Planning for the system

Proper planning helps you place your server and identify the unique needs for your server.

Good planning is essential for the successful setup and use of your server. It ensures that you have everything that you need and that you meet all the prerequisites for your server. Planning helps to minimize errors during installation and allow for a quicker upgrade or installation. The planning information helps you place the server, plan power and environmental needs, and prepare for unique configurations based on how you use the server (for example, clustering of servers, rack mounting, and internet connections).

Planning scenarios that you are responsible for include:

  • A new server installation
  • A model upgrade
  • Hardware modifications (feature additions, removals, conversions, or relocations)
  • Software modifications (additions, removals, updates, or other changes)
To ensure that planning is completed successfully, you can assign a planning project manager who can provide a documented plan that includes:
  • A timeline for the activities to be completed.
  • Each major activity phase and the wanted outcome.
  • A list of responsibilities and the person assigned.
  • A current system diagram and configuration listing, including all hardware content, software content, cabling, and other pertinent configuration items (for a modification to an existing system).
  • An endsystem diagram that shows hardware content and configuration details, including cabling details.
    Note: Give special attention to disk units, clustering, and logical partition (LPAR) system configurations.
  • A key contacts list, including off-hours contact information for all key task or activities participants.
  • A plan for communicating appropriate elements of your plan with key personnel (for example, seller, installer, management).