Running 7 images on 9 processors does not, by itself, indicate that the workload is CPU intensive in nature. It could mean anything, from the 9 CPUs being totally idle, to having them pegged. No information as to system responsiveness has been given, so we don't know anything on which to base any kind of judgment.
The bottom line for me still is this: very CPU intensive workloads should be run on something other than a mainframe (let's not quibble about high-end pSeries boxes being mainframes). If there's a decent mix of I/O and CPU use, Linux/390 is worth a look. Low CPU and high I/O is worth a very serious look. Mark Post -----Original Message----- From: Tom Duerbusch [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, June 18, 2003 2:21 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: offloading CPU intensive loads from zLinux to cheaper pastures -snip- Until a few months ago, I've had the impression that putting cpu type loads on the mainframe wasn't economical compared to putting the same loads on Intel or Sun platforms. But then I start hearing about some other sites, one that had 7 Linux images in LPAR mode, using 9 processors. Apparently, it was economically justifiable. I still don't understand how. But it did open my eyes to "run the numbers" instead of throwing it out just based on an outdated "rule of thumb". I'm sure there is some room for Intel based cheap mips, but in todays world, I would have to see it to believe it. Next year is a different story. Tom Duerbusch THD Consulting
