BEA * WebLogic * Server and JRockit * 8.1 Running on Intel Itanium Architecture and Red Hat * Enterprise Linux * Advanced Server 2.

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1 INTEL SOLUTIONS Enterprise Configuration Guide BEA * WebLogic * Server and JRockit * 8.1 Running on Intel Itanium Architecture and Red Hat * Enterprise Linux * Advanced Server 2.1 A Configuration Guide for Solution Testing in Your IT Environment A Scalable and Affordable Enterprise Java* Application Server The build once and run anywhere capabilities of Java applications allow for great flexibility in the selection of a supporting platform. BEA* WebLogic* Server running on Itanium 2 processor family-based servers is available for production environments today, and provides a high-performance Java* application server environment on a cost-effective, enterprise-class platform. The 64-bit edition of BEA WebLogic Server includes the BEA WebLogic JRockit* Java Virtual Machine (JVM), which supports J2EE*-compliant execution, and is optimized for Intel Itanium architecture. The combined solution marks a significant breakthrough for memory- and compute-intensive applications and middleware solutions. Now you can implement 64-bit JVM applications on Itanium processor family-based platforms to take advantage of the growing scalability, and availability brought to you by this technology. The full solution is now ready for enterprise deployment. This configuration guide outlines a basic design methodology and defines a set of components and architecture for a comprehensive solution. It also recommends a basic configuration for demonstration testing, which will help you determine sizing and integration requirements for your specific environment. BEA WebLogic Server on Intel Itanium Architecture Itanium 2 processor family-based platforms deliver exceptional scalability and availability for BEA WebLogic Server solutions, at much lower costs than traditional RISC-based platforms. Based on Explicitly Parallel Instruction Computing (EPIC), Intel Itanium architecture supports highly parallel processing, large memory addressability, and innovative, compiler-based optimization that greatly improve total performance. The parallel architecture includes a large For information about developing an optimized solution for your specific environment, contact Intel Solution Services at: internetservices/intelsolutionservices/ For detailed information about Intel Itanium architecture-based infrastructure solutions, including performance data, visit the Intel Web site at: Table of Contents A Scalable and Affordable Enterprise Java Application Server BEA WebLogic Server on Intel Itanium Architecture Design Methodology Application Description Software Architecture Application Requirements Defining the Solution Stack... 4 Software Integration Hardware Architecture Testing the Platform and Solution Stack in Your Environment Getting Started

2 number of execution registers that enable efficient, simultaneous processing for up to six instructions. Since the compiler optimizes the software for parallel throughput, the processor can focus all its resources on fast execution making optimal use of advanced features such as the large on-die cache; predication, which reduces branch delays; and speculation, which preloads essential data for faster processing. By keeping more data in memory and accelerating throughput through parallel execution, Intel Itanium architecture can handle more simultaneous users and more complex transactions. Intel Itanium architecture also supports flexible scaling options. Platforms with up to 64 processors and 512GB of memory are now available. The high-bandwidth system bus also delivers sufficient I/O bandwidth (6.4GB/s) to support hundreds of smaller nodes in clustered configurations. Additional advantages in deploying BEA WebLogic Server on Itanium 2 processor family-based platforms include: Optimization for Intel Itanium Architecture The BEA WebLogic JRockit JVM was designed specifically for Intel processor-based platforms, and is constantly being improved and optimized by BEA and Intel. Lower Total Software Licensing Costs BEA WebLogic Server licensing is based on per-processor usage, so the high performance and capacity of the Itanium 2 processor family deliver better value by reducing the total number of processors required for the application. Large Memory Support The extensive memory addressability of 64-bit Intel Itanium architecture allows Java applications to use much larger heap sizes than previously possible. Java Application Consolidation The consolidation of a distributed Java application environment onto a smaller number of more powerful Itanium 2 processor family-based systems saves money by sharing resources among applications and reducing management complexity. Design Methodology Intel Itanium architecture is designed to integrate easily into existing environments. Basic design strategies are virtually identical to those used to deploy 32-bit solutions on Intel architecture, so development teams can take advantage of their existing resources, tools, and skill sets. In general, the following steps apply. 1. Assess Application Requirements List all required software components for an end-to-end solution including the operating system, applications, and third-party tools. 2. Develop an Integration Table (see Table 1 on page 5) Identify which components are best run on Itanium 2 processor family-based systems, and which should be run using 32-bit Intel Xeon processor family-based systems. 3. Determine Software Availability Check with your solution provider or software vendors to determine current or planned availability for all components. 4. Design Your Development, Staging, and Production Plan In most cases, initial tests can be performed by running core components on a single, 4-way Itanium 2 processor family-based system. This will confirm the viability of the solution in your environment, verify performance potential, and prepare your team for designing and deploying a full-scale production solution. 5. Assess the Impact on Your Current Environment Evaluate network and system management requirements, and develop a plan for efficient integration into your existing infrastructure. The rest of this paper provides initial guidance for using this design methodology to develop and test your own Itanium 2 processor family-based solutions. Note: Intel Solution Services can provide expert consultation and assistance in all phases of planning, development, design, and integration. 2

3 Application Description The functional relationships for an implementation of BEA WebLogic Server are shown in Figure 1. As the application server, BEA WebLogic Server is the work horse or intermediary between the user interface and existing application and database systems. It performs multiple roles in the coordination and handling of requests, the execution of business logic applications, and the forwarding of results to user interfaces. It can use Web services to connect with other application environments and database drivers. In combination with the Red Hat* Enterprise Linux* operating system, BEA WebLogic Server on Intel Itanium architecturebased systems provides all core application server functions and services, including: Developer Productivity Tools Application Integration Portal Framework Web Services Legacy Integration Transaction Management Messaging Security Persistence Database Connectivity Resource Pooling Load Balancing Fault Tolerance User Interfaces (Applications, Applets, Browsers, Wireless, Business Partners) BEA* WebLogic* Server Application and Integration Components J2EE* Container Infrastructure Services Java* Server Pages (JSPs) Java Servlets Enterprise Java Beans (EJBs) Clustering Network Transparency Transaction Management J2EE Web Services Legacy Integration Java Messaging Service Resource Pooling Database Connectivity Existing Enterprise Applications Database Systems Figure 1 Functional Diagram for BEA* WebLogic* Server on Intel Itanium Architecture. 3

4 Software Architecture The solution architecture outlined in this configuration guide is designed to provide an agile framework for enterprise integration and growth, with minimal modification to existing applications. With a J2EE-compliant JVM, such as BEA WebLogic JRockit, the migration and consolidation of existing Java applications onto the BEA WebLogic platform is relatively simple. Most real world implementations will include an integrated mix of 32-bit and 64-bit applications. Application Requirements Defining the Solution Stack A sample solution stack is shown in Figure 2, outlining the basic requirements for a BEA WebLogic Server environment. It includes the application server, the development tools and environment, and the supporting operating system. It also includes components that may be used for deploying and managing the solution in both test and production environments. The layer components can be a mix of 32-bit and 64-bit applications, and may be distributed across multiple hardware systems (this will be addressed further in the hardware section of this paper). Layer 1: Interface and Presentation Presentation File I/O Interface, User Interface (Existing) Layer 2: Applications Core Applications BEA* WebLogic* Server 8.1 with BEA WebLogic JRockit* 8.1 Database Tools N/A Backup/Restore Various Operational Applications Development Tools BEA WebLogic JRockit SDK 8.1/ BEA WebLogic Workshop 8.1 High Availability/Clusters Built-in Monitoring Tools Built-in Management Built-in Layer 3: Database Operating System Infrastructure Components Database Oracle9i* (64-bit), or Other 64-bit Database Server on Red Hat* Enterprise Linux* Operating System Red Hat Enterprise Linux Advanced Server bit Edition Server Hardware Itanium 2 Processor Family-Based Systems Hardware Management Storage Systems Network Adapter Storage Environment High-Speed Network Figure 2 Solution Stack for BEA* WebLogic* Server on Intel Itanium Architecture. (May be a mix of 32-bit and 64-bit applications distributed on multiple hardware systems.) 4

5 Components important to the Java application server implementation are the following: Application Layer The core solution includes the 64-bit versions of BEA WebLogic Server and BEA WebLogic JRockit JVM. BEA WebLogic Server is the cornerstone of the BEA WebLogic Platform, and includes presentation, business, and connectivity functionality. Development Tools BEA WebLogic Workshop is an IDE and application framework that allows all developers (not just J2EE experts) to create powerful Web applications, Web services, business processes, and portals. Monitoring and Management An administration console is built into BEA WebLogic Server. BEA also provides Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) support for third-party management utilities and Java Management Extensions (JMX). Database Layer The database can be Oracle9i*, IBM* DB2*, or any other Intel Itanium architecture-compatible RDBMS. Connectivity is provided by the database vendor, using components such as the native Oracle Call Interface (OCI) client. Software Integration The sample integration table (Table 1) shows current availability for key software components in the solution stack. Notice that 64-bit solutions are now available for all required components. A similar table can be developed for the specific components required for integration in your own IT environment. If specific application driver solutions are not available in the required timeframe, development tools for Itanium 2 processor familybased applications are available and provide comprehensive functionality for IT development teams. Application 64-Bit Version Required 64-Bit Version Available Notes Presentation Layer Various No Browser, Mobile Device, etc. Application Layer BEA* WebLogic* Server 8.1 Yes Yes Available for Red Hat* Enterprise Linux* Advanced Server 2.1 a BEA WebLogic JRockit* JVM 8.1 Yes Yes Available for Red Hat Enterprise Linux Advanced Server 2.1 Development Tools Yes Yes BEA WebLogic JRockit SDK 8.1, BEA WebLogic Workshop 8.1 Database Layer Oracle9i * Yes Yes Infrastructure Operating System Yes Yes Red Hat Enterprise Linux Advanced Server 2.1 Hardware Management Tool Yes Yes Provided by OEM Table 1 Sample Integration Table for BEA* WebLogic* Server Solutions on Intel Itanium Architecture. (Additional applications are in development. Contact your BEA sales representative for the most current information.) a BEA* WebLogic* Server is certified by BEA WebLogic with BEA WebLogic JRockit* for Red Hat* Enterprise Linux* Advanced Server 2.1 as of July Contact your BEA representative for information about later certifications and performance improvements. 5

6 Hardware Architecture A physical diagram of a 64-bit BEA WebLogic Server implementation is shown in Figure 3. Existing BEA WebLogic Platform components are integrated using 32-bit Intel Xeon processor family-based servers. (A 64-bit version of the BEA WebLogic Platform is in development. Contact your BEA sales representative for availability.) The number and size of the servers can be adjusted based on specific workloads and business needs. Java application servers can be scaled up and out as needed to address capacity and consolidation requirements. Application server load balancing and fault tolerance can be handled by BEA WebLogic Server, or by the supporting Linux operating system. Either approach will support high availability in 24x7 environments. Compatible database solutions include Oracle9i and IBM DB2. Presentation Layer BEA* WebLogic* Portal BEA Liquid Data for WebLogic LAN/WAN Intel Xeon Processor Family-Based Systems 64-bit Application Layer BEA WebLogic Java* Application Servers on Red Hat* Enterprise Linux* Advanced Server 32-bit Systems BEA WebLogic Integration BEA WebLogic Workshop Itanium 2 Processor Family- Based Systems LAN/WAN LAN/WAN Intel Xeon Processor MP Family-Based Systems Database Layer Enterprise 64-bit Itanium Database Server LAN/WAN 4-Way and Above Itanium 2 Processor Family-Based Systems SAN Figure 3 Example of a Physical Design for BEA* WebLogic* Server on Intel Itanium Architecture. 6

7 Testing the Platform and Solution Stack in Your Environment Initial testing to validate BEA WebLogic Server on Intel Itanium architecture in your environment can be performed with relative ease. Table 2 shows a basic configuration. Red Hat Enterprise Linux, BEA WebLogic Server, and Oracle9i components are run on a single, 4-way Itanium 2 processor family-based server. This is the recommended test configuration due to its simplicity and ease of implementation. It will provide your development teams with the information and experience they need to build a production-quality solution. If you wish to test large workloads in a mixed environment, consider the sample test configuration shown in Table 3. It reflects the larger physical design shown above, and includes both 32-bit and 64-bit components of the BEA WebLogic Platform. In this test environment, BEA WebLogic Server is deployed on two Itanium 2 processor family-based servers, and Oracle9i is deployed on a third. This configuration can handle additional workload capacity, and high availability can be provided for the application server via load-balancing and fault-tolerance. The inclusion of 32-bit BEA WebLogic Platform components enables testers to validate performance and integration using a combination of Intel Itanium and Intel Xeon processor family-based systems. Application Red Hat* Enterprise Linux* Advanced Server 2.1 BEA* WebLogic* Server 8.1 for Itanium 2 BEA WebLogic JRockit* SDK 8.1 Oracle9i *Database 1 Hardware Management Tool System Configuration 4-Way Itanium 2 Processor Family-Based Server, 2-8GB Memory 2 NICs (for Dual Network Connections) Getting Started Discover the advantages of BEA WebLogic solutions running on Intel Itanium architecture in your own environment. Performance already challenges or exceeds the performance of proprietary RISC-based systems for a variety of BEA benchmarks and can be expected to increase with the next-generation of Intel Itanium processors and platforms. Optimized applications and tools are available now, and are supported by one of the industry s largest communities of solution providers. Table 2 Recommended Configuration for Basic Development and Testing in Your Environment. Application/Development Tools System Configuration Call your BEA application server vendor or Intel representative today to find out more, and to begin defining a configuration test that addresses your unique business and IT requirements. Red Hat* Enterprise Linux* Advanced Server 2.1 BEA* WebLogic* Server 8.1 BEA WebLogic JRockit* SDK Way Itanium 2 Processor Family-Based Server, 2-8GB Memory, 2 Systems for Load Balancing and Fault Tolerance 2 NICs Oracle9i *Database 1 4-Way Itanium 2 Processor Family-Based Server, 1-4GB Memory 2 NICs BEA WebLogic Portal 8.1 BEA WebLogic Integration 8.1 BEA WebLogic Workshop Way Intel Xeon Processor Family-Based Server, 1GB Memory 2 NICs Table 3 Extended Test Configuration for Large Workloads and Mixed Environments. 1 Oracle9i is listed as one example of a compatible database. IBM DB2 or another database running on Linux with Itanium 2 platforms could be used instead. 7

8 Performance tests and ratings are measured using specific computer systems and/or components and reflect the approximate performance of Intel products as measured by those tests. Any difference in system hardware or software design or configuration may affect actual performance. Buyers should consult other sources of information to evaluate the performance of systems or components they are considering purchasing. For more information on performance tests and on the performance of Intel products, reference or call (U.S.) or Intel, the Intel logo and Intel Inside logos, Pentium, Itanium, and Xeon are trademarks or registered trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries. Copyright 2003 Intel Corporation. All Rights Reserved. * Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others. Information regarding third party products is provided solely for educational purposes. Intel is not responsible for the performance or support of third party products and does not make any representations or warranties whatsoever regarding quality, reliability, functionality, or compatibility of these devices or products