Operations Console concepts

You can use Operations Console to manage IBM® i in a logically partitioned or nonpartitioned environment.

IBM i Access Client Solutions provides 5250 console and Virtual Control Panel capability for Linux®, Mac, and Windows environments. For more information, see IBM i Access (http://www-03.ibm.com/systems/power/software/i/access/solutions.html).

In a logically partitioned environment, you might want to use the Hardware Management Console (HMC) or the Advanced System Management Interface (ASMI) to access your hardware.

You can configure a 5250 console emulator by using the IBM i Access Client Solutions. You can also configure a virtual control panel to emulate the servers control panel on a PC.

Operations Console works well when the system has several logical partitions and requires high availability. The Operations Console is able to distribute the consoles for these partitions over multiple PCs. If a problem occurs with Operations Console or console-related hardware, the HMC can be made the backup console to quickly retrieve a console. It is recommended that the HMC is utilized for console functionality whenever an HMC is available.

Local console on a network (LAN)

Use a local console on a network (LAN) to manage multiple servers or logical partitions from one console. For this configuration, you need a secured network on which you can configure your console. Using a LAN to manage the servers and consoles has the following advantages:
  • You can configure a single PC to be the console for several different servers or logical partitions, as long as they are connected to the network.
  • The administrator need not be located near the server to manage Operations Console.
  • Security features are available to protect your Operations Console connections.
Note: Multiple PCs can be configured as the Operations Console to a server or logical partition, but only one PC can be active at a time.