Importing images

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You can import an image and then use it to deploy a virtual machine. The method used to import an image depends on the method that was used for the image export.

If you do not have any images to import, first follow the instructions in Exporting images.

  • Import an image from a backup service: Navigate to the Image page and click Import. Select an image from the list of exported images and click Import. You can view the image import status in the Image panel.
  • Import an image from an OVA package, a TAR image package, or a RAW image volume: Each of these import archive types must be uncompressed. Run the powervc-image import command. When importing an OVA or a TAR package, the archive file is automatically extracted to a temporary staging directory. The default directory is /var/opt/ibm/powervc/imgstaging. The extracted files take up as much space as the original volumes (one file per volume), but are removed when the import process is complete. Because the OVA package is not compressed, the files take up about the same amount of space as the OVA package.
    The OVA package must contain a valid OVF descriptor that has sufficient information to describe the image for PowerVC. An OVF might also contain detailed deployment information. However, PowerVC does not import the deployment information. It only imports information such as the following:
    • Image name and description
    • Architecture
    • Operating system type
    • Volumes' names and data
    • Whether a volume is in the boot set

    A temporary storage provider and template for that provider is created, but is typically deleted when the action is complete. You might notice that the temporary provider appear in the list of providers, but you can ignore it.

    A temporary volume is created for each volume in the imported image. If these volumes persist in the Data Volumes or Boot Volumes table after the import completes, you can ignore them or refresh the table to remove the entries.

    Example:
    1. Start with an uncompressed OVA package to import. The file name must end with .ova or ova.gz.
    2. Find the storage template ID that you want to import the image into. The storage template must be for a supported storage provider and the volumes must be attachable to the PowerVC server instance.
      1. In PowerVC, navigate to Configuration > Storage Templates.
      2. Open the template that you want to use and copy the ID value from the information table.
    3. Run the import command to import the image into the storage provider using the pool and properties described in the storage template:
      powervc-image import -p <path_to_ova> -t <storage_template_id>

      You must run the command as the root user. You can use command line arguments to override the image name and description, as well as import different volumes into different storage providers. Run powervc-image import -h for details.

  • Import an image from VIOS connected storage: For instructions, see Manually importing and exporting volumes.