IBM Cloud Power Virtual Server - using Virtual Serial Numbers and IBM customer numbers

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IBM Cloud offers running IBM i workloads in the cloud, in a pay-as-you-go model, through the Power Virtual Server product .

When provisioning a new IBM i server in IBM Cloud, you get the option to assign a Virtual Serial Number (VSN) to it. Using a VSN on your IBM i server in IBM Cloud brings several benefits:

  • You can open support tickets for software on your VSN directly in IBM Support with the service plan responses you are subscribed to in IBM Cloud.
  • You can download fixes from Fix Central based on your specific needs. Your VSN serial number is recognized in Fix Central.
  • You can download base images for IBM i operating system and any additional software you need on Entitled Systems Support.
  • You see both your on-prem and IBM Cloud PowerVS servers, services, entitlements and inventory together on Entitled Systems Support and IBM Support.
  • You can purchase other IBM i software for your VSNs directly with your IBM Business Partner or IBM Seller.

To enable VSN support in IBM Cloud Power Virtual Servers, you need an IBM customer number associated with your IBM Cloud Account ID.

How to associate your IBM Cloud ID with an IBM customer number?

  1. Request the link from ESS Support team.
  2. Find your IBM Cloud Account ID. You use it for Power Virtual Server deployments in IBM Cloud.
  3. Gather information about your company: company name, address, country, website link and, if possible, your company's Dun and Bradstreet or country's equivalent company numbers.
  4. If you already know your IBM customer number - even better! Then just include it in your email to ESS Support.
  5. Send the information to ESS Support. Inform them that you are an IBM Cloud user and need a customer number to be assigned to your IBM Cloud Account ID for Power Virtual Server use of VSN.
  6. ESS support confirms back when the association is complete.

After the confirmation, you will be able to assign a VSN serial number to any new IBM i servers you provision in IBM Cloud. You will also be able to assign a VSN to any existing IBM i servers you already have in IBM Cloud.