Software offers file system options to pSeries® servers.
Press Release Summary:
General Parallel File System (GPFS) delivers scalable shared file system for Linux applications, allowing users to access files spanning multiple disk drives on multiple nodes. It allows applications simultaneous access to same or different files from any node in GPFS nodeset, while maintaining control over all file system operations. It furnishes UNIX® file system interfaces that allow most applications to execute without modification or recompiling.
Original Press Release:
IBM General Parallel File System for Linux on pSeries Extends Your File System Options to pSeries Servers Running Linux
At a glance
The IBM General Parallel File System (GPFS) is modified to deliver a fast, highly available, highly scalable shared file system for Linux applications on pSeries processors. It allows users access to files spanning multiple disk drives on multiple nodes.
GPFS for Linux on pSeries offers:
oImproved system performance
oFile consistency
oIncreased data availability
oEnhanced system flexibility
oSimplified administration
For ordering, contact:
Your IBM representative or IBM Americas Call Centers at 800-IBM-CALL (Reference: RE001).
Overview
IBM General Parallel File System (GPFS) for Linux on pSeries® is designed to allow users shared access to files within a cluster of IBM pSeries servers from any IBM server in the cluster running UnitedLinux.
GPFS can allow parallel applications simultaneous access to the same files, or different files, from any node in the GPFS nodeset, while managing a high level of control over all file system operations.
This newest member of the GPFS family, GPFS for Linux on pSeries, is similar to the one used with the IBM Cluster 1600 and 1350 and supports most of the function available on the GPFS for Linux on IBM xSeries® product.
Key prerequisites
pSeries servers
One of the following UnitedLinux 1.0 for PowerPC® Service Pack 3 distributions:
SuSE Linux Enterprise Server 8
Turbolinux Enterprise Server 8
Connectiva Linux Enterprise Edition 8
Planned availability date
December 19, 2003
Description
GPFS for Linux on pSeries furnishes many of the standard UNIX® file system interfaces that can allow most applications to execute without modification or recompiling.
GPFS can increase the aggregate bandwidth of the file system by spreading reads and writes to a single file across multiple disks attached to multiple nodes. Allowing concurrent reads and writes from multiple nodes is key in parallel processing.
The traditional file access modes of read (r), write (w), and execute (e) have been extended to include a fourth access mode - control (c). This mode can be used to specify who can manage the access control list for a file, other than the file owner and root user.
The use of multi-attached TotalStorage® FAStT Storage servers can allow applications to operate without interruption in the event of server or adapter failure.
GPFS provides the ability to create a logical copy, or "snapshot," of an entire GPFS file system at a single point in time. This snapshot capability is designed to allow a backup or mirror application to run concurrently with user updates and still obtain a consistent copy of the file system as of the time it was created.
GPFS creates separate logs for each node, recording the allocation and modification of metadata, and aiding in fast recovery and restoration of data consistency in the event of node failure. With a minimum of two nodes, GPFS failover support lets you organize your hardware to minimize single points of failure. Additionally, GPFS for Linux allows the creation of a single-node nodeset.
GPFS supports very large file systems. The maximum tested file system size is 75 TB. The maximum theoretical file system size possible for GPFS based on architectural parameters is 1 petabyte. File systems up to the maximum tested size are supported, but support for larger file systems may be provided through a special bid process. Multilevel indirect block support allows file sizes up to the largest tested GPFS file system size (minus the space required for metadata).
System control of these values allows effective caching of i-nodes and may improve the performance of some applications. GPFS is a striping file system that distributes disk blocks across all disks in a file system, thereby maximizing their combined throughput.
GPFS uses a sophisticated token management system to provide data consistency while allowing multiple, independent concurrent access to the same file from anywhere in the cluster. When hardware resource demands are high, GPFS can find an available path to the file system data.
GPFS is highly flexible, allowing you to add or delete disks while the file system is mounted. GPFS for Linux on pSeries provides clustered file system support for up to 128 nodes.
Included with GPFS is a portability layer to the Linux kernel that is encapsulated in a kernel module. This kernel module is provided as source. A simple recompilation specific to the customer's kernel must be done.
Trademarks
The e-business logo, pSeries, xSeries, PowerPC, and TotalStorage are registered trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation in the United States or other countries or both.
UNIX is a registered trademark of the Open Company in the United States and other countries.
Other company, product, and service names may be trademarks or service marks of others.
