Velocity Software, Inc. is recognized as
a leader in the performance measurement of z/VM and Linux on z.
The Velocity Performance Suite consist of a set of tools that
enable installations running z/VM to manage Linux and z/VM
performance.
In addition, many components of server farms can be
measured and analyzed. Performance data can be viewed real-time
through the use of either 3270
or a browser.
The CLOUD Implementation (zPRO) component is designed
for full cloud PaaS implementation as well as
to extend the capabilities of the z/VM sysprog (system programmer)
to the browser world. This feature moves system management to
the point-and-click crowd. Archived data and reports can be
kept available of long term review and reporting usine zMAP.
The zVPS, formally ESALPS, components consist of:
zMON (formally ESAMON - real-time display of performance data),
zTCP (formally ESATCP - SNMP data collection),
zMAP (formally ESAMAP - historical reporting and archiving),
zVWS (formally ESAWEB - z/VM based web server),
zTUNE (a subscription service),
zVIEW (formally SHOWCASE - web based viewing of performance data),
zPRO (new to the quality line of Velocity Software Products).
Velocity continues to work with other software vendors to ensure
smooth interface with or from other products such as
VM:Webgateway, CA-Webgateway, EnterpriseWeb, MXG, MICS.
Velocity software remains the leader and inovator in the
z/VM performance, Linux performance, Managing cloud computing
arenas.
"Cloud" is more than a buzword, it is a fundamental shift in the way
IT does business. It impacts business in many different ways:
Reduces cost of ownership with a better resource sharing
architecture
Provides Higher utilization of resources with resource
pooling between many users
Removes legacy barriers by providing users access to resource
directly without costly paperwork and time
Changes the jobs of IT professionals from administration of
resources to managing resources
Cloud requirements
A cloud architecture is normally defined to include the following:
Virtualization of resource to allow sharing. Resources are shared
as needed between multiple users
User driven provisioning - self service. Users may provision their
service as the users need it without involving "IT"
Chargeback model for resources consumed.
Information Technology has a cost that users need to recognize.
Management has a need to understand the cost structure to support IT.
Chargeback is a critical component of a private cloud implementation.
Service management to ensure the users are provided optimal
service. In terms of resource availability when the resources are
needed, and that abusive users receive restricted access.
Decommissioning when the server is no long required.
The Velocity Software Cloud on "z"
Velocity Software has been implementing Private Cloud architectures
since before "cloud" was a buzword. Many z/VM installations running
Linux on "z" have implemented their own private clouds with predefined
golden images that may be cloned on demand. Servers may be commissioned
and decommissioned as needed.
PaaS - Platform as a Service is the first step, allowing users
to create their servers as needed.
Velocity Software's zVPS provides full metrics for chargeback, meeting
one of the most difficult requirements of a cloud implmentation.
The Velocity Software cloud architecture base product,
a href="zpro.html">
zPRO,
runs native to z/VM, using native interfaces.
This allows for
a much richer implementation than what competitors can offer
using restrictive APIs.
Implementing a Velocity Software
cloud LPAR is a very inexpensive process that
can be fully operational in a day. Implementation only requires
zPRO, and
zVPS as the complete software solution.
Velocity Software strives to provide
simple, elegant and complete
solutions.
Velocity Software Cloud Enablement
Velocity Software provides a range of services to
support your private cloud implementation.
Cloud planning, to assist you in planning the implementation
Cloud implementation services with onsite support
to ensure your private cloud on "z"
is fully operational as soon as possible
Cloud Accounting implementation, assisting in building a
chargeback model and implementation of chargeback
Cloud operational management, providing full support to ensure
service levels are met and service issues are resolved quickly
Cloud capacity planning - as your cloud grows, and more servers
are created and utilized, capacity requirements must be managed and
planned. With full resource utilization
data collection performed by zVPS, Velocity Software will interpret
the data and show where capacity needs to be increased.
Cloud Case Studies
Many installations are moving to cloud architecture to meet different
requirements. The following lists some of the ongoing projects:
"Bank" - The bank will save millions in software costs by migrating
from WebSphere to jBoss. With the choice of buying several blade
servers and licensing VMWare, for the development project,
the bank chose to use the extra cycles
on their z/196, configure an LPAR for cloud and let their developers
manage their own resources.
Using existing resources eliminated significant software and hardware
costs, and reduced the development cycle of the project.
"Government" - An Oracle consolidation project was targeted for
"x" based servers. Resources were available on their z10 to create
an LPAR for developers to build their servers on "z", eliminating
added hardware and software costs. The installation recognizes that
Oracle runs well on "z" and has lower operational costs on "z".
"Financial" - Smaller installation with VSE and Linux wants to
"Remove Legacy Barriers" for the platform. Implementing a cloud
architecture allows the users to administer their own resources
without the need for daily involvement with IT.
