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The zSeries Parallel Sysplex Clustering Technology offers the highest standard for multi-system availability. See Figure 8-1. This section introduces some of the terminology that we use in this chapter.
LPAR stands for logical partition. A logical partition is a division of zSeries computing resources, including processors, memory and storage, and so forth into multiple sets of resources, so that each set of resources can be operated independently with its own operating systems instances and application. From an application point of view, you can think of a z/OS LPAR as a single system image as with any other operating system. In this chapter, the terms LPAR and system are used interchangeably.
A sysplex is a group of z/OS systems that communicate and cooperate with one another using specialized hardware and software. They are connected and synchronized through a Sysplex Timer® and enterprise systems connection channels. A Parallel Sysplex is a sysplex that uses one or more coupling facilities. See Figure 8-1.
A Coupling Facility is a special LPAR accessible by every system in the Parallel Sysplex. It provides data sharing, high-speed caching, list processing, and lock processing for any application on the sysplex.
Figure 8-1 Parallel Sysplex architecture elements
