Clone virtual machines

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Clone virtual machine feature allows you to create new identical virtual machine. You can create copy of an existing virtual machine with same CPU, memory, availability priority, volumes, etc.

On the PowerVC GUI, provide a name and an IP address or network for the cloned virtual machine. The cloned virtual machine consists of all properties similar to original virtual machine. After clone operation, there is no relation between cloned virtual machine and the original virtual machine.

This topic explains certain aspects such as prerequisites, use cases, and limitations of cloning virtual machines.

Prerequisites

  • Virtual machine and volumes involved in clone virtual machine operation must not be in error or building state.
  • No other task must be performed on the virtual machine until clone virtual machine operation is complete.
  • For IBM i, you must perform these steps each time you take a snapshot or clone a virtual machine.
    • Before taking a snapshot or cloning a VM, run 
      CHGASPACT ASPDEV(ASPNAME) OPTION(*SUSPEND) SSPTIMO(timeout_value)
      This command suspends database transactions and Integrated File System (IFS) file change operations for the system and basic auxiliary storage pools (ASPs) or independent ASPs.
    • After taking a snapshot or cloning a VM, run
      CHGASPACT ASPDEV({ASPNAME}) OPTION(*RESUME)
      This command resumes suspended transactions and file operations for the system and basic auxiliary storage pools (ASPs) or independent ASPs.

Supported use cases

PowerVC supports the following use case scenarios:
  • Clone virtual machine with no changes: Selects a virtual machine and click Clone VM. Specify network information and name for the new virtual machine. PowerVC takes the flavor from existing virtual machine and creates a copy of the virtual machine, assigns the new IP and name.
  • Clone virtual machine with a few changes: Selects a virtual machine and click Clone VM. From the existing virtual machine properties, edit a few properties, enter network information and name for the new virtual machine. PowerVC creates copy of the virtual machine with user defined properties.

Limitation

  • Additional volumes cannot be created or attached at the time of clone virtual machine operation.
  • Only supported for IBM Storwize®, PowerMax, Hitachi and Pure Storage storage providers.