Types of distribution media for central site distribution

 

The types of distribution media available to the central system for central site distribution are image catalog (optical or tape), tape, digital video disc (DVD), and CD-ROM.

Each distribution media has advantages and disadvantages. Determine which media suits your computing environment.

Image catalog

This media requires disk space to hold all virtual images created on the central system and distributed to the target systems. If you have ample storage and your target system is at V5R2, V5R3, or V5R4, this option is cost-effective and convenient. First, prepare the central system to distribute virtual images; then create the distribution media and distribute using FTP. You can also create DVD for central site distribution and then add the DVD to an image catalog and distribute using FTP. Or you can create the virtual images, convert them to DVD, CD-ROM, or tape and distribute the physical media. Using virtual images as central site distribution media gives you flexibility and is particularly useful for optical media verification, unattended installations, and upgrading software within a network. For more information about requirements when using image catalogs as the distribution media for central site distribution, see Preparing for virtual optical storage.

Tape

High-speed tape is the fastest way to distribute the software involved in a full-system upgrade or the software of a logical partition. However, tape hardware and media is more costly than DVD hardware and media.

DVD

DVD is slower than high-speed tape, but is more cost-effective.

CD-ROM

Refer to Using CD-ROM in Distributing iSeries Software for information about using only CD-ROM as the distribution media for central site distribution.

 

Parent topic:

Central site distribution concepts