IBM now supports direct attachment of Symmetric Multiprocessor (SMP) xSeries servers to the iSeries through the High-Speed Link (HSL). These direct-attached servers operate just like the Integrated xSeries Servers (IXS) but are more scalable and are housed in their own units allowing for additional PCI cards to be installed. A PCI-based Integrated xSeries Adapter card connects the xSeries server to the iSeries using the HSL, which also links the server to disks in the iSeries. All disks for the Windows server are resident in the iSeries, and its operations and backup integrate with OS/400 operations. The bus-attached xSeries server retains all the features of the IXS, such as systems management and disk consolidation, but takes advantage of IBM's Intel server technology. Extending iSeries integration with the Windows server allows iSeries customers to run applications such as SAP APO server, Baan FOS, and Microsoft Exchange.

Other advantages of this solution are the ability to create a number of Windows environments. By simply duplicating your production environment as a test environment and connecting an xSeries server to it you can quickly carry out extensive testing on a true production environment with no exposure to your business critical applications and data. This scenario also works well in the event the xSeries experiences a hardware problem that prevents it from operating. If the xSeries suffers a hardware failure that cannot be resolved, you can simply replace it with a second system. After attaching the replacement system to the HSL, your xSeries/Windows server will be back on-line as soon as the server has powered up. The replacement system will simply boot from the original Windows server configuration without the need for any restores or additional configuration work.

Implementation of an HSL attached xSeries solution can be a fairly complex process. Silverlake will work with you to fine tune the requirement and design the solution. We will also conduct a full review of your iSeries and Network to insure it has the capacity and speed to effectively support the solution. We will then plan and execute the implementation of your xSeries/Windows server. Training will be provided as will 20 days post implementation support.

• Requirement definition
• Solution definition
• iSeries and network performance and capacity review
• Implementation
• Project management
• Training
• 20 Days post implementation support

• Provides flexible Storage Area Network management for Windows Servers
• Delivers heterogeneous application solutions with one offering
• Consolidates up to 16 direct attached xSeries servers
• Supports a less expensive high availability solution with hot spare technology
• Lowers the cost of user administration by synchronizing profiles and passwords
• Reduces operations and skills costs through Operations Navigator management
• Improves Windows server uptime and stability with a consistent implementation
• Allows multiple Windows server instances to be created and switched between utilising the same hardware