Ansible Webinar, HMC Tips and Changes to IBM’s Call Home
One advantage of being an IBM Champion is the communication we get from IBM. I’m subscribed to various newsletters that provide useful information. For instance, I was recently notified about a webinar about Ansible. This is from the email:
“Join us to learn how Ansible offers significant benefits by providing fast and repeatable installations and configurations for AIX and the Oracle Database, including the RAC feature. In this webinar, you will learn what the available AIX and Oracle Ansible automation tools are, and how they can be used to achieve better and more reliable installations.”
Here’s the replay.
That same newsletter includes links to the recently updated AIX strategy paper and roadmap, the community badge program, AIX training courses, and AIX community information. Finally, there is a primer on why “AIX running on IBM Power10 is a winning combination for your business.”
Sure, you may have already seen some of this information, but I appreciate these reminders.
On the subject of IBM resources, check out what’s new at IBM Support. Recent updates include details on opening a support case (in text and video formats), among many other topics.
CLI Options: An Update
A reader recently reached out about something I wrote for my AIXchange blog almost a decade ago. The post is about using the HMC command line interface (which I still love).
Apparently I was unclear with my examples, because the reader copied the first one, thinking it would add an additional adapter in his environment without affecting the adapters he already had. Instead, it removed his existing virtual adapters. Fortunately, he was able to save his running config and recapture the virtual adapters that had been removed.
Remember: When you see something online, no matter the source, make sure you try it out in a test/dev environment first before putting it into production.
I should add that I’ve since found a simpler way to add virtual adapters and VLANs. Check out this TechChannel column from 2021.
Connecting eBMC Power Servers to the HMC
If you’re looking to connect your Power10 eBMC system to an HMC, this document may help:
“eBMC Power servers introduce a new connection type between HMC and managed server. Each eBMC server requires two connections; one to the BMC itself and one to the Virtual Management Interface (VMI). This requires two IP addresses per BMC Ethernet port. As with FSP-based systems there are two eBMC Ethernet ports to allow for redundant HMCs. Each HMC is cabled (private DHCP networks) or connected via static IP address to one eBMC port. Redundant HMCs require a total of 4 IP addresses for each server. The default setting for the eBMC IP address is DHCP client, however the default setting for the VMI IP address is currently set to static. The VMI IP settings should be configured before powering on, or the server will go into a no connection state when it reaches standby. The eBMC IP address is active when the server has completed AC power apply initialization (power off state). The VMI IP address is not active until the server is powered on (standby or operating).”
HMC Enhanced UI Configuration
Another HMC item, this one on the Enhanced UI. It’s from 2020, but the information is relevant:
“With Enhanced UI, we simplified the virtual network management experience and designed a simple and fresh model that helps you configure networking to the VMs with few simple steps avoiding the chances of user errors (and all that from a single console). With the newer model, configuring network adapter for a VM is as simple as creating a network on the system and adding VM to that network (that’s it!)”
Call Home Users Need to Update Their Connections
This notification has made the rounds, but in case you haven’t seen it, there are significant changes are on the horizon with IBM’s Call Home electronic fix distribution solution:
“Public internet IP addresses are changing for the IBM servers that support Call Home and electronic download of fixes for customer system’s software, hardware, and operating system. This change pertains to all operating systems and applications connecting to IBM for electronic Call Home and fix download. Customer action might be required to ensure uninterrupted Call Home and fix delivery services.
“New network connections between your machine and IBM servers are required to keep your ability to perform Call Home and download fixes. If you have a firewall in your network, you might need to make changes to allow the new connections.”
According to the table in the IBM Support link, most of these redirects will occur in 2024. But depending on your change control and how siloed your organization may be, it’s advisable to take action at your earliest opportunity.