Method for automatically imparting reserve resource to logical partition and logical partitioned computer system

Abstract

A logical partitioned computer system. A hypervisor includes a resource management table for managing resources assigned to the hypervisor and an assigning / collecting unit for assigning and collecting resources to logical partitions. Each logical partition has a guest resource monitoring unit for monitoring the amount of the resource being used out of the amount of the resource assigned to the logical partition and an adding / separating unit for requesting addition and separation of a resource to the assigning / collecting unit based on results of monitoring. In response to the request, assigning / collecting unit searches resource management table, assigns a resource to logical partition when a reserve resource exists in case of an assignment request, and collects a resource as a reserve resource in the resource management table in case of a collection request.

Description

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention[0002] The present invention relates to a logical partitioned computer system, and more particularly to a logical partitioned computer system in which a plurality of logical partitions are provided by a control program called a hypervisor so as to operate an operating system (guest OS) in the respective logical partitions.[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art[0004] As a technique for operating a plurality of operating systems (guest OS's) in one physical computer, a logical partitioned computer system is known for effecting control by preparing logical partitions. The logical partitioned computer system is configured by a control program called a hypervisor for controlling the logical partitions. The hypervisor is a control program which constitutes a nucleus for controlling the logical partitions, and effects control of the assignment of resources (computer resources) including an instruction processor, a main storage device, and an input / output (...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

If sufficient resources cannot be assigned, and a load more than is allowable is applied to the computer system, a serious problem can occur in that, for example, processing by a guest OS becomes extremely slow.

If this situation becomes exacerbated, a major portion of the processing time is spent by a control program for the purpose of page in and page out processing, and user programs practically fail to operate.

On the other hand, if excess resources are imparted, the resources are not fully utilized and are wasted.

For example, in a system in which a high load can occur suddenly due to the concentration of accesses as in the case of a WWW server, a large volume of resources is required in preparation for the high load.

Meanwhile, excessively large resources are not fully utilized during low loads and are wasted, so that a problem occurs in that the cost performance is low.

In the computer system using the above-described charging system based on the volume sensitive rate, since charges corresponding to the amount of resources used have to be paid, it can be said that the cost performance is good for the users; however, the installation of excessively large resources constitutes a burden for the vendor.

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