More on PR / SM

This illustrates the composition of LPARS. The number of LPARS is only loosely governed by the number of processors, as the ability to service the LPARs is the key factor.

In respect of the peripheral devices, these can be assigned in one of three ways:

Dedicated - only the nominated LPAR can use the devices

Shared - multiple nominated LPARS can access the devices concurrently

Switchable - multiple LPARS can use the devices, but only one LPAR can do so at a time.