Single System Reliability; Single-System Availability Management - IBM eserver i5 Handbook

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New software versions and releases (OS/400 and associated software), or
fixes on the secondary system can be applied while the primary system
continues to function. Testing can occur on the secondary system before
nondisruptively updating the primary system.
iSeries servers offer superior technology, service, and support in each of five
critical components of availability:
Single system reliability: Architecture and baseline design make the iSeries
server one of the most reliable servers in the world. From its inception, the
iSeries architecture inherits a design where reliability and availability are
equivalent to features such as processor speed, memory capability, and
number of disk arms when planning for reliability.
The iSeries design and development resources that enable high levels of
availability in a single system environment are useful for prevention of
unplanned outages. The single-system iSeries remains the core building
block to repeat and extend functions into other areas of the business.
Single-system availability management: iSeries servers have
high-availability facilities that are not only fast and automated, but are easy to
use. Planned and unplanned outages are reduced with high availability
facilities which include:
– Automated journal management
– Access path protection
– Batch journal caching
– Save-while-active
– Parallel save and restore
– Backup Recovery and Media Services (BRMS) for iSeries
– RAID-5 disk parity protection
– Disk mirroring protection
Clusters: Cluster technology is implemented to reduce downtime caused by
planned outages and site disasters. The system availability during planned
outages contributes to an increase coverage of unplanned outage.
Refer to "iSeries clustering" on page 547.
Cluster-enabled applications: A high availability solution for the iSeries
server involves an active participation of cluster middleware providers. IBM
Business Partners provide advanced cluster management and data resiliency
tools. Solution developers design applications to maintain the state of an
application across an outage.
Availability services and support: As a world-leading enterprise computing
vendor, IBM has a collection of products and services to assist the customer
to develop and maintain a high availability environment. The on demand
capabilities of the Model 825, 870, and 890 servers include High Availability
and Capacity BackUp business continuity offerings.
IBM Eserver i5 and iSeries System Handbook
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Draft Document for Review October 18, 2004