Plan for independent disk pools

Several requirements must be satisfied to use independent disk pools, particularly if you plan to use switchable independent disk pools. Setting up an environment for switching devices begins with careful planning.

Important: When you are ready to order a new server or a server upgrade to use clusters, IBM^® will assist you in making sure that your cluster requirements are met. See Planning for Clustering .

Creating a stand-alone, or dedicated, independent disk pool does not require as much planning as a switchable independent disk pool. However, you should still take the time to make sure that your future needs will not require you to be able to switch the independent disk pool.

When independent disk pools are used, you should configure a storage pool for the independent disk pools separate from the base storage pool (pool number 2) and separate from storage pools configured for jobs that are not using independent disk pools.

• Hardware requirements
  
• Physical planning requirements
  
• Software and licensing requirements
  
• Communications requirements
  
• Cluster requirements
  
• Application considerations for independent disk pools