Z/Vm Version 5 Utilizing Ifl Features; System Z9 Application Assist Processor (Zaap) - IBM Z9 Planning Manual

z/VM Version 5 Utilizing IFL Features

z/VM Version 5 utilizing IFL features provides an easy-to-use high-performance
hypervisor that operates within a logical partition. It has the capability to create a
significant number of Linux images. z/VM Version 5 creates and manages Linux
images quickly and easily, providing the ability to share resources, and supports an
arbitrary number of internal networks that can be used for high-speed
communication among Linux images.

System z9 Application Assist Processor (zAAP)

The Application Assist Processor (zAAP) is available on the System z9. This
specialized processing unit provides an economical Java execution environment for
customers who desire the traditional Qualities of Service and the integration
advantages of the System z9 platform. The System z9 Application Assist Processor
is also known as an IFA (Integrated Facility for Applications). The term IFA appears
in panels, messages, and other z/OS information relating to the System z9
Application Assist Processor, including this publication.
When configured with general purpose processors within logical partitions running
z/OS, zAAPs may help increase general purpose processor productivity and may
contribute to lowering the overall cost of computing for z/OS Java technology-based
applications. zAAPs are designed to operate asynchronously with the general
processors to execute Java programming under control of the IBM Java Virtual
Machine (JVM). This can help reduce the demands and capacity requirements on
general purpose processors which may then be available for reallocation to other
System z9 workloads.
The IBM JVM processing cycles can be executed on the configured zAAPs with no
anticipated modifications to the Java application(s). Execution of the JVM
processing cycles on the zAAP is a function of the Software Developer's Kit (SDK)
1.4.1 for zSeries, z/OS 1.6 or later, and PR/SM.
The amount of general purpose processor savings will vary based on the amount of
Java application code executed by zAAP(s). This is dependent upon the amount of
Java cycles used by the relevant application(s) and on the zAAP execution mode
selected by the customer.
Execution of the Java applications on zAAPs, within the same z/OS logical partition
as their associated database subsystems, can also help simplify the server
infrastructure and improve operational efficiencies. For example, use of zAAPs
could reduce the number of TCP/IP programming stacks, firewalls, and physical
interconnections (and their associated processing) that might otherwise be required
when the application servers and their database servers are deployed on separate
physical server platforms.
IBM does not impose software charges on zAAP capacity. Additional IBM software
charges will apply when additional general purpose CP capacity is used.
Customers are encouraged to contact their specific ISVs/USVs directly to determine
if their charges will be affected.
On System z9 models, you can purchase and install one or more Integrated Facility
for Applications (IFA) features with no effect on the model designation.
Consequently, no additional IBM operating system or middleware charges are
incurred with the addition of this capacity unless that software is actually running in
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PR/SM Planning Guide