I'm going to be using CLI to interface with SVC systems and am looking for a trial to test out. Is a trial as a vAPP or in any kind of similar virtual appliance model an option? Do I need to buy the complete hardware stack to try SVC? Or are there simulators of some kind that I can use?

Hi Dion - Unfortunately there are no simulators or vApps.  However, SVC (Spectrum Virtualize) is available as software only (It does not need the SVC hardware).  It runs on specific Intel servers today and some functions are not available (RTC hardware assists).  You can read more here: http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/redpapers/pdfs/redp5392.pdf

Thanks Tom - helpful link!