Virtualization on the IBM System x3950 Server

Virtualization is becoming more and more a key technology enabler to streamline and better operate data centers. In it’s simplest form, virtualization refers to the capability of being able to run multiple OS instances, such as Linux® and Windows, on a physical server.

Usually the concept of virtualization is associated with high-end servers, such as the IBM System x3950, that are able to support and consolidate multiple heterogeneous software environments. The System x3950 is a highly scalable x86 platform capable of supporting up to 32 processors and 512 GB of memory and is aimed at customers that want to consolidate data centers.

Between the server hardware and the operating systems that will run the applications is a virtualization layer of software that manages the entire system. The two main products in this field are VMware ESX Server and Microsoft Virtual Server.
This IBM Redbooks publication discusses the technology behind virtualization, x3950 technology, and the two virtualization software products. We also discuss how to manage the solution properly as though they all were a pool of resources with Virtual Machine Manager, a unique and consistent management interface.

Chapter 1. Introduction to virtualization
Chapter 2. The IBM System x3950 Server
Chapter 3. VMware ESX Server
Chapter 4. Microsoft Virtual Server
Chapter 5. Management with IBM Director

Related product families

Product families related to this document are the following:

• 4-Socket Rack Servers
• Microsoft Hyper-V
• Mission Critical Servers
• VMware vSphere