ITEM: BD2020L
Questions about 4.1
Question:
When you turn on the tap to get a glass of water, you don't think about the maze of
pipes, pumps, and valves that bring the water to you. The same should be true of the
information systems you use to run your business; they should deliver the
information you need, when you need it and in the form you require, without
demanding expertise in the "plumbing" of the underlying operating system.
However, your choice of an operating system does have a major impact on how you'll
be able to run your business; it can become a help or a hindrance. You should care
about your operating system only insofar as it provides you the ability to get on with
real work.
IBM(r) designed the Advanced Interactive eXecutive (AIX(r)) Operating System
Version 4.1.1 to support real work for real people.
Highlights
Runs on all RISC System/6000(r) (RS/6000(tm)) uniprocessors as well as the
new symmetric multiprocessor (SMP) and the PowerPC(tm)-based systems,
except the Model N40
Provides enhanced migration tools to smoothly update your AIX Version
3.2.5 operating system and:
Is binary compatible for most AIX 3.2.5-based applications
Supports common mode compilation of applications for systems based
on PowerPC, POWER2(tm) and POWER Architecture
Uses a simpler pricing model and provides a variety of packaging and price
options so you can:
Tailor your purchase for client or server functions
Separately order software, service and publications as needed
Select from different types of software installation media
Provides a fully-threaded kernel to support multiprocessing
Incorporates streams-based tty subsystem
Installs faster and easier due to:
Automatic hardware recognition
Network Installation Manager (NIM)
Installation Assistant
A new preview function for software installation
Provides the capability to deinstall unused software
Bases its new interface on the Common Desktop Environment and
Xwindowing capability with Motif(r)
Enhances file systems by providing:
Support for file systems greater than 2GB in size
Extensions in 512-byte increments
Journalled File System (JFS) Berkeley Software Distribution
(BSD(tm))-style fragmentation
JFS compression/decompression
Provides Logical Volume Manager (LVM)-based software disk striping
capability
Provides iFOR/LS system usage monitoring
Contains C2 security enhancements
Complies with most major industry standards
Includes, for application developers:
SOMobjects(tm) Base Toolkit
Sample Unicode developers toolkit
AT&T SVR3.2 curses support
Linker, loader, and binder improvements
Includes Xstation Manager (in the server package only)
A mature UNIX-based operating system
AIX Version 4.1.1 is an industrial strength UNIX(r)-based operating system with
roots in UNIX System V and BSD 4.3. AIX 4.1.1 also conforms to the Portable
Operating System Interface for Computer Environments (POSIX(tm)) IEEE
1003.1-1990 and is consistent with IBM's Open Blueprint client/server computing
model. AIX 4.1.1 is designed to provide future compliance with the emerging Spec
1170 standard and the base XPG4 standard.
However, while standards compliance is essential, it's the added qualities that make
the difference between a lab environment and a commercially viable platform.
Building upon innovations it has brought to the market, such as LVM and JFS, IBM
continues to bolster the industrial strength qualities of AIX. For example, AIX
Version 4.1.1 now supports file systems over 2GB in size and has the capabiilities to
easily deinstall unused software, optimize the use of expensive disk resources, and
take advantage of modern disk striping techniques. However, the enhancements
introduced with AIX 4.1.1 go deeper than new function. The very structure of AIX
has evolved to meet the needs of today's client/server environment.
The AIX client and server packaging options let you choose, and pay for, only the
AIX you need. More flexible and granular licensing options let you individually
select software, support, publications, and installation media (including CD-ROM)
while better matching costs to your actual system usage. You can also better monitor
and regulate use of both your AIX systems and your applications with the iFOR/LS
facility.
These new packaging and licensing options offer potential savings on software
license costs as well as system resources required.
To be useful it must be usable
Many systems fall down in their efforts to shield the customer from the "plumbing"
underneath. This is particularly true during the initial installation of the system
itself. Here, again, IBM applies its real world, end-user environment experience to
AIX Version 4.1.1.
The Installation Assistant, a graphical user interface facility available through the
Visual System Management (VSM) tools, guides even novice users through the
initial installation process making it faster and easier to install AIX and other
applications.
Pre-selection of necessary operating system components reduces the
decision-making and, therefore, the expertise required of the user.
What's more, to further speed up and simplify installation, the system automatically
detects the hardware devices attached to the system and installs only the required
device drivers. It even detects whether the software is being installed on a
uniprocessor or an SMP and loads the appropriate kernel. If it detects an appropriate
graphics adapter, the system loads Xwindows.
To go even further, the new Network Installation Manager (NIM) facility can
virtually eliminate the need for end users to deal with software installation. With
NIM, you can install software from a central site to multiple clients.
Once installed, the integrated Xwindowing capability with Motif and a new,
intuitive desktop based on the emerging Common Desktop Environment standard
enhances the system's basic usability.
For graphics users, separately orderable OpenGL/GL and PEX/PHIGS API products
support entry 3D graphics on 2D workstation hardware and on IBM's POWER 3D
accelerators.
For system documentation, the InfoExplorer(tm) product provides a usability bonus
in the form of on-line system documentation. In addition, you can use the
InfoCrafter(r) product to create and add user-specific documentation to this on-line
library, thereby eliminate the age-old problem of missing or out-of-date manuals.
Usability also requires access to applications. With binary compatibility for nearly
all of the 10,000+ existing AIX applications, AIX 4.1.1 offers a rich portfolio of
business solutions. What's more, you can use optional IBM and third-party products
to run many favorite DOS and Windows-based applications as well.
In addition to working with the interfaces and applications you are accustomed to,
AIX 4.1.1 offers wider internationalization support than ever, supporting over 61
language territories. This addresses the requirement in today's multinational
companies to interact with systems using the native languages and character sets --
further evidence of IBM's continued attention to the end user in today's global
enterprises.
Designed to serve
While usability is of paramount importance to clients, AIX 4.1.1 maintains many key
attributes required of server systems:
Availability
A preventative maintenance strategy for AIX itself reduces system
down-time for software maintenance
Flexibility
LVM permits extension of file systems on the fly
The extendable AIX kernel lets you open more files and increase the
number of processes, users, terminals, and connections on demand
without a system shutdown
The preemptible AIX kernel lets processes be interrupted at any time
to execute higher priority tasks
Security
Access Control Lists (ACLs) help protect your files
Password protection and C2 security enhancements help control access
to system accounts and resources
Integrity
Journalled File System (JFS) is now enhanced with BSD-style disk
fragmentation
Interoperability/portability
Extensive LAN/WAN networking and protocol support provides
easier communications across the enterprise
Many major industry standards and APIs are supported
Your operating system coexists with legacy systems; for example,
through support for DB2(r)/6000
A logical print queue provides print sharing and remote printer access
Integrated NFS(tm) supports file sharing and file system mounting
Scalability offers extensive growth options
Performance enhancers
A 32-bit operating system
Pageable, preemptible, and extendable kernel
A variety of optimized compilers
Process priority scheduling
Memory load-control algorithm to delay new processes when
thrashing occurs
Ability to off-load intensive I/O activities to adapters
LVM-based software disk striping
Improved system and networking performance by reduced LAN device
driver path lengths
Additional capabilities
Multimedia hardware and software options
Wide array of I/O support and dynamic I/O additions
iFOR/LS utility to manage software usage
Multiuser, multi-tasking system
Extensive system and network management
Network software installation capability
These features provide all the qualities you should expect in a premier server
platform.
How we manage it
An essential link between client and server systems involves tools and facilities to
manage this complex environment. The AIX platform offers a comprehensive set of
products to manage all aspects of the system and network, including:
Operations
Configuration
Storage
Performance
Capacity
Network
Installation
Change
Data
Problem
License
These facilities extend AIX's management capabilities across multiple IBM and
non-IBM LAN-based and mainframe systems. The AIX platform provides an
unmatched level of coexistence and interoperability.
AIX Version 4.1.1: A link to the future
No group of users is more important to IBM than our existing AIX customers. As
such, a prerequisite for the introduction of AIX Version 4.1.1 was a clear migration
path for systems, applications, and users.
For nearly all existing AIX 3.2.5-based applications, upward binary compatibility is
provided. Documentation, education, and services are available to help migrate
remaining applications where compatibility issues exist.
If you are updating from the AIX 3.2.5 operating system itself to AIX 4.1.1,
enhanced migration tools help smooth the transition.
Like AIX 3.2.5, AIX 4.1.1 supports common mode compilation, a means for
application developers to ensure their applications can be run unchanged across all
RS/6000 systems, whether POWER, POWER2, or PowerPC based.
AIX 4.1.1 supports the new RS/6000 PowerPC-based and symmetric multiprocessor
(SMP) models. These additions extend AIX's support over an unprecedented range of
processor power, all on a single, binary-compatible version of AIX.
Through the immediate support of most existing AIX 3.2.5 applications, common
mode operation to support all RS/6000 processors, assistance for migrating
remaining applications, and migration tools for the operating system itself, AIX 4.1.1
offers substantial returns for minimal investment.
For developers, the AIX 4.1.1 platform offers a comprehensive set of traditional
compilers, development tools, and an integrated SOMobjects Base Toolkit to begin
exploiting the reusability and portability advantages of object technology. With the
planned additions of OpenDoc and Taligent framework technologies to its platform,
AIX 4.1.1 will become the premier object oriented programming development
environment.
OpenDoc and Taligent frameworks are also integral Workplace technologies. AIX
4.1.1 will become the focus for continued AIX integration of Workplace
technologies.
Technology as an investment
As with any other business investment, operating system technology must be viewed
based on its potential returns. For an operating system, the returns can be operational
enhancements or reduced costs. These, in turn, can result in a significant competitive
advantage for your business.
So the question becomes, what specific benefits can be realized through IS
technology, in this case, AIX Version 4.1.1? Some potential examples include:
Lower system software costs through AIX 4.1.1's new packaging and
licensing structure
Lower hardware costs through the improved price/performance offered by
SMP and PowerPC-based systems
Lower information storage costs through AIX features such as new client
packaging, JFS fragmentation and compression/decompression
More rapid, flexible application development through object- oriented
programming technology
Extended application availability using advanced emulation technology to
enable users to access many applications from a single system
Flexibility and productivity improve- ments inherent in a distributed
client/server environment that puts information in the hands of those that
need it
Productivity improvement by minimizing the expertise required to use and
administer information systems through human-centered technology
Investment protection through the ability to add AIX systems in concert with
existing systems and networking facilities
Rapid, flexible growth, with the same AIX operating environment supported
across a wide range of systems
Higher service levels for users through higher system availability provided by
JFS, LVM, and extendable kernel technology
The introduction of technology into information systems should be performed with
an eye toward the real, tangible benefits it will provide. Applying our experience in
information systems, the AIX platform uses technology to business advantage.
Features and Benefits
Fully-threaded kernel
Provides the basis for multithreaded application support for
multiprocessing systems
Binary compatibility for most AIX 3.2.5-based applications
Provides smooth migration and investment protection
Lowers the cost for developers to maintain applications -- one binary
can be produced to support both AIX 3.2.5 and 4.1.1 environments
Supports common mode compilation across POWER, POWER2, and PowerPC
Provides scalability
Allows you to use applications on any RS/6000 system, whether it's
based on POWER, POWER2 or PowerPC Architecture
The base for new systems
Places you in position to take advantage of the price, performance, and
technology of new SMP and PowerPC-based RS/6000 systems
New client and server packaging/price options
Lower your resource and cost requirements by allowing you to buy
and install only what you need
File systems larger than 2GB
Eliminates the requirement for partitioned files that could adversely
affect applications and their users
Designed to provide future base XPG4 and Spec 1170 compliance
Improves portability of applications across heterogeneous UNIX
platforms
Integrated SOMobjects Base Toolkit
Lets you build SOMobjects and applications that you can reuse, which
saves time and expense
Linker, loader, and binder improvements
Increase performance and efficiency during application development
JFS dynamic compression/decompression file system fragmentation
Save disk space and system resources
Migrate your Version 3 file systems (with standard 4096 byte block
sizes) by interchanging with AIX 4.1.1 file systems
Installation Assistant and Automatic Hardware Recognition
Reduce time, expertise, and resources required for installing AIX
Ensure only those software components you need are installed
Integrated Common Desktop, Motif and Xwindows
Provides consistency with industry-standard interfaces
Increases user productivity through ease-of-use features
Software deinstallation flag option for the installp command
Lets you remove products you no longer need and reclaim thossystem resources
iFOR/LS software license compliance tool
Provides the ability to track system usage
C2 security enhancements
Provide a higher degree of access security for your systems
Performance, diagnostic, and data collection tool
Lets you isolate and anticipate aspects of your systems that are likely
to affect performance so that you can take steps to prevent adverse
impact to your operations
Network Installation Manager (NIM)
Simplifies software distribution and installation to remote clients
System backup command enhancements
Provide more capability and flexibility for your backup and recovery
plans
Make it easier to install a "cloned" system
Wider International Language support
Accommodates your multinational needs
Sample Unicode Developer's Toolkit
Allows you to develop UCS-based applications
LVM disk striping capability
Supports higher access rates for data using software disk striping
technology
Integrated Xstation Manager support (Server package only)
Eliminates the need to separately order and install Xstation support
For more information about AIX Version 4.1.1, or the RS/6000 and AIX family, call
your IBM marketing representative, IBM Business Partner, or IBM Direct: 1 800
IBM-CALL (1 800 426-2255). In Canada, call 1 800 363-RISC (1 800 363-7472).
You can also call 1 800 IBM-4FAX (1 800 426-4329), and more information will be
faxed immediately to your location.
If you have access to the Internet, you can find additional information on IBM's
Worldwide Web server at http://www.ibm.com
Support Line: Questions about 4.1 ITEM: BD2020L
Dated: December 1995 Category: N/A
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