Migrating with HA software
Nowadays when companies buy new IBM i hardware, centralize their systems or outsource their IT environment, a system migration will take place. Traditional migrations are performed by a save / restore procedure using tapes.
Thanks to the development of new products like Quick-EDD/Migration, today companies can perform migrations much easier, more efficient and with a minimum of downtime.
Traditional migration:
Most IBM i system migrations are done by performing a full system save of the production system (source system) and a restore on the target system. After successful testing of all the applications and data on the target system, the target system will be ready to use.
| Common steps during a migration: | Disadvantages: |
| 1. Full system save (source) | Full system save causes downtime |
| 2. Physical transport of backup medium | Multiple visits on-site at customer |
| 3. System restore (target) | Migration has to be done in evenings/weekends |
| 4. Testing | Downtime between system save, restore and testing |
| 5. Move source system to target system | When test fails, a new backup and restore needs to be done |
Dynamic migration with Quick-EDD/Migration:
To start a dynamic migration with Quick-EDD/Migration, the software first needs to be installed on the source and target system. This can be done remotely and during office hours without any interruptions for the users.
With Quick-EDD/Migration it is very easy to set up a replication between both systems. We can start the replication to an ‘empty system’ (only the IBM i operating system and the Quick-EDD software are needed). Of course the systems will be quicker in sync when a recent or old backup tape is restored on the target system before starting the replication process.
Due to the fact that it is not neccessary to make a recent full system save from the source system, extra downtime is avoided which is costly and inconveniënt.
The Quick-EDD software uses netchange technology to replicate data and objects, Only the “changes” applied on the source system will be replicated to the target system instead of the full content of the remote journal. This makes replication over long distances possible.
The activated migration process will run in the background while the source system is active. The moment both systems are in sync, the test procedure can be started on the target system with real time data. If data and/ or application updates are applied on the source system, they will also automatically be applied on the target system.
When the testing procedure is finished, the final switch from source to target system can be planned. Usually a controlled switch will take about 15 minutes.
All actions needed (installation, configuration and starting the migration process) can be performed remotely, thus saving business hours and travel costs. Even the switch itself could be performed remotely.
| Common steps during a dynamic migration | Advantages |
| 1. Remote installation and configuration of the Quick-EDD software on source and target systems | Efficient and flexible deployment of staff
Migration over long distances possible |
| 2. Replication source to target system | Migration process runs in background |
| 3. Run tests on the target system | Maximum uptime of production system |
| 4. Perform the system switch | Most migration activities can be done remotely and during office hours |
| Overall cost savings |
The main advantage using Quick-EDD/Migration to migrate IBM i systems, is the saving of unaffordable and costly downtime and most of the migration activities can be done remotely and during office hours.
Contact your local partner or contact us directly for more information about the process of dynamic migrations, or visit our website: www.qsl-ne.com
Quick-EDD is a software solution from QSL Northern Europe and sold through its partners.
Contact your local partner and request for Quick-CSi or contact us directly.
QSL Northern Europe BV
@: info@qsl-ne.com | www.qsl-ne.com