How To

Summary

This document provides information on what software is included in the PowerVM Virtual I/O Server (VIOS) Expansion Packs and how to obtain it. The Expansion Pack is typically required in environments that need:
- Secure authentication integration (Kerberos / LDAP)
- Hardened network management (secure SNMP)
- Centralized backup using TSM
- Compliance with enterprise security policies

Objective

The VIOS Expansion Pack enhances VIOS by delivering additional VIOS security functions. It is designed for environments that need centralized authentication, secure management protocols, or IBM backup/TSM integration.

The VIOS Expansion Pack includes the following software.

Kerberos

Kerberos Authentication provides centralized, secure authentication using password and key‑based credentials.
Useful for organizations standardizing authentication across AIX and PowerVM infrastructures.

Configuring a Kerberos client on the Virtual I/O Server
You can configure a Kerberos client on the Virtual I/O Server to enhance security in communications across the internet.

Secure SNMP

Enables encrypted and authenticated SNMP communications. This protects against unauthorized access to VIOS monitoring interfaces. For more details, see SNMP on PowerVM VIOS.

Secure LDAP

Allows VIOS to use LDAP as a directory service for centralized user account management.

Tivoli Storage Manager (TSM) Client + GSKit8

Includes TSM client packages and necessary IBM GSKit8 cryptographic libraries. It enables secure, centralized backup of VIOS data.

Rsyslog

Utility used to forward log messages in an IP network.

Software updates in VIOS Version V4 - 4.1.2.00 Release Notes

The Bind.rte fileset is added to the VIOS V4 Expansion Pack

Environment

PowerVM VIOS V3 and V4

Steps

VIOS Expansion Pack is available in the Entitled Systems Support (ESS) website. Software Downloads enables you to download all your entitled software based on authorized customer numbers.

Delivered as downloadable *.tar.gz image
Offered alongside standard VIOS installation media
Requires IBM ID and entitlement tied to customer numbers

Pre-Requisites

You need an IBM ID or user id registered. Click here for details.
You need to be registered for one or more customer numbers in order to see your entitled software.
For questions or problems related to ESS, contact ESS Support for your country or region and be ready to provide your customer number, the machine type, model, and serial number for which the VIOS software is needed.

I Already Have a User ID on IBM Registration

1. Log in to ESS

2. Click My Entitled Software.

3. Click Software Downloads.

A page is displayed with 3 different ways to find your product: By category (default), By machine, or By product.

4. In the By category (default) tab, click on the magnifying glass icon. A list of products is presented, which defaults to your Entitled products.

5. In the Search box, type PowerVM to filter the list and select the desired VIOS Expansion Pack version:

PowerVM V4 or PowerVM Enterprise Edition V3

6. Click Continue

> Select the package, such as

2284: PowerVM V4 Expansion Pack

Virtual I/O Server V4 Expansion Pack (12/2025)

> Click Continue

7. Click I agree to accept Terms and conditions and follow the rest of the prompts.

VIOS V4 Expansion Pack Contents (12/2025)

ESD-Virtual_I_O_Server_v4_Expansion_Pack_122025_LCD8292604.tar.gz

GSKit8.gskcrypt32.ppc.rte
GSKit8.gskcrypt64.ppc.rte
GSKit8.gskssl32.ppc.rte
GSKit8.gskssl64.ppc.rte
bind.rte
idsldap.clt_max_crypto32bit1004
idsldap.clt_max_crypto64bit1004
idsldap.cltjava1004
idsldap.webadmin1004
idsldap.webadmin_max_crypto1004
krb5.client
krb5.doc.en_US
krb5.lic
rsync.rte
rsyslog.base
rsyslog.license
snmp.crypto

VIOS V3 Expansion Pack Contents (07/2025)

VIO_v3.1_Expansion_Pack_072025_LCD8250510.tar.gz

GSKit8.gskcrypt32.ppc.rte
GSKit8.gskcrypt64.ppc.rte
GSKit8.gskssl32.ppc.rte
GSKit8.gskssl64.ppc.rte
idsldap.cltjava100
idsldap.clt_max_crypto32bit100
idsldap.clt_max_crypto64bit100
idsldap.webadmin100
idsldap.webadmin_max_crypto100
krb5.client
krb5.doc.en_US
krb5.lic
rsyslog.base
rsyslog.license
snmp.crypto

How to Unpackage the *.tar.gz image

1) Transfer the *.tar.gz file to a local directory or NFS mount on the VIOS partition

2) Unpackage tar.gz image and extract files from the *.tar archive

$ oem_setup_env

# gzip -d ESD-Virtual_I_O_Server_v4_Expansion_Pack_122025_LCD8292604.tar.gz

# tar -xvf ESD-Virtual_I_O_Server_v4_Expansion_Pack_122025_LCD8292604.tar

NOTE 1

When a VIOS is updated, e.g. from 4.1.1.x to 4.1.2.x, filesets installed from the VIOS Expansion Pack must be updated as well using the latest VIOS Expansion Pack if updates are available in the newer VIOS Expansion pack.

NOTE 2

Software installed from the VIOS Expansion Pack must be reinstall after a VIOS is upgraded to a new version, such as from VIOS V3 to V4.

Related Information

How to Obtain Installation Software for PowerVM Virtual I/O Server

"viosupgrade" Checklist for Upgrading Virtual I/O Server (VIOS)

Document Location

Worldwide

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Tips

PowerVM VIOS Expansion Pack Software