Virtual Partition Manager

The Virtual Partition Manager (VPM) is a partition management tool that supports the creation of partitions that use only virtual input/output (I/O) and does not require the Hardware Management Console, Systems Director Management Console, or Integrated Virtualization Manager. In addition to being able to manage Linux guest partitions, the VPM now supports creation and management of IBM i partitions.

This enhanced VPM function is available on IBM POWER6® or later (scale-out Models only) that do not have an external management console. With this enhancement to IBM i, VRM provides the ability to create up to four IBM i or Linux partitions. In addition, the hosting IBM i partition must own and manage all of the physical I/O resources. A PowerVM license is required to partition the server using VPM.

Client IBM i partitions, which are created with VPM, use virtual I/O to access disk, tape, DVD, and Ethernet resources owned by the hosting partition. VPM in the hosting partition creates the virtual SCSI and virtual Ethernet adapters for the client partitions. Assignment of physical I/O resources to client partitions and dynamic movement of virtual I/O resources is not supported. You have to power off the client partition to move the virtual I/O resources. Memory and processor resources can be added or removed when partition is powered on but that requires an IPL to take effect. The user can use Network Storage Spaces (NWSSTG) and Network Storage Descriptions (NWSD) in the hosting partition to define the storage for the client partitions. Tape, disk, and optical are allowed to be virtualized to the client partitions.

You can not use Virtual Partition Manager on an IBM i server that is configured using an HMC which means you have to disconnect your IBM i server from HMC before you are trying to use Virtual Partition Manager. You can only use Virtual Partition Manager on the hosting IBM i partition. PowerVM Standard or Enterprise edition is required to support four client partitions.

IBM® Navigator for i provides graphical interface for Virtual Partition Manager and has the following advantages over the existing Virtual Partition Manager screens:

• Allows assignment of additional virtual Ethernet and virtual SCSI devices (after a partition is created)
• Allows multiple virtual Ethernet devices to use the same VLAN ID
• Allows for more flexibility in assigning trunk ports
• Allows for multiple VLAN IDs, under the 802.1Q standard.

To manage partitions by IBM Navigator for i, follow these steps:

1. In IBM Navigator for i of hosting partition, expend Configuration and Services.
2. Select Partitions.