Edit: I still love test labs.
Originally posted March 26, 2013 on AIXchange
Two weeks ago I asked readers to recommend some resources for IT pros who are new to AIX. The first comment was simply this:
“Can’t beat playing around on a test system!”
I couldn’t agree more. I write plenty about the value of training and how it’s worth your time to read IBM Redbooks, and these things are great. Still, nothing beats hands-on learning. I know that back when the size of a JFS filesystem couldn’t be reduced, I was very grateful that my indoctrination to growing a file system came on a test box rather than a production system. I was new, and I needed that practice playground. I think it’s unfortunate that so many customers who switch to AIX from another operating system neglect to add at least one test box to this new environment. At least one. And with multiple test machines, it becomes possible to do things like PowerHA, shared storage pools and live partition mobility testing. With the reasonable cost of current 710 and 720 models, I’m amazed that more customers don’t automatically add test machines to their hardware orders.
And speaking of training, if your boss doesn’t want you out of the office for a week attending an educational conference, tell him there’s an alternative: Just get me a test box. I think every IT pro understands that there’s a huge difference between reading about something and actually doing it. A test box is like a classroom that’s always open and available.
What do you need a test box for? What don’t you need it for? When a test box is available, programmer/administrator mistakes are learning opportunities rather than lost uptime. Test boxes are where we learn, where we validate, where we get comfortable with the technology. If you ask around, I think you’ll find that the people who excel at their jobs generally have spent considerable time on test systems. Certainly access to test hardware makes for more confident admins.
Now, if your employer absolutely won’t pay for one, there are other ways to access a test system. IBM has a virtual loaner program available to business partners. With this you can at least logon to the command line of a remote AIX systems. Of course this isn’t the same as having a test box onsite, available whenever you want to play around with it.
While it’s frustrating thinking about customers that won’t provide test boxes, what’s even worse is hearing from IT pros who don’t use the precious access they have. I really do hear some complain, “I have the lab, but I have no time to use it.” Geez… make time! Skip an episode or two of “Mad Men” or “Big Bang Theory” or “Scooby Doo” or whatever it is that people watch these days. If it really matters to you, you’ll find the time to further yourself professionally.
So do you work with test machines? Does your employer provide them or did you break down and buy an old POWER5 box off of eBay? Please share your experiences in comments.