This IBM Redbooks publication describes how Linux can be combined with z/VM on zSeries and S/390 hardware - the mainframe. This combination of hardware and operating systems enables Internet Service Providers (ISP) and Application Service providers (ASP) to more efficiently provide services. We assume a broad definition of ASP to include production enterprise solutions as simple as file serving.

In a world of discrete servers, when a new resource is required, workload can either be added to an existing server or a new one can be purchased. Often a new server is installed and the server farm grows in the enterprise.

S/390 and zSeries hardware, microcode and software allow physical resources to be made virtual among Linux systems. This allows many hundreds of Linux systems to exist on a single server. Running multiple Linux images as guests of VM/ESA or z/VM is a smart choice.

Part 1. Theoretical considerations

Chapter 1. Introduction

Chapter 2. Sizing

Chapter 3. Virtual server architecture

Chapter 4. Networking a penguin colony

Chapter 5. Security architecture

Chapter 6. Migration planning

Chapter 7. Backup and restore

Chapter 8. Performance analysis

Part 2. Practical considerations

Chapter 9. VM configuration

Chapter 10. Cloning Linux images

Chapter 11. Network infrastructure design

Chapter 12. Backup using Amanda

Chapter 13. System monitoring

Chapter 14. Web application server (WAS)

Chapter 15. Integrating and replacing Microsoft servers

Chapter 16. z/VM 4.2 Linux features

Chapter 17. Roadmap

Appendix A. Linux Community Development System

Appendix B. Using the hcp command

Appendix C. Using the Linux 2.4 kernel