The Definitive Guide to Upgrading to IBM Power10

The IT world is relentless. Workloads become more complex, data volumes surge, and security threats evolve. Your current IBM Power system might be struggling to keep pace. This comprehensive guide explores the best strategies for IBM Power10 migration. We'll dive into technical details around these next-generation chips, providing experienced 

Power users with the insights needed to upgrade to superior performance, enhanced security, and a future-proof IT foundation for their organizations.

Continue reading to find out:

• Technical data of Power10 solutions
• Reasons to migrate to Power10
• Proven migration strategies and considerations

IBM Power10: Facts and Features

Building on the legacy of the IBM Power platform, the Power10 processor possesses significant advancements across several key areas. Let's explore the technical details and enhancements that make Power10 a compelling choice for your infrastructure.

Power10 Design Priorities

• Data Plane Bandwidth: Power10 prioritizes high-speed data movement. It delivers:
  • Terabyte-per-second signaling bandwidth on processor interfaces.
  • Support for petabyte-scale system memory capacities.
  • Scalability up to 16 sockets in a symmetric multiprocessing (SMP) configuration.
  • Memory clustering and memory inception capabilities for efficient memory utilization.
• Powerful Enterprise Core: The core architecture itself sees significant improvements:
  • A completely redesigned core microarchitecture for enhanced performance.
  • Increased flexibility for handling diverse workloads.
  • Larger cache sizes (2 MB L2 per core and 8 MB local L3 per core) to minimize latency.
  • Reduced latencies for improved responsiveness.

• End-to-End Security: Hardware-based security functionalities co-designed with PowerVM hypervisor for seamless integration and performance.
• Energy Efficiency: Up to 3x improvement in energy efficiency compared to Power9 processors, translating to lower operating costs.
• AI-Infused Core: Power10 caters to the growing need for AI capabilities, delivering a 10-20x improvement in matrix-math performance per socket when compared to Power9, significantly accelerating AI workloads.

Technical Specifications

• Process Technology: Manufactured using a 7nm complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor process with 18 metal layers, offering density improvements.
• Core Architecture:
  • Superscalar out-of-order execution for efficient instruction processing.
  • Up to 15 cores per processor, each supporting eight threads of simultaneous multithreading (SMT8) for handling multiple tasks concurrently.
  • 2 MB private L2 cache per core for frequently accessed data.
  • 8 MB local L3 cache per core for faster access to frequently used data by nearby cores.
  • Shared 120 MB of latency-optimized non-uniform cache access (NUCA) L3 cache across all cores on a processor for efficient data sharing.

Why Build on IBM Power Platforms?

IBM Power platforms go beyond impressive hardware. They deliver exceptional value for businesses seeking to modernize. Firstly, Power systems are renowned for their unbeatable availability. Measured in "nines," they can achieve "five nines of availability" (99.999%), translating to just over 5 minutes of downtime per year. This minimizes disruption and ensures critical applications remain constantly accessible.

Secondly, PowerVM hypervisor empowers agility and efficiency. By virtualizing resources, it consolidates workloads onto fewer servers, reducing costs and simplifying management. PowerVM also enables real-time resource allocation and containerization, optimizing performance and resource utilization.

Additionally, Power platforms seamlessly integrate with modern development practices. Red Hat OpenShift and Ansible Automation Platform offer certified integrations, allowing for streamlined application development, deployment, and automation on Power systems.

IBM Power Servers Comparison

The IBM Power S1014

The IBM Power S1014 is an entry-level server within the Power10 lineup. This 1-socket system offers a balance of affordability and performance, ideal for virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) or smaller scale general-purpose workloads. It supports up to 8 Power10 cores with SMT enabled for handling multiple threads simultaneously. The S1014 provides ample memory capacity (up to 1 TB) and decent I/O bandwidth for its class. Its compact 4U form factor makes it space-efficient for smaller data centers.

The IBM Power S1022

Stepping up from the S1014, the S1022 offers a more robust option for general-purpose workloads. This 2-socket server supports up to 40 Power10 cores with SMT, delivering significant processing power. It boasts increased memory capacity (up to 4 TB) and I/O bandwidth compared to the S1014, making it suitable for handling larger datasets and applications. While still compact at 2U, it provides a good balance of performance and manageability.

The IBM Power S1024

The S1024 builds upon the S1022's foundation, targeting demanding workloads. This 2-socket server offers the same core configuration (up to 40 cores with SMT) but caters to memory-intensive tasks with support for up to 8 TB of DDR4 memory. This enhanced memory capacity makes it ideal for in-memory databases and other applications that benefit from large, readily accessible datasets.

The IBM Power E1050

Aimed at data-intensive environments and hybrid cloud deployments, the E1050 is a powerhouse within the Power10 range. This 4-socket server scales up to 120 Power10 cores with SMT, providing exceptional processing capabilities. It supports massive memory capacity (potentially exceeding 32 TB) and boasts robust I/O options for handling intensive workloads. Its increased size (typically a 4U or larger rack server) reflects its focus on high-performance computing and large-scale data management.

Technical Deep Dive

System Design and Components

All these Power10 scale-out servers share a common design, featuring:

• Two processor sockets supporting either 1 or 2 processor configurations.
• 32 memory module slots for accommodating various memory capacities.
• 10 PCI Express (PCIe) adapter card slots for expansion.
• Dedicated slots for the enterprise baseboard management controller and Trusted Platform Module.
• Six OpenCAPI ports for high-speed accelerator integration.

Supported Operating Systems and Compatibility Modes

The Power10 processor-based scale-out servers support a variety of operating systems, including AIX, IBM i, and Linux. Additionally, the Virtual I/O Server (VIOS) can be implemented to virtualize I/O functionalities like network and storage connectivity.

For compatibility with older applications and environments, the Power10 core leverages Processor Compatibility Registers. They allow the processor to operate in compatibility modes that emulate prior generations of Power processors (Power8 or Power9). This enables migration of existing AIX, IBM i, Linux, and VIOS environments to Power10 systems. The supported compatibility modes include Power8, Power9 Base, Power9, and Power10.

Why Upgrade to Power10?

Benefits of Migrating to Power10 for Businesses and IT Infrastructure – Case Study

Sicredi, a leading Brazilian financial cooperative, implemented IBM Power E1080 servers in 2 data centers. Their migration to Power10 resulted in a 30% overall performance improvement and a 25% reduction in batch processing times compared to Power9. This means faster transactions and enhanced operational efficiency.

Additionally, Power10's vertical scalability allowed Sicredi to seamlessly accommodate future workload growth. The Power10 platform, coupled with the latest Oracle 19c environment, further bolstered Sicredi's banking operations' reliability, availability, and overall performance. Notably, the migration process itself was smooth and successful, with Sicredi experiencing zero service interruptions – a testament to the platform's stability.

Comparisons with Power7, Power8, and Power9

End of Life and End of Support for Power8 and Power9

It's important to consider the lifecycle of your existing IBM Power hardware.

• Power8 processors reached their End of Service Life (EOSL) in October 2019, with End of Support (EOS) following in October 2024. Read more about it on our blog.
• Power9 processors are not far behind, with an anticipated EOSL by the end of 2022 and EOS by an undisclosed date.

IBM server migration ensures continued access to critical support services, security patches, and firmware updates for optimal performance and security. By proactively migrating to Power10, you can avoid potential disruptions caused by EOL and EOS for older Power generations.

IBM Power10 Migration Strategies

Preparation

• Compatibility Checks:
  • Ensure both PowerX and Power10 systems run compatible versions of the Hardware Management Console (HMC) and firmware.
  • Verify that the operating systems and applications within the Logical Partition (LPAR) are officially supported on Power10 hardware.
• Resource Assessment:
  • Confirm connectivity between source (PowerX) and target (Power10) systems to the same network and storage infrastructure.
  • Ensure the Power10 server has sufficient CPU, memory, and storage resources to accommodate the migrating LPAR.
• Resource Allocation:
  • Allocate necessary network, storage, and other resources on the Power10 system for the LPAR.
  • Check for and acquire required licenses for the new environment.
• System Updates:
  • Update the HMC to the latest version.
  • Apply the latest firmware updates to both PowerX and Power10 servers.
• Virtual I/O Server:
  • Ensure VIOS on both source and target systems are up-to-date and configured correctly.

IBM Power10 Migration

• LPAR Eligibility:
  
  • Verify that the LPAR is suitable for Live Partition Mobility (LPM) migration. This includes ensuring no active tasks (backups, heavy I/O) could impede the process.
• Configuration Review:
  • Confirm that network settings (VLANs) and storage mappings (virtual disks) are correctly configured and compatible on both systems.
• Initiating LPM:
  • Access the HMC and navigate to the partition mobility section.
  • Select the LPAR to be migrated and launch the mobility wizard.
  • Choose the Power10 system as the target and follow the wizard's prompts to configure the migration.
  • Validate the environment and resource availability.
• Data Transfer:
  • Transfer the partition state, including memory contents, to the Power10 server.
  • Synchronize changes to ensure data consistency.
  • The LPAR remains active and operational throughout this process.
• Post-Migration Tasks:
  • Verify that the LPAR is running successfully on the Power10 server.
  • Conduct a series of tests to ensure the LPAR operates as expected. This includes checking critical applications, databases, and services for functionality.
  • Configure and verify backups of the LPAR on the Power10 system.

Important Note on Processor Compatibility

Processor compatibility mode is crucial when planning LPM migration between different server generations. An LPAR intended for migration to a server with a different processor generation must be activated in a specific compatibility mode.

Migrating from Power7

Migrating an LPAR directly from a Power7 server to a Power10 server using LPM is not supported. However, a two-step migration process is possible:

1. Migrate the LPAR from Power7 to Power8 or Power9 using LPM.
2. Migrate the LPAR from Power8/Power9 to the Power10 server using LPM.

Operating System Compatibility:

Ensure the operating system running on the Power7 server is supported on Power10 or upgrade it to a supported level before attempting the migration steps above.

IBM Power10 Migration Considerations

6 Power10 Upgrade Best Practices:

1. Early Planning: The IBM Power 8 End of Life arrived in October 2019. Don't wait until your existing Power hardware reaches its EOL to consider an upgrade. Proactive planning allows for budget allocation, resource assessment, and potential migration window identification.
2. Compatibility Checks: Ensure compatibility across all levels. Verify that your chosen Power10 server model aligns with your workload requirements and that your existing operating systems and applications are officially supported on Power10 hardware.
3. Resource Assessment: Carefully evaluate your current resource consumption (CPU, memory, storage) and anticipate future growth.
4. Skillset and Training: Identify any skill gaps within your IT team. Consider training or certification programs to ensure your staff possesses the necessary expertise to manage and maintain the new Power10 environment effectively.
5. Testing and Validation: Thorough testing is crucial. Before migrating live workloads, establish a test environment to validate application functionality and performance on the Power10 platform.
6. Backups and Disaster Recovery: Maintain robust backups of your critical data and applications throughout the migration process. Have a well-defined disaster recovery plan in place to address any unforeseen events.

4 Common Pitfalls:

1. Underestimating Migration Complexity: Migration can be more involved than anticipated. Don't underestimate the time and resources required for planning, testing, and execution.
2. Ignoring Hardware Maintenance Costs: While Power10 offers superior performance, be mindful of the associated hardware maintenance costs. Factor these costs into your overall upgrade budget.
3. Overlooking Software Licensing: Review your existing software licenses and ensure compatibility with the Power10 environment. You might need to acquire additional licenses or upgrade existing ones to avoid licensing roadblocks after migration.
4. Neglecting Security Considerations: A new hardware platform presents both opportunities and challenges from a security perspective. Carefully review security protocols and configurations to ensure a smooth transition and maintain a robust security posture on the Power10 system.

Future-Proofing Your Infrastructure

IBM Power10’s innovative architecture translates to faster processing of complex workloads, enabling you to tackle emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and big data analytics with confidence.

• Scalability and Efficiency: Power10 systems offer unmatched scalability, allowing you to seamlessly adapt to changing business requirements. Add resources (CPU, memory) as needed to support future growth or integrate new technologies without compromising performance. Additionally, Power10 offers better energy efficiency, leading to reduced operating costs and a smaller environmental footprint.
• Security Built-In: Security threats are constantly evolving. Power10 prioritizes security by design with features like Secure Boot and Memory Encryption.
• Long-Term Investment: Power10 systems deliver a high ROI. Their superior performance, scalability, and lower operating costs contribute to significant cost savings over time. IBM's commitment to the Power platform guarantees long-term support and future-proofs your investment.

What Comes After Power10?

While specifics remain undisclosed, IBM has a long history of innovation within the Power platform. Future generations will build upon Power10's strengths, offering even greater processing power, enhanced security features, and continued advancements in memory and storage technologies. Upgrading to Power10 will position you for a smooth transition to these upcoming advancements, ensuring your infrastructure remains competitive and adaptable for years to come.

Power Up Your Business with Power10 and Comarch

Comarch, a leading IT service provider, and IBM Large User Group member can be your trusted guide throughout the migration process. Leveraging many years of extensive expertise in IBM Power systems, we offer a comprehensive suite of services to ensure a smooth and successful transition to Power10:

1. Migration Planning and Assessment: Comarch's specialists will meticulously assess your current IT environment and design a tailored migration plan that minimizes downtime and disruption.
2. Technical Expertise: Our certified Power10 engineers possess the in-depth knowledge to handle all aspects of the migration, from infrastructure configuration to application compatibility checks.
3. Risk Mitigation: Comarch's proven methodologies and best practices help mitigate potential risks associated with the migration process.
4. Ongoing Support: Even after your migration is complete, Comarch provides ongoing support to ensure optimal performance and continued success with your Power10 environment.

So, don't wait to experience the potential of Power10. Contact our experts today to discuss your migration journey and explore how their expertise can help you achieve a seamless and successful transition.

7 Key Takeaways:

1. Power10 processors deliver significant performance gains to tackle demanding workloads like AI and big data.
2. Scalability and long-term IBM support ensure your infrastructure adapts to future technological advancements.
3. Reduced operating expenses and high ROI compared to aging Power generations nearing EOL.
4. Minimal downtime through migration strategies like Live Partition Mobility.
5. Built-in features safeguard your data and applications from cyber threats.
6. Power10 supports industry-standard options like AIX, IBM i, and Linux for workload diversity.
7. Careful planning and resource allocation are crucial for a successful migration.

Power10: The Investment in Your Growth

IBM server migration empowers you to tackle demanding workloads with confidence, future-proof your business against evolving technology, and achieve a significant return on investment.

While the migration process requires careful planning and execution, collaborating with an experienced partner like Comarch can significantly streamline the transition. With our proven expertise, comprehensive IBM managed services, and commitment to ongoing support, Comarch ensures a smooth and successful migration to Power10, maximizing the benefits of this next-generation technology for your organization.

Additionally, for businesses seeking a cloud-based solution, IBM cloud migration offers a compelling option that utilizes Power10 technology. Explore our services to ensure a smooth transition.

FAQ

1. Why choose IBM Power?
   Choose IBM Power for its exceptional performance, scalability, security, and long-term support, ideal for running mission-critical workloads.
2. What are the benefits of Power10?
   Power10 offers significant performance boosts, future-proofs your infrastructure, reduces costs, and simplifies migration for a secure and efficient IT environment.
3. What is the difference between IBM Power9 and Power10?
   Both Power9 and Power10 are high-performance processors, but Power10 delivers the latest advancements with improved processing power, enhanced security features, and continued architecture improvements.
4. What version of AIX is Power10?
   Power10 itself isn't a version of AIX. AIX is an operating system that runs on Power processors, and newer versions of AIX are compatible with Power10 hardware.
5. Is AIX supported on Power10?
   Yes, AIX is fully supported on Power10 processors, ensuring compatibility with existing AIX applications when migrating to Power10.