Readme for IBM PowerVM NovaLink 2.0.3                                          

 

This is the May 2022 release of IBM PowerVM NovaLink.  Learn more about PowerVM NovaLink at

 

·       Knowledge Center(KC): https://www.ibm.com/docs/en/power10/9080-HEX?topic=environment-powervm-novalink

·       Blog: https://community.ibm.com/community/user/power/blogs/archive-user/2015/11/01/powervc-novalink-overview

 

The download of the IBM PowerVM NovaLink installation media is available at the Entitled Systems Support site (ESS).

http://www-304.ibm.com/servers/eserver/ess/OpenServlet.wss

 

NovaLink is entitled to download if you have a license for IBM PowerVM. 

 

 

Table of Contents

 

1.    Supported Stack

2.    How to update/install to Novalink 2.0.3

3.    New in 2.0.3

4.    Changes History for 2.0.3

5.    Known Issues (PowerVM on Power)

6.    PowerVM Novalink Installation

7.    Software Life Cycle

 

1.   Supported Stack

 

Following Stack OS and python are supported with the latest Novalink 2.0.3

 

·      Ubuntu : Ubuntu 18.04 + (Power8/Power9) +Python 3.6

·      RHEL : RHEL8.2/8.3/8.4/8.6 + (Power8/Power9/Power10) + Python 3.6

 

2.   How to update/install Novalink 2.0.3

 

For upgrading ( From Novalink 1.0.0.16 or prior) or installing to novalink 2.0.3 follow below KC:

.    POWER9: https://www.ibm.com/support/knowledgecenter/POWER9/p9eig/p9eig_installing.htm

.    POWER10: https://www.ibm.com/docs/en/power10/9080-HEX?topic=environment-powervm-novalink

 

Fixes and service packs for this product are available in the following online repositories:

·      Ubuntu : https://public.dhe.ibm.com/systems/virtualization/Novalink/debian

·      RHEL : https://public.dhe.ibm.com/systems/virtualization/Novalink/rhel/82/novalink_2.0.3

 

To upgrade to the 2.0.3 release from Novalink 1.0.0.x:

·       To upgrade to Ubuntu 18.04/RHEL8.2/RHEL8.4/RHEL8.4/ RHEL8.6 and Novalink 2.0.3 follow steps in below KC link:

·      https://www.ibm.com/support/knowledgecenter/POWER9/p9eig/p9eig_upgrade_novalink.htm

 

To Update to the 2.0.3 release from Novalink 2.0.0.0 and later in ubuntu environment, run the following:

·       Update the apt repository cache

o   sudo apt update

·      Update to 2.0.3.  The ‘upgrade’ will upgrade all software, or you can only update the NovaLink and RSCT portion.

o   sudo apt upgrade (or alternatively:  sudo apt install pvm-novalink rsct.basic)

·      Remove old packages that are no longer used (optional)

o   sudo apt-get autoremove

To update to the 2.0.3 release from Novalink 2.0.0.0 or later in RHEL environment, run the following:

·       Update the yum repository

o   sudo yum update

·       Update pvm-novalink

o   sudo yum install pvm-novalink

 

See the Knowledge Center documentation for more information on installing fixes and updates

POWER8:

·      http://www.ibm.com/support/knowledgecenter/POWER8/p8eig/p8eig_updating_ubuntu_online.htm?cp=POWER8

 

POWER9:

·      https://www.ibm.com/docs/en/power9/9009-41A?topic=novalink-updating-powervm

 

POWER10:

·      https://www.ibm.com/docs/en/power10/9080-HEX?topic=novalink-upgrading-powervm-software-version-2000

 

3.   New in 2.0.3

 

·      Added support for RHEL8.6

·      Enhanced pvmctl migration command with ability to provide target Shared processor pool id on destination managed system.

·      Active or Inactive Migration between a system managed by Novalink and a system managed by HMC and vice versa.

·      Replaced objectionable terminology: Replaced objectionable terminology across CLI, Rest API . Changes in the following functions were made:

o   Power Enterprise Pools: master is replaced by controller

o   PowerVM NovaLink Co-management: master is replaced by controller

·       Enhanced PowerVM Novalink ISO installer to include Novalink 2.0.3 packages for installation using the ISO for RHEL and Ubuntu platforms. For more details follow the KC link.

 

4.   Change History for 2.0.3

·      Released on 22-07-2022, Patched for listed fix (pvm-novalink 2.0.3-220627-4193 or later).

Addressed WebSphere Application Server Liberty Profile vulnerability: CVE-2022-22393, CVE-2022-22393.

 

5.   Known Issues (PowerVM on Power)

 

In PowerVC Multinode environment, there might be an issue seen with error “Too many open files”, Workaround is to increase open file limit for “wlp” process or reboot Novalink. This issue is fixed with pvm-novalink 2.0.3-220627-4193 or later.

·       

 

6.   PowerVM Novalink Installation

 

Installation instructions for PowerVM NovaLink are available on the on-line Knowledge Centre. 

·      https://www.ibm.com/support/knowledgecenter/POWER9/p9eig/p9eig_installing.htm

 

Installation instructions for PowerVM NovaLink for POWER10 are available on the on-line Knowledge Center. 

·      https://www.ibm.com/docs/en/power10/9080-HEX?topic=novalink-installing-powervm

 

7.   Software Life Cycle

 

PowerVM NovaLink uses versioning in the form of Version, Release, Mod Level and Fix (VRMF).  Example 2.0.0

 

·      Version and Release increments have a 3-year software support Lifecycle and follow IBM’s standard software lifecycle (http://www-01.ibm.com/software/support/lifecycle/lc-policy.html).

 

See the Knowledge Center  for more information.