The Virtualization Cookbook for IBM Z Volume 1: IBM z/VM 7.2

This IBM® Redbooks® publication is the first volume of a series of three books called The Virtualization Cookbook for IBM z Systems. The other two volumes relate to Red Hat and SUSE:

• The Virtualization Cookbook for IBM z Systems Volume 2: Red Hat Enterprise Linux Server 7.1, SG24-8303
  
• The Virtualization Cookbook for IBM z Systems Volume 3: SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 12, SG24-8890
  

It is recommended that you start with Volume 1 of this series because IBM z/VM® is the base “layer” when you install Linux on z Systems. Volume 1 starts with an introduction, discusses planning, then describes z/VM installation into a two-node single system image (SSI) cluster, configuration, hardening, automation, and servicing. It adopts a cookbook format that provides a concise, repeatable set of procedures for installing and configuring z/VM by using the z/VM SSI clustering feature.

Volume 1 consists of the following chapters:

• Chapter 1, “Introduction to Linux on the IBM mainframe under z/VM” on page 3. This chapter provides a concise introduction to the concept of using the z/VM platform as an enterprise Linux infrastructure on the IBM mainframe.
  
• Chapter 2, “Planning” on page 15. This chapter covers the planning of hardware, software, and networking resources that you need to do before you attempt to install z/VM and Linux.
  
• Chapter 3, “Configuring a workstation for mainframe access” on page 39. This chapter addresses the configuration of a workstation that is running either Linux or Windows to access the mainframe.
  
• Chapter 4, “Installing and configuring z/VM” on page 49. This chapter describes installing z/VM 6.3 as a two-node VM Single System Image feature (VMSSI) cluster, performing the initial configuration, hardening, and enabling basic system automation.
  
• Chapter 5, “Servicing z/VM” on page 153. This chapter focuses on the requirements to keep your z/VM systems updated to ensure full functionality, optimal utility, security, and the elimination of known problems. The process of ordering and applying z/VM Service is described. Programming Temporary Fixes (PTFs) and Recommended Service Upgrades (RSUs) are both covered.
  
• Chapter 6, “Planning and preparing for Linux workloads” on page 171. This chapter describes the necessary steps to begin your first Linux installation. It describes common tasks that are executed during administration, maintenance, and expansion to accommodate additional workloads.
  

Volumes 2 and 3 describe how to Linux virtual servers on IBM z Systems™ hardware under IBM z/VM. The cookbook format continues with installing and customizing Linux.

For Volume 1, you need at least two IBM z Systems logical partitions (LPARs) with associated resources and z/VM 6.3 installation media. For Volumes 2 and 3, you will need either the Red Hat Enterprise Linux Server (RHEL) version 7.1 or the SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES) version 12 distribution (or both).

This book series assumes that you are generally familiar with z Systems technology and terminology. It does not assume an in-depth understanding of z/VM or Linux. It is written for those individuals who want to start quickly with z/VM and Linux on the mainframe, and get virtual servers up and running in a short time (days, not weeks or months).