seek dist (%tot blks):init | 27.84031, |
| |
| avg 13.97180 min 0.00004 max 57.54421 sdev 11.78066 | ||
time to next req(msec): avg | 89.470 min | 0.003 max 949.025 sdev 174.947 | |
throughput: | 81.8 | KB/sec |
|
utilization: | 0.87 |
|
|
...
Linux
Linux is an open source
There are several organizations (distributors) that bundle the Linux kernel, tools, and applications to form a “distribution,” a package that can be downloaded or purchased and installed on a computer. Some of these distributions are commercial, others are not.
Support issues that distinguish Linux from other operating systems
Linux is different from the other, proprietary, operating systems in many ways:
There is no one person or organization that can be held responsible or called for support.
Depending on the target group, the distributions differ largely in the kind of support that is available.
Linux is available for almost all computer architectures.
Linux is rapidly changing.
All these factors make it difficult to promise and provide generic support for Linux. As a consequence, IBM has decided on a support strategy that limits the uncertainty and the amount of testing.
IBM only supports the major Linux distributions that are targeted at enterprise customers:
RedHat Enterprise Linux
SUSE Linux Enterprise Server
RedFlag Linux
These distributions have release cycles of about one year, are maintained for five years and require the user to sign a support contract with the distributor. They also have a schedule for regular updates. These factors mitigate the issues listed previously. The limited number of supported distributions also allows IBM to work closely with the vendors to ensure interoperability and support. Details about the supported Linux distributions can be found in the DS6000 Interoperability Matrix:
See also “The DS6000 Interoperability Matrix” on page 277.
There are exceptions to this strategy when the market demand justifies the test and support effort.
312DS6000 Series: Concepts and Architecture
