How i5/OS implements virtual resources

i5/OS^® can share virtual I/O resources to provide I/O functions for an AIX^® or a Linux^® logical partition.

AIX or Linux running on IBM^® eServer™ i5 supports several kinds of virtual adapters, such as virtual SCSI and virtual serial adapters. By eliminating the need to have physical hardware adapters, you are able to use I/O resources without having a device driver for hardware devices, and you can use i5/OS support for backup and recovery.

• Virtual serial adapters
  The IBM eServer i5 systems with virtual serial adapters provide a point-to-point connection between a partition and either the Hardware Management Console or another partition.
• Virtual SCSI adapters
  Virtual SCSI (Small Computer Systems Interface) adapters on IBM eServer i5 systems with Linux logical partitions provide one partition with the ability to use storage I/O (disk, CD, and tape) that is owned by another partition.