| Features of the new product offering |
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| Q1. |
What are the new features of Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5? |
| A1. |
Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5 and Advanced Platform encompass more than 1200 components, and include technology developed by Red Hat in collaboration with customers and partners - including performance and security enhancements enabled by HP, and the open source community. New functionality adds standards-based virtualization, greater security, better manageability, higher performance, scalability for both 32- and 64-bit scale-up and scale-out workloads, desktop enhancements, and more. |
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| Q2. |
How is RHEL 5 packaged and what has changed? |
| A2. |
Red Hat Enterprise Linux (formerly known as RHEL ES)
- Replaces RHEL ES; priced the same
- Support up to 2 Sockets
- Supports Intel / AMD 32-bit/64-bit & Itanium2
- Includes standard (9x5) or Premium Support (24x7)
- Includes virtualization for x86 & x86-64 architectures
- Up to 4 guests of any supported operating system
- Comprehensive OEM and ISV certifications
- Improved performance, manageability, security, auditing, Windows interoperability, file system, and development tools
Red Hat Enterprise Linux Advanced Platform (formerly "RHEL AS")
- Replaces Red Hat Enterprise Linux AS; priced the same
- Supports unlimited sockets
- Integrates Server and Storage virtualization capabilities
- Unlimited virtual instances of any guest O/S - Multiple guests, running on the same or different servers, access and share logical storage volumes and file systems. Reap the full benefits of server virtualization with shared storage
- Storage virtualization - Multiple guests, running on the same or different servers, access and share logical storage volumes and file systems. Reap the full benefits of server virtualization with shared storage
- Red Hat Global File System and Red Hat Cluster Suite - High availability clustering and failover - Application and guest operating system failover
- Management - Includes comprehensive management capabilities.
- Standard (9x5) or Premium Support (24x7)
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| Q3. |
How does Red Hat position the two products? |
| A3. |
There are still two server variants, both based on the same core technology (kernel, libraries, tool chain, applications, utilities, etc) to ensure that OEM and ISV certifications apply to both variants equally. However, the mainstream high volume server, Red Hat Enterprise Linux Advanced Platform includes technical capabilities beyond the base product, Red Hat Enterprise Linux.
- Red Hat Enterprise Linux Advanced Platform is designed for mainstream customers. It provides extensive server and storage virtualization capabilities, and supports servers of any size. The storage virtualization capabilities are provided by the inclusion of Red Hat Global File System and Red Hat Cluster Suite technologies. In combination with the ability to host an unlimited number of virtualized guest operating systems, Advanced Platform provides the most flexible and scalable environment on the market today. Priced the same as RHEL AS
- The second server product, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, is the foundation on which Advanced Platform is built. It is suitable for small systems, supporting servers with up to 2 processor sockets. It includes server virtualization capabilities, and its subscriptions provide support for up to 4 virtualized guest environments. Priced the same as RHEL ES
- Upon subscription renewal, ES customers will be transitioned to RHEL 5, and AS customers will be upgraded to Advanced Platform
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| Q4. |
How does Red Hat refer to sockets? |
| A4. |
Socket count refers to the maximum server capacity, not the number of occupied sockets. A socket may contain multi-core and/or multi-thread processors.
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| HP Differentiation - Buying RHEL 5 from HP |
| Q1. |
What is the HP value-add? Why should someone buy from HP? |
| A1. |
- One-stop-shop for Linux on ProLiant - Obtain your ProLiant servers and single part number for Linux subscription and support.
- Single point of Linux support accountability - One stop shop support for your combined ProLiant server and Linux operating system solution.
- Linux Technical Support Excellence - HP solves approximately 99% of support calls before engaging Linux vendors, and has expertise in debugging hardware & software driver issues with it's 6500 service professionals.
- Path to proactive support - In addition to installation and start-up services, HP offers HP Proactive Essentials, HP Proactive 24 service, HP Critical Service and Integrated hardware/software support.
- Linux Support Renewal Process - HP offers proactive assistance in ensuring you have up to date subscriptions and support.
- Linux Subscription management - HP offers Co-terminus subscriptions and hardware support which can be pro-rated to expire at the same time as previously purchased subscriptions.
- Customization, configuration and integration - HP Factory Express is a robust portfolio of flexible, pre-priced, pre-installed, configured, customized and integrated factory solutions and deployment services - supporting HP ProLiant servers with Linux.
- Tailored Purchase Options - HP offers a broad and affordable range of version-less subscription options inc. subscription only or the ability to add 9x5, 24x7 or incident based support.
- High Performance computing Linux skus - HP provides subscriptions specifically tailored for HPC environments, and priced accordingly.
- Linux Software Financing - HP helps you acquire Linux solutions cost-effectively, and manage that solution throughout its lifecycle.
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| Q2. |
What Media kits does HP sell? |
| A2. |
You can purchase RHEL 4 (1-2 Socket Media kit) and RHEL 5 (1-2 Socket & Advanced Platform) from HP.
- Part # 445217-B21 - RHEL 4 Media Kit
- Part # 452561-B21 - RHEL 5 Media Kits
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| Q3. |
What other Red Hat Products are available? |
| A3. |
HP now offers versionless sku's which allows customers to buy a subscription and download any version of the Red Hat operating system, just as long as it's supported on the server they wish to install it on. HP offers 1 & 3 year subscriptions bundled or unbundled with HP Support. More information on Red Hat products.
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| Q4. |
What can I expect from HP when I buy a media kit and or subscription? |
| A4. |
RHEL 4 Media kit contains the following and you must purchase a subscription separately from the media kit. Media kits are normally purchased when a customer cannot download all the OS information from the Red Hat Network.
Red Hat separated the what was formerly known as ES and AS out into 2 purchasable media kits. HP only offers 1-2 Sockets (aka RHEL 4 ES).
- Four (4) Installation CD's labelled 1-4 for x-86
- Five (5) Installation CD's labelled 1-5 for AMD64 and EM64T
- One (1) Extra CD labelled CD 5 - for x86
- One (1) Extra CD labelled CD 6 for AMD64 and EM64T
- One (1) Documentation Disc
RHEL 5
With the release of RHEL 5, Red Hat now offers one media kit for both 1-2 Socket (RHEL) and Unlimited Sockets (Advanced platform) operating systems.
- DVD - Installation Disc for 64-Bit, AMD64 & Intel 64
- DVD Installation Disc for 32-Bit x86
- Rescue Disc for 64-Bit, AMD64 & Intel 64
- Rescue Disc for 32-Bit x86
- Supplementary Disc for 64-Bit, AMD64 & Intel 64
- Supplementary Disc for 32-Bit x86
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| Q5. |
What is a subscription? |
| A5. |
Red Hat subscription allows you to take advantage of these innovations from the most trusted source of open source technologies. A subscription ensures that you benefit from open source at your own pace and receive ongoing value from your investment.
Red Hat subscriptions give you access to the latest technology as it's tested and released. This includes upgrades to newer releases at no additional charge for as long as your subscription is active. Your subscription also includes access to Red Hat Network, an efficient solution for managing, updating, and supporting your systems. And finally, you get the reassurance that Red Hat will stand behind and support each product version for seven years.
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| Q6. |
What is the Red Hat Network and do I need to register? |
| A6. |
What is it?
Red Hat Network is an easy-to-use systems management platform for your Linux infrastructure. It is built on open standards and uses a web-based graphical interface. Its services are provided through modules that allow you to add enhanced management capabilities.
What does it do?
Simply stated, when you purchase a subscription from HP, you are entitled to download any version of the Red Hat operating system and any updates that HP supports. This eliminates that need for HP to provide update CD's. We encourage our customers to review our support matrix for versions of Red Hat's operating systems that HP supports.
Red Hat Network provides simple tools to efficiently manage the life cycle of systems on your network, including provisioning new systems, managing their updates and configuration changes, monitoring system performance, and eventually re-deploying the systems for a new purpose.
Why should I care?
Your business benefits from increased productivity, reduced system life cycle costs, greater administration consistency, and enhanced security. Red Hat Network lowers deployment, configuration, and management costs and it enhances security via a single centralized tool, secure connection policies for remote administration, and secure content.
Visit the Red Hat Network for more information.
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| Q7. |
What happens if I lose my subscription/registration number? |
| A7. |
Contact your HP sales person or the reseller in which you obtained your copy from. HP will assist you to ensure you do not have to purchase another copy. Another option is to use our online form.
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| Q8. |
What happens when my subscription is expiring? Does HP have a renewal process? |
| A8. |
Yes, Customers who have purchased Linux subscriptions and support directly from HP, will automatically be notified 90-120 days prior to contract expiration to renew their services, Once the services have been renewed, the customer will be sent renewed entitlements to their Linux subscriptions and a letter confirming support has been renewed with instructions for obtaining support
Customers who have purchased Linux subscriptions and support via an HP partner should be approached by their HP partner to renew subscriptions and support. However, If a customer would like to renew directly with HP, they may contact HP using contacts info provided below
» United States
» Outside of USA
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| Virtualization |
| Q1. |
What exactly is server virtualization? |
| A1. |
Server virtualization software in Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5 allows a single physical system to run multiple, separate operating systems and their applications. For example, a single server could be configured to run Red Hat Enterprise Linux 4 and 5 at the same time, or a third party operating system and Red Hat Enterprise Linux at the same time. A new virtual server can be created in a matter of seconds. Many different configurations are possible. Virtualization dramatically enhances the value of Red Hat Enterprise Linux due to its ability to reduce IT costs through consolidation and increase IT flexibility and responsiveness. Several Red Hat white papers are available that describe how customers can benefit from virtualized environments. See Red Hat website for these whitepapers and additional information. The underlying virtualization software integrated with Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5 is called the host. The multiple operating systems that run in the virtualized environment provided by the host are called guests. |
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| Q2. |
What is para-virtualization, and what capabilities are provided? |
| A2. |
With para-virtualization (perhaps more correctly called "cooperative" virtualization) the guest operating system is optimized to run in the virtual environment provided by the host. In other words, the guest knows it is running virtualized, so is modified to take maximum advantage of that knowledge. This cooperation between the host and the guest helps optimize system performance. Another major benefit of para-virtualized environments is that they can be deployed on almost any physical system. |
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| Q3. |
What is full-virtualization, and what capabilities are provided? |
| A3. |
With full virtualization, the guest operating system is completely unmodified and runs on the host in exactly the same way as it would in a non-virtualized environment. While full virtualization does not provide the cooperative benefits of para-virtualization, it does allow a broader range of guests. Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5 can host Red Hat Enterprise Linux 3, 4, 5, and third party operating system guests. Note that Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5 full virtualization requires special server hardware. |
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| Q4. |
Do I need any special hardware for virtualization? |
| A4. |
Hardware requirements vary according to the guest operating systems you wish to run. For Red Hat Enterprise Linux 4.5 and 5 guests (which use para-virtualization technology) you can use any Intel or AMD x86 or x86-64 system. The only requirement is that 32-bit x86 systems must support PAE (Physical Address Extension). PAE has been standard on x86 servers for many years. You just need enough disk, memory, and processor speed to meet the load you impose on the system. For Red Hat Enterprise Linux 3 and third party operating system guests (which use full virtualization) it is necessary to have a server that implements Intel VT or AMD-V technology, which is already available. |
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| Q5. |
Does Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5 include virtualization? |
| A5. |
Yes. The base Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5 product includes server virtualization capabilities with support for both para- and full virtualization. Every existing Red Hat Enterprise Linux customer can update to version 5 and use virtualization immediately for no additional charge. A number of management tools are provided, and Red Hat Network has been enhanced to understand and manage virtualized environments. |
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| Q6. |
What specific virtualization technology does Red Hat use? |
| A6. |
With para-virtualization (perhaps more correctly called "cooperative" virtualization) the guest operating system is optimized to run in the virtual environment provided by the host. In other words, the guest knows it is running virtualized, so is modified to take maximum advantage of that knowledge. This cooperation between the host and the guest helps optimize system performance. Another major benefit of para-virtualized environments is that they can be deployed on almost any physical system.
For more information on HP involvement with the Xen initiative, please click here.
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| Q7. |
What specific virtualization technology does Red Hat use? |
| A7. |
Server virtualization software in Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5 allows a single physical system to run multiple, separate operating systems and their applications. For example, a single server could be configured to run Red Hat Enterprise Linux 4 and 5 at the same time, or a third party operating system and Red Hat Enterprise Linux at the same time. A new virtual server can be created in a matter of seconds. Many different configurations are possible. Virtualization dramatically enhances the value of Red Hat Enterprise Linux due to its ability to reduce IT costs through consolidation and increase IT flexibility and responsiveness. Several Red Hat white papers are available that describe how customers can benefit from virtualized environments. See Red Hat website for these whitepapers and additional information. The underlying virtualization software integrated with Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5 is called the host. The multiple operating systems that run in the virtualized environment provided by the host are called guests. |
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| Q8. |
What virtualization management features are included? |
| A8. |
Red Hat Enterprise Linux Advanced Platform provides several management capabilities including:
- Virt-Manager - a GUI-based utility that allows system administrators to manage all aspects of virtualized system
- libvirt and virsh - a new library and command shell that enables customers to implement site-specific management strategies. Libvirt has program bindings for C/C++ and Python, so it can be readily incorporated into existing management tools
- Red Hat Network - enhanced to manage virtualized guest environments.
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| Q9. |
What are the new storage virtualization and clustering / failover capabilities in Advanced Platform? |
| A9. |
Utilizing Red Hat Global File System (GFS) technology, storage virtualization in Advanced Platform allows multiple guests running on the same or different servers to access and share logical storage volumes and file systems such that the storage environment for every guest remains consistent, regardless of where it is running.
Red Hat Enterprise Linux Advanced Platform also includes Red Hat Cluster Suite, which provides application and guest operating system failover capabilities. Applications can be moved between guest operating systems on the same or different physical system, and entire guest operating systems environments can be moved between physical systems. Applications can be monitored for correct behavior and the results used to trigger automated recover procedures.
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| Testing & Certification |
| Q1. |
Does HP certify systems for RHEL 5 and Advanced Platform? |
| A1. |
Yes, HP has certified systems for RHEL 5 and Advanced Platform and will support RHEL 5 and Advanced Platform on those certified systems. For more info, please click here. |
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| Q2. |
Are there any restrictions? |
| A2. |
Yes. Guest OS support is provided by Red Hat. For more information on the OS guest systems supported by Red Hat, visit http://www.redhat.com/rhel/server/advanced/
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| Q3. |
How does Red Hat and HP Engineering groups work together on the Operating System? |
| A3. |
HP and Red Hat work closely together prior to the first Red Hat OS Beta release is available. HP and Red Hat continue to work to improve features and functions to ensure ProLiant Servers are fully deployed and ready to install on Red Hat's OS. HP has 2 dedicated Engineers residing at Red Hat's offices as well as weekly calls with Red Hat to status and updates of future releases and technologies.
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| Upgrading from RHEL 3 or RHEL 4 |
| Q1. |
What if I would like to stay on RHEL 3 AS/ES or RHEL 4 AS/ES? |
| A1. |
Customers wishing to use RHEL 3/4 AS will simply purchase a Red Hat Enterprise Linux Advanced Platform subscription. Their Red Hat Network (RHN) channel entitlement will give them access to the RHEL 3/4 AS products which can then be installed and used in the same way as before. Similarly, customers wishing to use RHEL 3/4 ES should purchase the base RHEL product and access the RHEL 3/4 ES channels on the Red Hat Network. |
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| Q2. |
If I am a Red Hat Enterprise Linux 3/4 AS/ES customer, how do I move to RHEL 5? |
| A2. |
As an existing customer you will find the version 5 channels when you log-in to Red Hat Network. Simply download the new version and install it. The new product will announce itself as Red Hat Enterprise Linux, with no reference to AS or ES. However the underlying subscription limits will persist - ES customers will be supported on systems with up to 2 processor sockets, while AS customers will be supported on systems of any size. Both AS and ES customers will be able to use virtualization immediately and will find that Red Hat Network entitles them to manage up to four guests per server. When a RHEL-AS subscription is renewed, it will automatically shift to the Advanced Platform part number, and the additional Red Hat Network entitlements will be enabled. These entitlements allow management of an unlimited number of guests per server and will also provide access to the storage virtualization components (Red Hat Global File System and Red Hat Cluster Suite). |
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| Installation |
| Q1. |
What is the Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5 installation number? |
| A1. |
The Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5 installation number is a 16-character text string used during installation. The installation number enables you to install the full set of supported packages included with your subscription. For a limited set of Red Hat Enterprise Linux subscribers, the installation number is also used to activate subscriptions for additional Red Hat products and services. |
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| Q2. |
Why use an installation number? |
| A2. |
The Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5 installation number allows you to:
- Access the full set of supported packages included with your subscription
- Obtain software and security updates for packages included with your subscription
- Ensure your Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5 installations are certified
- Simplifies deployments in environments with different subscriptions
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| Q3. |
Where can I find the installation number? |
| A3. |
Several places including:
- For an OEM purchase through HP, refer to the back of the poster included with the media kit
- Your new subscription activation email, received by your Red Hat Network Organization Administrator (the user who first established the Red Hat account) or your company's purchasing contact named on the order. The subject line for the new subscription activation email is New Subscription Activation of [item description]
- Red Hat Subscription Management
- Red Hat Customer Service
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| Q4. |
When am I required to use an installation number? |
| A4. |
You will be given an opportunity to provide your installation number during the Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5 installation process for both attended and unattended (such as Kickstart) installations. You will also be required to provide your installation number in the Firstboot section of the installation or at the Red Hat "Activate Your Subscription" page: www.redhat.com/activate, if you have purchased subscriptions that were not already activated for you. Please check the documentation provided with your purchase, such as emails or product documentation, to determine whether the installation number requirement applies to you. |
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| Q5. |
I have subscription numbers from my previous purchases of Red Hat Enterprise Linux. Do those subscription numbers still work? |
| A5. |
Yes. If you have subscription numbers from previous purchases of Red Hat Enterprise Linux that you have not yet activated,
you will first need to activate them to activate your subscription and access your Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5 installation number.
Activate your subscription(s) at www.redhat.com/activate. Refer to Subscription Management
for installation numbers, or contact Red Hat customer service.
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| Q6. |
Are all installation numbers unique? |
| A6. |
Installation numbers are unique per transaction; not per system. The installation number represents the Red Hat Enterprise Linux subscription features. It is primarily used to configure the installer. You can install multiple systems that have identical subscription features and SLAs with identical installation numbers. |
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| Services |
| Q1. |
How will support be offered for RHEL 5? |
| A1. |
HP is the only hardware vendor that can offer 9x5, 24x7 and incident based support. Software technical support (phone support) for RHEL 5 will be bundled with the RHEL 5 subscriptions. 9x5 support will be bundled with the RHEL Standard subscriptions and 24x7 support will be bundled with RHEL Premium subscriptions. This approach supports the matching service level requirement of our agreement with Red Hat. Enhanced support levels will also be available including Support Plus, Support Plus 24, Proactive Essentials, Proactive 24 and Critical Service. |
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| Q2. |
Where can I find out more information about HP Services for RHEL? |
| A2. |
http://h20219.www2.hp.com/services/cache/10672-0-0-225-121.html |
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| Q3. |
Are all features of RHEL 5 supported by HP Services including GFS and Cluster Suite? |
| A3. |
Yes. |
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