If you already have access to IBM Power hardware for your development efforts, great! But if not, we've compiled this list of IBM Power cloud, emulation, and on-prem options to help you get access to the development tools and resources you need to get started.
We'll update the list as new resources become available. So, follow this page and check back often.
Cloud environments
This section provides details about the cloud environments that can enable you to get started.
IBM Power Virtual Server
IBM Power Virtual Server is a hosted infrastructure offering that allows you to quickly create one or more Power virtual machines (VMs) and deploy the Red Hat OpenShift Container Platform for cloud-native development and app modernization. After you create your account, you'll have access to an extensive container ecosystem for Power and IBM Cloud services.
IBM Technology Zone for Systems
The IBM Technology Zone for Systems provides a user friendly, self-service portal with a robust catalog of IBM Power offerings for developing, porting, and functional testing on the platform, including Red Hat OpenShift on Power.
RADAR-ISV
RADAR-ISV is the collaboration platform for independent software vendors (ISVs) in EMEA looking to speed up their journey to IBM Power. Take advantage of RADAR-ISV to start porting new or modernising existing applications in an IBM Power cloud environment at no charge. Request access to your tailored environment running Red Hat OpenShift and/or Linux, with or without AIX or IBM i, all preinstalled and configured and ready to start and test your applications.
- Maximum duration: A few weeks up to months depending on your need and business case.
- Environment: Dedicated VLAN with 1 to n LPARs sized according to your specific requirements.
- Cost: The service is offered at no-charge as long as we can deliver what you need with the resources and skills available.
- Request access: Send an email to Paul Chapman at paulchapman@uk.ibm.com
- Learn more
Oregon State University - Open Source Lab
In partnership with IBM, the Open Source Lab (OSL) and the Center for Quantitative Life Sciences (CQLS) provide access to IBM Power processor-based servers for developing and testing open source projects. There are two clusters available, and access is free to qualified open source developers. A variety of Linux distributions are available.
The OpenStack (non-GPU) based cluster offers Power little endian (LE) instances running on kernel-based virtual machine (KVM) with access via Secure Shell (SSH) and/or through OpenStack's API and GUI interface. This environment is one the best options for functional development and continuous integration (CI) work via the managed Jenkins service hosted on the cluster or as a node incorporated into an external continuous integration/continuous delivery (CI/CD) pipeline. Register for one or more GitHub repositories on the Jenkins server and configure the build process and the environment as needed.
The GPU-based acceleration cluster offers IBM Power8 and Power9 servers with NVIDIA P100/V100 GPUs connected via NVLink. This cluster is hosted by the CQLS.
OpenPOWER Foundation hub providers
The OpenPOWER hub providers, listed below, provide free access to OpenPOWER hardware for development and testing on the platform. Each provider has specific configurations available. Choose the one that works best for your needs.
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Oregon State University - Open Source Lab
Available resources: VM, Container, GPU
Request access
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University of Oregon Exascale Computing Center
Available resource: VM, Container, GPU
Request access
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Raptor IntegriCloud (USA)
Available resources: VM, Container
Request access
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VanTosh OpenPOWER Hub (Belgium)
Available resources: VM, Container
Request access
Emulation methods
This section describes the various methods that you can use to emulate an IBM power environment.
QEMU
QEMU is a sophisticated emulation environment that allows you to run ppc64le applications or entire Linux on Power operating systems – from anywhere. Packages for QEMU emulation of IBM Power (ppc64le) are available with latest versions of Ubuntu, SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES), and Red Hat Extra Packages for Enterprise Linux (EPEL). Learn more:
IBM Power Functional Simulator
Like QEMU, the Power Functional Simulator can emulate a Power system, allowing you to run complete Linux on Power operating systems on an x86 system. Power Functional Simulator can run the complete software stack, from firmware upwards. Learn more about the Power Function Simulator for:
On-prem hardware discount for ISVs
The IBM Hardware Mall discount offering is exclusively for qualified IBM independent software vendors (ISVs) and can be used for acquiring on-prem systems for developing, porting, and testing on the latest IBM Power systems and IBM Storage.
Notes:
- ISV must be an IBM Partner to apply (any level)
- This program is not available in all countries
- Prices and discounts vary by country
- Learn more
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