Installing GDR

After you plan the details about the GDR implementation, you can install the GDR software. The GDR software contains the KSYS package that you must install on a logical partition in the backup site to manage the disaster recovery environment. The GDR solution uses other subsystems such as HMC, VIOS, and storage controllers that must exist in your current environment. You must understand concepts and planning information about the GDR solution before you install the GDR solution.

The GDR disaster recovery is enabled by using the following subsystems:

KSYS or controller system
The KSYS software is installed in an AIX® LPAR. The KSYS monitors the entire environment and enables disaster recovery operations, if required.
HMCs
HMCs in the active site and the backup site manage the IBM® Power Systems™ servers.
VIOS partitions
Various VIOS partitions within hosts of the active site and the backup site virtualize and manage storage resources for the hosts' virtual machines.
Storage controllers
Storage systems in the active site and the backup site enable storage for the various virtual machines and the replication between the sites.

The following figure shows the deployment diagram of the GDR solution:

Figure 1. GDR deployment diagram
GDR deployment diagram

For more information about the installation and configuration of the HMC, VIOS, and storage subsystems, refer to the documentation of each of the subsystems.

The following section explains the packaging information and installation for the KSYS software. The KSYS software can be installed in any AIX LPAR.

Note: It is a best practice to dedicate this LPAR for KSYS purposes only. The LPAR, in which the KSYS software must be installed, must run IBM AIX 7.2 with Technology Level 1, or later.

When you install the KSYS software on a logical partition, the logical partition is referred to as the KSYS node that controls the entire environment for disaster recovery. To support disaster recovery for the GDR solution, the KSYS handles discovery, monitoring, notification, recovery, and verification aspects that are associated with the disaster recovery.