Intel Linux on iSeries

Learn how Intel^® Linux^® on iSeries™ platform differs from other IBM^® offerings.

Linux on Intel has a different implementation strategy than Linux on POWER™. IBM provides drivers to the distribution of Linux to function in this environment. The environment would look like a hosted partition in the iSeries. The same use of the virtual disk and I/O are used for the Intel version as used on POWER. The Integrated xSeries^® implementations give the ability to use PC adapters that are supported on Linux and allows for special application development.

Table 1. Comparison between POWER hosted and Intel Linux environment. This table compares the differences between the hosted POWER environment to the Linux on Intel.
Resource	iSeries hosted POWER Linux	Intel Linux
Boot disk	*NWSSTG, STMF, via IOA, A or B slot	*NWSSTG
Other DASD	*NWSSTG or via IOA	*NWSSTG
Tape	Virtual or via IOA	Virtual
CD-ROM, DVD-RAM	Virtual or via IOA	Virtual
Ethernet LAN	Virtual or via IOA	Virtual or Via IOA
Console	Telnet to port 2301 on a host partition	Attached keyboard and display

Which environment to use

There are two implementations of Linux on the iSeries, it is important to understand which one meets your needs. The criteria for an application might dictate which to use. Listed below are several points to consider for an Intel implementation:

Does the application only run on Intel Linux?
Is the application CPU intensive?
Does the iSeries have enough CPW capacity to support a Linux on POWER implementation?
Are special hardware devices required for an application that is not supported under the iSeries POWER Linux?
Do you have a Integrated xSeries Server or Integrated xSeries Adapter running Windows^® today that you want to migrate to Linux?

Listed are things to consider for the POWER implementation.

Do you need more control of resources on the iSeries?
Do you want to use Dynamic processor movement?
Do you need several small Linux partitions?

Other factors might dictate which method to use.