Understanding the Hardware to Software Maps for PowerVM Virtual I/O Server

Sections

The report is divided into three sections - top, middle, and bottom.

The top section allows you to jump to lower sections quickly. It is also used to get to this page, the hardware product announcement and to select another map.

The middle section contains the information on the PowerVM levels in relationship to the selected machine type model.

The third section can be used to find additional information that may be useful to you.

PowerVM Virtual I/O Server levels

This document provides general information about VIOS releases. For features and benefits, refer to the following:

IBM Power Systems PowerVM virtualization

The Virtual I/O Server is included in all PowerVM Editions.

Using the Virtual I/O Server facilitates the following functions:

• Sharing of physical I/O resources among logical partitions on the system
• Provisioning of I/O resources without requiring additional physical I/O resources
• Creating more logical partitions than there are I/O slots or physical devices available
• Maximizing use of physical resources on the system
• Helping to reduce the Storage Area Network (SAN) infrastructure
• Facilitating Live Partition Mobility (LPM), LPAR Suspend and Resume, and Active Memory Sharing (AMS)

In addition to Fix Packs, Service Packs for VIOS are released, depending on the number of needed changes. VIOS Service Packs consist of critical changes found between Fix Pack releases.

VIOS is an IBM appliance with unique requirements and service stream. In the unlikely case that a new issue emerges that was not addressed in a previous level, customers will be asked to migrate up to a level that captures the appropriate fix or will receive a bundled fix packaged at the latest VIOS code level.

VIOS server problem/resolution

To ensure the reliability, availability, and serviceability of a computing environment using the Virtual I/O Server, IBM recommends that you update the Virtual I/O Server to the latest generally available release, Fix Pack or Service Pack. The latest level contains all cumulative fixes for the VIOS. Interim fixes (iFixes) are only provided at the latest shipped level VIOS. You need to upgrade to the latest service level or Fix Pack to install an interim fix. The official fixes may be shipped in the next Fix Pack or Service Pack of VIOS.

VIOS service package definitions

Fix Pack - A Fix Pack updates your VIOS release to the latest level. A Fix Pack update can contain product enhancements, new function and fixes.

Service Pack - A Service Pack applies to only one (the latest) VIOS level. A Service Pack contains critical fixes for issues found between Fix Pack releases. A Service Pack does not update the VIOS to a new level and it can only be applied to the Fix Pack release for which it is specified.

Interim Fix - An Interim Fix (iFix) applies to only one (the latest) VIOS level and provides a fix for a specific issue.

Version, Compatibility and Recommended

Version - The product version. To move to a newer version usually requires an upgrade process.

Compatibility - Indicates whether a version has been verified to be compatible with the server model. Unverified versions may not necessarily mean that the version is unsupported. Contact your point of sale or technical support representative for clarification.

Recommended - Yes indicates the version is recommended. If blank, then the version is not currently a recommended level. Please read all footnotes as they may provide additional information.

Additional Information

The bottom section of the report provides links to further information that may be helpful to the user of this map.