IBM R5 manual Appendix B. IBM Production Configuration

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Lotus Domino Server R5 Implementation Guide

June 18, 2001

 

 

Appendix B. IBM Production Configuration

The vast majority of Domino servers in the IBM deployment run on the AIX platform today. Managed by IBM Global Services, this is the largest Domino deployment in the world with over 1900 R5 mail and application servers supporting more than 300,000 production Notes and Web users. IBM is currently upgrading both hardware and software technology in this testimonial to Domino for AIX in a very large enterprise environment -- one that demands high performance, mission-critical availability, and scalability for both users and data.

One production scenario is a mixed RS/6000 M80-SP environment in Boulder, Colorado. Central to the configuration is an 8-way 7026-M80 server attached to an ESS F20 (3.2 TB) Storage Area Network (SAN), with an Ethernet connection to the network. The ESS storage is used for Domino transaction logging, as well as user data. The largest Domino database housed on the M80 server is the 2 GB Domino Directory due to the large number of IBM employees.

The M80 currently supports a population of 5,200 registered Lotus Notes users split across two Domino server partitions. Each of the partitions is clustered with two Silver node servers for failover support. Approximately one third of the users are concurrently active at any given time during business hours. Prime shift workload represents 5.3 million transactions with 75% CPU utilization and consistently sub-second response time. ESS disk activity is 40 to 45%. Such results have enabled IBM to consolidate servers and achieve roughly a 5-fold reduction in server requirements.

As of June 2001, the M80 server configuration is as follows:

ŸEight (8) RS64 III processors running at 500 MHz, with 4 GB level 2 cache

Ÿ16 GB of memory

ŸTen (10) 18.2 GB Ultra SCSI (currently only two are in use for rootvg)

ŸTwo (2) 32-bit fibre channel adapters to SAN

ŸOne (1) Gigabit Ethernet adapters to network

ŸESS F20 (3.2 TB) SAN (only half currently allocated)

ŸAIX 4.3.3.50

ŸDomino 5.0.6

The memory configuration represents more capacity than required to support the user workload at the response time and resource utilization we have witnessed. This is true even with clustering enabled, which requires non-trivial overhead.

Each Domino partition is allocated 4 GB of memory, totaling half of the physical memory available to the system. There is no paging taking place on the server and no evidence of any memory-related bottlenecks or issues. The implementation does not include any form of processor binding, so there is no set affinity for process to processor. Therefore, all eight processors are available to any Domino task.

Development lab testing has shown potential performance and scalability improvements of an option known as Hardware MultiThreading (HMT). Very recently, IBM Global Services installed maintenance level 8 (APAR IY10778) and microcode update MM1032 needed to enable HMT on the M80 server in Boulder. HMT allows each physical processor to appear to an application as two virtual processors running at half speed. Thus, the M80 server appears to Domino as having sixteen (16) 250 MHz processors, as opposed to the actual eight (8) 500 MHz processors.

The benefits of HMT depend upon the characteristics of the application. The use of more (virtual) processors can allow overlapping of memory access. This optimizes the use of fast processors due to less time spent waiting for memory, and more time spent on execution of commands. Thus, HMT has the potential to double processor workload, and still achieve a performance improvement due to the more efficient use of slower resources such as memory. In the IBM environment with Domino for AIX 5.0.6, the result to date is an approximate 20% reduction in the 75% processor busy metric reported above. This

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Contents Revised June 18 Disclaimer PSeries Lotus Domino Server e-business Solution Overview Lotus Domino Server R5 Implementation Guide Domino Release AIX Release Supported Software ReleasesComponent Recommended Level PTF MatrixWhat Affects Application Responsiveness? Performance GuidelinesNetwork Protocols and Topology Network TopologyOther Workload Factors Know the ConfigurationSteps to Maximum Domino Performance Optimize for Domino R5 Distribute I/O Across Physical DisksLog Performance Metrics Consistently Learn from Semaphores Know the Symptoms of Server Over-UtilizationMake Use of NotesBench Data Consider Clustering Know When to Consolidate and When to DistributeConsider Partitioning Lotus NotesBench28,032 38,235 $23.91 $17.53 Sizing Guidelines Client Type R5 Scalability Increase Domino R5 on AIXDomino R5 on AIX Specifics RS/6000 Domino Server Sizing Tool Small Configuration Sample ConfigurationsMedium Configuration Large ConfigurationPre-sales Technical Support Pre-installation SupportEducation Course Name Course Cost Course Duration Course NumberLotus Domino Server R5 Implementation Guide Implementation Process Overview Select an Install TeamNetwork Train Domino and Network AdministratorsServers WorkstationsSetup a Pilot Project Create an Install Plan for the Network Infrastructure Create or Modify an Existing Disaster Recovery Plan Operating System HardwareServer Workstation Schedule and Perform the Installation of the Domino Servers Lotus Domino Server R5 Implementation Guide Monitor Servers and Assist Users as Needed Document Experiences, Problems, and SolutionsLotus Domino Server R5 Implementation Guide Completed? Checklist for ImplementationLogin to AIX as the Root User Installation StepsCheck your Default Path Environment Variable Preparing the AIX EnvironmentCreate AIX Users Create a Volume GroupCreate AIX Groups Create a File System for the Domino Data Directory Create a Logical Volume for the Domino Data DirectoryCreate a Logical Volume for the Domino Binaries Create a File System for the Domino Binaries Check AIX Kernel ConfigurationMount the File Systems Change Ownership of the New File SystemsRun the Install Program From the CD Installing the Lotus Domino ServerMounting the Cdrom Welcome ScreenSetup for Partitioned Domino Servers Select the Type of Domino Server to InstallConfiguration Review File Installation CompleteAdministration Settings Start the Http Server Task For Server ConfigurationNetwork and Communication Settings Server Setup is CompleteDomino Product Support Post-installation SupportHardware Support AIX SupportService Description Contact Services AvailableRedbooks Additional Technical ResourcesURLs Publications Small Configuration Appendix A. Sample Configurator ConfigurationsCD-ROM Medium Configuration Lotus Domino Server R5 Implementation GuideJune 18 CD-ROM Large Configuration Lotus Domino Server R5 Implementation GuideJune 18 CD-ROM Appendix B. IBM Production Configuration Lotus Domino Server R5 Implementation Guide

R5 specifications

IBM R5, also known as IBM Notes R5, marked a significant evolution in the IBM Notes and Domino platform, offering users enhanced capabilities and features that improved productivity and collaboration in the workplace. Released in 1999, R5 introduced a more refined user interface, improved performance, and a range of new tools designed to facilitate communication and teamwork.

One of the standout features of IBM R5 was its comprehensive integration of email, calendaring, and tasks within a single interface. This centralized approach allowed users to manage their communications more efficiently, reducing the need to switch between multiple applications. The improved email functionality included enhanced filtering and sorting capabilities, enabling users to better organize their inboxes.

The R5 version also introduced significant advancements in the collaborative aspects of the platform. With new tools for team collaboration, such as enhanced discussion databases and a shared documents feature, R5 made it easier for teams to work together on projects irrespective of their physical locations. The introduction of instant messaging capabilities further bridged communication gaps, allowing users to connect in real time.

IBM R5 was built on a robust architecture that incorporated Domino server enhancements, which improved scalability and performance. The platform supported new technologies, including Java applets, allowing developers to build more dynamic and interactive applications. Additionally, the integration of the LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol) provided better directory services, making it simpler to manage user identities across the network.

Security features were also a focus in R5, with improvements in encryption and user authentication that helped safeguard sensitive data. The platform’s ability to integrate with other enterprise applications while maintaining robust security protocols made it a choice for organizations that prioritized data protection.

Moreover, IBM R5 incorporated a more modular and flexible architecture, enabling easier customization and management of applications and components. This adaptability catered to a wide range of business needs, thus positioning IBM Notes R5 as a versatile solution for organizations looking to enhance their workflow and communication processes.

Overall, IBM R5 served as a milestone in the evolution of enterprise collaboration solutions. Its innovative features, user-friendly interface, and robust security measures laid the foundation for future developments in the IBM Notes and Domino ecosystem, ultimately contributing to more efficient and effective business practices.
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