Originally posted by: flashj87

Hi all,

I hope this isn't a stupid question because I have been trying to get an answer for some time and have had no luck when writing to IBM and UK based business partners.

I have a second hand 9133-55A Power5 at home as part of a 'lab' for practicing bits and pieces I find in Redbooks, and to create scenarios that I might encounter at work. I am trying to learn more about the operating system and POWER architecture before attending some AIX administration courses early next year.

What I am most interested in learning is the set of features that PowerVM enables. I am trying to obtain a PowerVM Express license to enable me to get my feet wet with setting up VIO partitions with AIX and Linux client LPARs, and configuring virtual ethernet, shared resources etc.

How does an individual go about obtaining an Express license for educational / self teaching purposes. Or is this a strict no-go? (which I'm starting to suspect, given how little info there is out there)

Is it an issue of IBM (and BPs) not being able to sell single licenses for just one system? Also, will I need to order it through my company or can they sell licenses to individuals, without including the support from IBM?

I was hoping to find my own answers, but asking local AIX people, googling and e-mailing hasn't helped me so far 

Cheers

Originally posted by: dukessd

You might just be asking the wrong people the wrong questions....

To allow your system to even create a VIOS LPAR, or to install the full system equivalent which is an IVM installation of the VIOS operating system, you will need a suitable POD (Power On Demand) activation code for your firmware to let this happen.

Put your machine details in here and see what the system already has licenced:

http://www-912.ibm.com/pod/pod

How to tell which PowerVM Editions feature was ordered

https://www-304.ibm.com/support/docview.wss?uid=isg3T1010860

If your box was sold with a VET code then you can just ask IBM / Business partner for a suitable VIOS and AIX media refresh and they'll send you the disks.

If you do not have a suitable VET feature then just ask how much it would be to buy an 'MES' or 'Feature Code' for the PowerVM Express VET licence for your system.

If they are all driving you mad - like most things to do with large companied always do - then call IBM and ask to talk to the 'Power, Pre-Sales Tech Support' people in your country and they'll understand.

Good luck!