Chapter 4. New model planning considerations

The new models announced in January 2003 offer new upgrade paths from both 7xx and existing 8xx models. This chapter discusses the considerations that apply to the general planning of the upgrade and the specifics related to the new models.

With POWER4 processors, Capacity Upgrade on Demand (CUoD) models, and PCI-X high-speed links (HSL), planning is somewhat different from the past. The on demand concept requires slightly different thinking than current upgrades. This does not mean that the planning and implementation process is more difficult. Rather the opposite is true. That is the process of upgrading is becoming more simple, but you must plan ahead.

Throughout this chapter, we mention System Product Division (SPD) hardware in the planning tasks. You can learn more about SPD upgrade and migration in Chapter 5, “SPD upgrade planning considerations” on page 73.

To stay current on IBM planning statements for iSeries input/output (I/O) device support and software, refer to the following Web sites:

http://www-1.ibm.com/servers/eserver/iseries/support/planning

http://www-1.ibm.com/servers/eserver/iseries/migration/

http://www-1.ibm.com/servers/eserver/iseries/support/planning/nav.html