Readme for IBM PowerVM NovaLink 1.0.0.16

 

This is the March 2019 release of IBM PowerVM NovaLink.  Learn more about PowerVM NovaLink at   

 

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 for download if you have a license for IBM PowerVM 

 NovaLink for KVM on Power is supported via the iBM PowerVC product.

 

Table of Contents

How to update

Changes in 1.0.0.16

Known Issues (PowerVM and KVM on Power)

PowerVM

KVM on Power

Installation

Software Life Cycle

 

 

 

How to update

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 7.3, 7.4 and 7.5: https://public.dhe.ibm.com/systems/virtualization/Novalink/rhel/73/novalink_1.0.0

 

 

 

To upgrade to the 1.0.0.16 release, run the following:

·       Update the apt repository cache

o   sudo apt update

·      Upgrade to 1.0.0.16.  The ‘upgrade’ will upgrade all software, or you can specifically 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

 

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

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

 

Changes in 1.0.0.16

·      Various bug fixes

Known Issues (PowerVM and KVM on Power)

PowerVM Novalink

When PowerVM NovaLink is at version 1.0.0.16, you can specify the license key of IBM® i logical partitions by entering the following command:

·      https://www.ibm.com/support/knowledgecenter/9040-MR9/p9eig/p9eig_cli.htm

 

Installation

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

·      http://www.ibm.com/support/knowledgecenter/POWER8/p8eig/p8eig_installing.htm?cp=POWER8

 

Software Life Cycle

PowerVM NovaLink uses versioning in the form of Version, Release, Mod Level and Fix (VRMF).  Example 1.0.0.8.0

·      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).

·      Starting in the 1.0.0.6 release, Mod Level (fourth digit) increments have an 12 months, or N-1 support policy depends on which one is longer. The current available Mod Level and the previous releases of Mod Levels from the prior 12 months are supported.

o   This means if there are 4 releases a year, supported releases are up to N-3.  If there are 2 releases a year, supported release is up to N-1.

o   For example, if 1.0.0.9 is the latest release, and 1.0.0.6 was the release from a year ago, then 1.0.0.8, 1.0.0.7, and 1.0.0.6 versions are in support. Once 1.0.0.10 release is available, support for 1.0.0.6 ceases.

o   Any releases prior to 1.0.0.6 are out of support.

·      Fix (fifth digit) increments indicate fix and service pack levels for the Mod Level of the release. PowerVM NovaLink uses the Debian method of delivering fixes via a fix repository.

See the Knowledge Center  for more information.  Errata for service fixes will be posted to Fix Central.