IBM Demonstrates a UNIX Virtualization Exclusive, Moves Workloads From One Machine to Another — While They’re Running

IBM Demonstrates a UNIX Virtualization Exclusive, Moves Workloads From One Machine to Another — While They’re Running

In a showcase technology forum here today, IBM (NYSE: IBM) highlighted a breakthrough virtualization technique behind IBM’s POWER6 microprocessor with a demonstration of Live Partition Mobility, a feature that will enable the movement of computer workloads from one IBM UNIX system to another while both systems are running.

In June, IBM shipped its first System p 570 servers with the POWER6 processor — the world’s fastest chip — containing a unique design that creates dozens to hundreds of “virtual” servers on a single box. Live Partition Mobility, currently in beta testing with general availability planned later this year, is a continuous availability feature that will enable POWER6-based servers, such as the System p 570, to move live logical partitions — including the entire operating system and all its running applications — from one server to another while the systems are running. The technology will enable companies to effectively manage and maintain their servers with the potential to become more energy efficient in the process.

While competing UNIX offerings require a disruptive reboot of the UNIX system and software stack, IBM is the first vendor to help clients optimize resource utilization on a broader scale by allowing administrators to think of large groups of servers as a fluid resource rather than focusing on each server as a single entity with a dedicated purpose. Because Live Partition Mobility is implemented in the POWER6 chip, hardware and its associated firmware, the feature is operating system independent, allowing the movement of AIX or Linux operating systems and associated running workloads. For instance, using Live Partition Mobility customers will be able to dynamically consolidate UNIX or Linux workloads — without interruption — onto fewer servers during off-peak times, allowing them to turn off computers and save energy.

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