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Practical Migration from x86 to Linux on IBM Z

A draft IBM Redbooks publication

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Last updated on 30 April 2024

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IBM Form #: SG24-8217-01


Authors: Lydia Parziale, Vic Cross, Youssef Largou, Eric Marins, Mauro Cesar de Souza, Phillip Wilson, Gary Wing and Anderson Augusto da Silveira

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    Abstract

    There are many reasons why you would want to optimize your servers through virtualization using Linux on IBM Z®:

    • Too many distributed physical servers with low utilization
    • A lengthy provisioning process that delays the implementation of new applications
    • Limitations in data center power and floor space
    • High total cost of ownership (TCO)
    • Difficulty allocating processing power for a dynamic environment

    This IBM Redbooks® publication provides a technical planning guide and example for IT organizations to migrate from their x86 environment to Linux on IBM Z. It begins by examining the benefits of migrating workloads to Linux on IBM Z. Here, we describe the workload centric method of information technology and then discuss the benefits of migrating workloads to Linux on IBM Z.

    Next, we describe total cost of ownership analyses and we guide you in understanding how to analyze your environment before beginning a migration project. We also assist you in determining the expected consolidation ratio for a given workload type.

    We also describe virtualization concepts along with describing the benefits of migrating from the x86 environment to guests residing on an IBM z/VM® single system image with live guest relocation.

    This IBM Redbooks publication walks you through a migration approach, includes planning worksheets, as well as a chapter to assist you in analyzing your own systems. We also discuss post migration considerations such as acceptance testing of functionality and performance measurements.

    Table of Contents

    Chapter 1. Benefits of migrating workloads to Linux on IBM Z

    Chapter 2. Analyze and understand

    Chapter 3. Virtualization concepts

    Chapter 4. Migration process

    Chapter 5. Migration planning

    Chapter 6. Migration analysis

    Chapter 7. Deployment of workloads

    Chapter 8. Hands-on migration

    Chapter 9. Post migration consideration

    Appendix A. Additional use case scenarios

    Appendix B. z/VM Express System Installation

     

    Special Notices

    The material included in this document is in DRAFT form and is provided 'as is' without warranty of any kind. IBM is not responsible for the accuracy or completeness of the material, and may update the document at any time. The final, published document may not include any, or all, of the material included herein. Client assumes all risks associated with Client's use of this document.