … Continue reading “Power Overload”

DR Solutions and the Need to Keep Pace

Edit: Some links no longer work Originally posted June 4, 2019 on AIXchange Chris Gibson recently updated his blog post about using the ghostdev and clouddev flags in the disaster recovery process.  In his original post, Chris replicated rootvg via his SAN. But since this was written in 2012, an update was needed. Here’s what Chris heard … Continue reading “DR Solutions and the Need to Keep Pace”

More PowerAI Resources

Edit: Some links no longer work Originally posted May 28, 2019 on AIXchange Following up on last week’s AI-themed post, I encourage you to check the extensive PowerAI documentation available from the IBM Knowledge Center.  You’ll find instructions on planning, installing frameworks and PowerAI system setup, along with frequently asked questions, a developer portal, and more.   There are … Continue reading “More PowerAI Resources”

The lshwres Command and Hardware Discovery

Edit: Some links no longer work Originally posted May 14, 2019 on AIXchange Recently, a friend was trying to get the lshwres command to work in his environment.  I’ve previously written about using the HMC command line to get information from managed machines. It’s a terrific use of the HMC, especially if you’re working with new machines and your … Continue reading “The lshwres Command and Hardware Discovery”

Setting the Record Straight on Power Systems

Edit: Still good information Originally posted May 7, 2019 on AIXchange There’s an IBM-produced blog about Power Systems servers that’s worth bookmarking. This introduction explains it well: Here are some of the most common myths we hear in the marketplace today: Power has no cloud strategy. Migrating to Power is costly, painful and risky. x/86 is the … Continue reading “Setting the Record Straight on Power Systems”

Text from AIX

Edit: Do you do anything similar? Originally posted April 30, 2019 on AIXchange As I’ve noted previously, I regularly visit the AIX Forum. Generally there’s good discussion, and occasionally an interesting question is raised. For instance, about a month ago a forum member asked about sending texts from AIX.  The first reply noted that the curl command … Continue reading “Text from AIX”

Machine Learning on AIX

Edit: Have you had a chance to try this? Originally posted April 16, 2019 on AIXchange If you believe that machine learning is strictly for Linux, check out this IBM tutorial on installing and configuring Python machine learning packages on AIX: Machine learning is a branch of artificial intelligence that helps enterprises to discover hidden insights from … Continue reading “Machine Learning on AIX”

Choosing the Proper Level for Managing VIOS with NIM

Edit: These pages are still worth bookmarking. Originally posted April 2, 2019 on AIXchange Here’s an IBM document on VIO server to NIM mapping (courtesy of Chris Gibson on Twitter).  The chart shows you which levels are needed for your NIM master to manage your VIO servers. Particularly since the update to VIOS 3.1, it’s critical that your … Continue reading “Choosing the Proper Level for Managing VIOS with NIM”

A Look at AIX and Cloud

Edit: Some links no longer work. Originally posted March 19, 2019 on AIXchange I’m quite late to this, but if you haven’t caught Petra Bührer’s Power Systems Virtual User Group presentation, “Enterprise Cloud Bundle and AIX Enterprise Edition,” check it out. (Download the slides and watch the video.) A couple highlights from the Jan. 31 broadcast:  In slide 26, … Continue reading “A Look at AIX and Cloud”

Getting Started with AIX System Files

Edit: Hopefully this is just a review. Originally posted February 26, 2019 on AIXchange Awhile back Shivaprasad Nayak tweeted about AIX system files.  Here’s a glimpse from the IBM Knowledge Center: The files in this section are system files. These files are created and maintained by the operating system and are necessary for the system to perform its … Continue reading “Getting Started with AIX System Files”

A Lifetime Champion

Edit: I am still happy to be part of the community of Champions. Originally posted February 19, 2019 on AIXchange Last month, the IBM Champions program announced its honorees for 2019: The IBM Champions program recognizes and rewards external experts and thought leaders for their work with IBM products and communities. The program supports advocates and … Continue reading “A Lifetime Champion”