> We are currently running z/VM 4.4 on a 9672 with an IFL also > running z/VM > 4.4 and Linux. We need more processing power, and are > wondering that if we upgrade our machine, or buy a z box of > some sort, can we utilize multiple processors under a single > VM? We used to run on a 4381 which was a dual processor box, > and when we would issue an IND it would show both processors, > but ever since we moved to our 9672 we just show the single > processor. For example, our current machine is rated at 116 > mips, and we would like to move to a multi processor z/800 > with 499 mips. Would we get the full 499 mips under a single > image of VM?
You will get all the capacity you define to the LPAR -- VM can certainly handle multiple engines without any problem. It sounds like your current VM/Linux configuration has only one IFL defined for the LPAR, thus you get only one engine worth of capacity. If you define more processors, you get more horsepower. It's not uncommon to have a box with highly crippled standard engines and full-speed IFLs. If you are sharing a new machine with z/OS, be aware that the pricing for VM and related products gets VERY complex when there are combinations of IFLs and standard engines in the same physical chassis. You may end up paying for a VM license for all the engines in the box, which may not be what you want.
