Virtual Serial Number - Overview
You need to own a Power9 or Power10 server with a EVSN feature code included. The quantity of the feature code EVSN determines how many VSN serial numbers in total the machine can create.
You can acquire a Virtual Serial Number (VSN) and assign it to a logical partition. Then you can order or transfer IBM i software to the VSN. The VSN has its own serial number, so the software on the VSN is not tied to the physical IBM Power machine's serial number. Having the IBM i entitlement, keys, and support entitlement on a VSN provides you with the flexibility to move the partition to a different Power machine.
You can access the VSN functions under My entitled hardware > Power Capacity on Demand application on the Entitled Systems Support website. By using the Virtual Serial Number application you can generate Virtual Serial Numbers and their related Capacity on Demand (CoD) activation codes.
Authorizations
To work with the Virtual Serial Number application, you need the following authorizations on your customer numbers:
- View information - you can browse existing hardware with their VSN-related details and any previously generated VSNs
- Update information - you can create new VSNs and their CoD activation codes
VSN requirements
To generate Virtual Serial Numbers, the following requirements need to be met:
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Virtual Serial Number is available for Power9 or Power10 servers that run IBM i.
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The server should be running firmware level FW950 (or later). You must obtain the Power Systems firmware fix packs or firmware releases from Fix Central website. In the Fix Central website you can select the version you are using on your hardware. Make sure that for this version, you have the minimum release as stated below:
- FW 950.B0
- FW 1020.60
- FW 1030.50
- FW 1050.20
- FW 1060.00+
-
HMC Version 9.2.950 (or later)
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The server should be running on IBM i 7.5, 7.4, 7.3, 7.2. IBM i 7.5 has VSN support in the base. For IBM i 7.4 and earlier, here are the minimum IBM i TR level PTFs:
| IBM i 7.4 TR3 | IBM i 7.3 TR9 | IBM i 7.2 |
|---|---|---|
| MF67721 | MF67723 | MF67853 |
| MF67863 | MF67862 | MF67861 |
| MF68035 | MF68042 | MF67871 |
| SI74470 | SI74682 | SI74687 |
To make sure which IBM i version and release your system can support, refer to System to IBM i mapping.
Request a Virtual Serial Number (VSN)
To acquire a Virtual Serial Number for your Power9 and Power10 machines, you need to purchase a EVSN feature code and specify the necessary quantity. Then the order needs to be installed. Details are found in Virtual Serial Number - How to buy?
When the order for EVSN feature code is installed on your machine, you can request the CoD activation code under Power Capacity on Demand > Virtual Serial Number (VSN). The activation code contains the reserved VSNs upon the order - it has seven digits and it is a unique string.
- The default customer number for the VSNs is the same as the customer number for the physical hardware.
- To assign the VSN to a different Customer Number instead of the default, specify the Customer Number to which to assign to a VSN ("install at" Customer Number).
Example: Order 5 VSNs - assign 4 VSNs to the default CN, and assign 1 VSN to the CN, which is assigned to the Eastern US division of the company. Result: You get a CoD for 5 VSNs to install on your machine. 5 VSNs are added to inventory records with assigned CNs.
Machine overview and VSN codes history
In "Machine overview and VSN codes history" section, you can find a reference to VSNs' code history or currently requested activation code for your physical machine.
You can find the table with details "Machine overview and VSN codes history" under My Entitled Hardware > Power Capacity on Demand > Virtual Serial Numbers.
Installing VSN
Once you generate a CoD activation code on ESS, you need to install the CoD activation code in HCM.
The CoD code contains the reserved VSNs and installing the CoD code makes the reserved VSNs available on the machine.
To enter a CoD code on a server, use an HMC and the Capacity on Demand > CoD functions > Enter CoD Code task.
Working with IBM i software on your VSN
- You can order new IBM i and LPPs on the assigned VSN through an IBM seller.
- You can transfer existing IBM i and LPPs on the assigned VSN by using the ESS Inventory Migration application.
- You can create or edit a partition and assign the generated VSN to the partition.
After the VSNs are added to the inventory, the customer number on the VSN that was assigned to them cannot be changed.
4850-VSN is an inventory record for each VSN, similar to physical machine inventory records. It is created specifically for VSNs. The 4850-VSN is associated with each VSN at IBM’s inventory records.
SNs are tied to the software tier on which the VSN was ordered and created. For example, I order VSNs on a 9009-22G (S922) which is at a P10 software tier. My VSNs inherit the P10 software tier. That P10 tier VSN can move to other P10 tier machines under the same HMC.
Related links:
→ FAQ page