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 you need and that you meet all the prerequisites for your server. Planning minimizes errors during installation and allows for a quicker upgrade or installation. Learn how to 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 provides a documented plan that includes the following information:
  • A timeline for the activities to be performed
  • 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 (if it is a modification to an existing system)
  • An endsystem diagram showing hardware content and configuration details, including cabling
    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)