Oracle VM Server for SPARC Software

Overview

SPARC Enterprise is the optimal virtualization platform, providing virtualization and top-class hardware reliability on all models. Oracle VM Server for SPARC Software (Logical Domains) is a new standard for virtualization, for highest business continuity and system investment efficiency, on Throughput Computing servers.

SPARC T4-4, T4-2, T4-1, T3-4, T3-2, T3-1 and SPARC Enterprise models T5440, T5240, T5140, T5220 and T5120 support Logical Domains.

They in fact provide two methods of server-virtualization. Logical Domains implemented at the firmware level, and Solaris Containers implemented at the operating system (OS) level. This mix of capability lets you choose the right virtualization features for your server consolidation solution. Logical Domains provide fault tolerance based on use of separate OS environments. For example, three distinct OS environments (domains) could be used for three different applications; such as, Web server, Application server and DB server, on the same physical machine. This means the DB server can remain up and running and unaffected by an application or OS failure in the Web or Application server domains.

Solaris Containers can further reduce system management and maintenance costs due to their use of a single OS environment to host multiple operations. However, an application failure in one container can affect all systems running on the same OS. Now you can choose the best virtualization functions, from Logical Domains and Solaris Containers to best match each system's requirements for uptime and cost efficiency.

Plus, simple upgrading even from older Solaris servers is possible. Oracle VM Server for SPARC 2.2 or later provides an upgrading assistance tool, called Physical-to-Virtual Migration Tool. With this tool, SPARC servers with Solaris 8, 9, or 10 OS including file system, network, and other OS setting can be transformed to SPARC Enterprise with Logical Domains.

The maximum number of OS environments (domains) with SPARC T4-4, T4-2, T4-1, T3-4, T3-2, T3-1 and T5440, T5240 and T5140 is 128, and with T5220 and T5120 it is 64.
The Oracle VM Server for SPARC software can be freely downloaded from the following Fujitsu site:

Downloads

Before downloading and installing the above software products, you must consent to the conditions for using such products.

Please download this software when using the Oracle VM Server for SPARC in Oracle Solaris 10.

Customer Benefit

On all SPARC Enterprise models, virtualization comes as standard. Logical Domains can be used at no additional cost.

Due to their firmware level virtualization, Logical Domains can be used to build multiple OS environments (domains) on the same server. In addition, because application and OS failures in one domain never affect other domains, you can create fault tolerant systems. You can also maximize system uptime using the following features.

• A failed Domain can be rebooted while all other Domains remain running
• Downtime for server maintenance, including OS patch application and server parts replacement, can be minimized. Guest Domains on one server can be redeployed and resumed on another server
• Virtual I/O configuration can be reconfigured during system operation

Distinct OS environments may be necessary for different applications. For instance, an application server and a DB server may use a different Solaris OS release and patches. When consolidating such server environments, Logical Domains offer an optimal solution, due to the ability to support multiple OS environments.

Upgrading server platform is a burdensome task. However, using Oracle VM Server for SPARC Physical-to-Virtual Migration tool, no-risk, and simple upgrading from old SPARC/Solaris server is possible. You are freed from elaborate months-long testing for server upgrading.

Dynamic resource re-allocation can maximize server resource use while ensuring business continuity. For instance, pooled or shared CPU resources can be added to a Domain as workloads surge, smoothing system performance at no additional cost. You can also adjust resource levels between Domains. For instance, accounting applications tend to have workload peaks as each period end. Such applications benefit from temporary CPU resource reallocations at these times.

System Requirements

For required patches about firmware, OS, Oracle VM Server for SPARC software and Enhanced Support Facility, please refer to "Chapter 4 System Requirements" in "SPARC Enterprise Oracle VM Server for SPARC Important Information".

Manuals