This IBM Redbook will guide system architects and systems engineers toward an understanding of cluster technology based on the IBM 1350 Linux Cluster that combines IBM xSeries rack-optimized servers running the Linux operating system with robust systems management and world-class service and support to deliver highly scalable, integrated cluster offerings.
The cluster installation and administration is based on Cluster Systems Management (CSM) for Linux, which dramatically simplifies administration of a Linux cluster by providing management from a single point-of-control.
This Redbook also presents the General Parallel File System (GPFS) for Linux Clusters. GPFS provides a cluster-wide file system that allows users shared access to files spanning multiple disk drives. GPFS is based on a shared disk model, providing lower overhead access to disks not directly attached to the application nodes, and using a distributed protocol to provide data coherence for access from any node.