AIX 7.3

IBM AIX 7.3

Basic information

• Model: AIX
• Version: 7.3
• Release Date: December 10, 2021. The latest release is 7.3 Technology Level 3 (TL3), released in December 2024.
• Minimum Requirements:
  • RAM: 2 GB (minimum current memory), scaling upward with maximum memory configuration or number of devices.
  • Processor: 64-bit Common Hardware Reference Platform (CHRP) machines running selected POWER8, POWER9, and Power10 processors in POWER8 or later processor compatibility mode. Also supports Power11 processors.
  • Storage: 20 GB physical disk space for a default installation. Boot logical volume (hd5) requires a minimum of 40 MB.
• Supported Operating Systems: IBM AIX 7.3 is an operating system designed to run exclusively on IBM Power Systems hardware, specifically 64-bit CHRP machines with POWER8, POWER9, Power10, and Power11 processors.
• Latest Stable Version: AIX 7.3 TL3, released in December 2024.
• End of Support Date: September 30, 2026. Extended support options may be available beyond this date.
• End of Life Date: Not explicitly defined as a separate "End of Life" date; typically aligns with the end of support.
• Auto-update Expiration Date: Updates and support are tied to an AIX update access key (UAK) which indicates the expiration date of the associated Software Maintenance Agreement (SWMA).
• License Type: Proprietary. Licensed through a Software Maintenance Agreement (SWMA) associated with a single IBM Power Server. Monthly licensing options are available for certain editions via Passport Advantage.
• Deployment Model: Primarily on-premise on IBM Power Systems, supporting logical partitions (LPARs) via PowerVM. Also available through IBM Cloud as IBM Power Virtual Server.

Technical Requirements

• RAM: Minimum 2 GB. Requirements scale with the maximum memory configuration and the number of devices. For migration installations, at least 4 GB of memory is recommended.
• Processor: 64-bit POWER8, POWER9, Power10, or Power11 processors, operating in POWER8 or later compatibility mode.
• Storage: A minimum of 20 GB of physical disk space is required for a default installation. The boot logical volume (hd5) needs at least 40 MB. Enhanced Journaled File System (JFS2) supports a maximum capacity of 128 TB for files and file systems. Network File System (NFS) client supports file sizes up to 256 TB.
• Display: Not a primary concern for a server operating system; typically managed via console or Hardware Management Console (HMC). A "Graphics bundle" is included in the default installation.
• Ports: Standard network connectivity (Ethernet) is essential. Console ports are used for direct system access. OpenSSH client and server are installed by default.
• Operating System: IBM AIX 7.3 itself.

Analysis of Technical Requirements

AIX 7.3 is an enterprise-grade operating system designed for high-performance and mission-critical workloads on IBM Power Systems. Its technical requirements reflect this, emphasizing robust processor capabilities and scalable memory and storage. The minimum RAM and disk space are reasonable for a server OS, but actual requirements will significantly increase based on the workload and configured services. The strict dependency on IBM Power processors underscores its specialized nature, offering optimized performance and stability within that ecosystem. Support for large file systems and network file sizes highlights its suitability for data-intensive applications.

Support & Compatibility

• Latest Version: AIX 7.3 TL3, released in December 2024.
• OS Support: Runs on IBM Power Systems with POWER8, POWER9, Power10, and Power11 processors. Compatibility mode allows newer processors to run in earlier POWER modes.
• End of Support Date: September 30, 2026.
• Localization: Software license agreements are available in multiple languages.
• Available Drivers: Drivers are integrated and optimized for IBM Power Systems hardware. IBM Subsystem Device Driver (SDD) is not supported; migration to SDDPCM or AIX Path Control Module (PCM) is required for IBM SAN storage.

Analysis of Overall Support & Compatibility Status

AIX 7.3 benefits from IBM's comprehensive support ecosystem, including regular technology level (TL) and service pack (SP) updates, and a defined support lifecycle extending to September 2026. Its compatibility is tightly coupled with IBM Power Systems hardware, ensuring optimized performance and stability. IBM provides tools and guidance for migrations and updates, such as the SDD to SDDPCM transition. The availability of security advisories and technical databases through Fix Central and My notifications demonstrates a commitment to ongoing support and maintenance.

Security Status

• Security Features:
  • Logical Volume (LV) encryption, including the root volume group (rootvg), and physical volume (PV) encryption for SCSI disks.
  • Default password algorithm is SSHA-256, supporting up to 255 characters.
  • Secure boot feature verifies the authenticity of the boot process.
  • Trusted Execution (TE) features verify system integrity and implement advanced security policies.
  • Digital signature policy for software packages, with signatures stored in a Digital Signature Catalog (DSC).
  • Mitigation against speculative-execution vulnerabilities.
  • Internet Protocol Security (IPsec) support, including Diffie Hellman (DH) group 20 and 21.
  • Auditing in the Live Update environment.
• Known Vulnerabilities: IBM actively addresses vulnerabilities, providing mitigation for issues like speculative-execution vulnerabilities. Users can subscribe to AIX security advisories for timely updates.
• Blacklist Status: Not applicable for an operating system.
• Certifications: Supports Evaluation Assurance Level 4+ (EAL4+) for Base AIX Security (BAS) and Labeled AIX Security (LAS).
• Encryption Support: Supports LV and PV encryption with key protection methods including passphrase, key file, Platform Keystore (PKS), and network key managers. AIX 7.3 TL1 integrates with Hyper Protect Crypto Services (HPCS) for LV encryption.
• Authentication Methods: Supports local file-based authentication, LDAP, NIS, Kerberos (KRB5), and PAM. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is supported via IBM PowerSC MFA.
• General Recommendations: IBM provides guidance on hardening the system, managing user permissions, configuring login controls (e.g., failed login attempts, delays), and addressing concerns related to X11/CDE and setuid/setgid programs.

Analysis on the Overall Security Rating

AIX 7.3 boasts a robust security posture, integrating advanced features like comprehensive data encryption at rest (LV and PV), secure boot, and trusted execution environments. The default use of strong cryptographic algorithms for passwords and continuous vulnerability mitigation efforts underscore its enterprise readiness. Compliance with EAL4+ certifications and support for various authentication methods, including MFA, position AIX 7.3 as a highly secure platform for critical workloads. IBM's proactive approach to security advisories and hardening guidelines further enhances its overall security rating.

Performance & Benchmarks

• Benchmark Scores: Specific benchmark scores for AIX 7.3 itself are not readily available, as performance is intrinsically linked to the underlying IBM Power Systems hardware.
• Real-world Performance Metrics: Includes optimizations such as enhanced memcpy instructions and OpenBLAS with Matrix Maths Accelerator (MMA) support for Power10 processors. Live Library Update (LLU) minimizes downtime during OS updates, contributing to continuous performance. Improved JFS2 and NFS performance are also noted.
• Power Consumption: Performance and power consumption are characteristics of the IBM Power Systems hardware on which AIX runs, rather than the OS itself.
• Carbon Footprint: Similar to power consumption, the carbon footprint is primarily determined by the efficiency of the IBM Power Systems hardware.
• Comparison with Similar Assets: AIX is a proprietary Unix operating system, often compared to Linux on Power for enterprise workloads. It is positioned for mission-critical applications requiring high resiliency, security, and scalability, particularly in hybrid cloud environments.

Analysis of the Overall Performance Status

AIX 7.3 is engineered for high performance and reliability, leveraging the architectural advantages of IBM Power Systems. While direct OS-specific benchmarks are not commonly published, the system's performance is optimized for demanding enterprise applications. Features like LLU for zero-downtime updates and specific processor optimizations (e.g., for Power10) highlight IBM's focus on maintaining high availability and efficient resource utilization. Its design for scalability and resilience makes it a strong contender for critical workloads where performance and uptime are paramount.

User Reviews & Feedback

Direct user reviews and feedback for AIX 7.3 are not extensively available in public aggregated forms. However, based on the long-standing reputation of AIX and IBM Power Systems in enterprise environments, general feedback tends to highlight the following:

• Strengths:
  • Stability and Reliability: Highly regarded for its rock-solid stability and uptime, crucial for mission-critical applications.
  • Performance: Excellent performance for demanding workloads, especially databases and large-scale enterprise applications, due to deep integration with Power Systems hardware.
  • Security: Robust security features and continuous updates provide a secure operating environment.
  • Scalability: Designed to scale efficiently with IBM Power hardware, supporting large numbers of cores and memory.
  • Support: Comprehensive and responsive support from IBM is a significant advantage for enterprise users.
• Weaknesses:
  • Proprietary Nature and Vendor Lock-in: Exclusive to IBM Power Systems, which can lead to vendor lock-in and potentially higher hardware costs compared to commodity x86 platforms.
  • Learning Curve: Can have a steeper learning curve for administrators accustomed to Linux or other Unix-like systems.
  • Cost: Initial investment and ongoing software maintenance agreements can be substantial.
• Recommended Use Cases:
  • Mission-critical enterprise applications, particularly those requiring extreme uptime and performance.
  • Large-scale relational databases (e.g., Oracle, DB2).
  • Consolidation of workloads requiring high virtualization density (via PowerVM LPARs).
  • Environments demanding high levels of security and compliance.
  • Hybrid cloud strategies leveraging IBM Power Virtual Servers.

Summary

IBM AIX 7.3 is a highly specialized, enterprise-grade Unix operating system designed for IBM Power Systems. It stands out for its exceptional stability, robust security features, and optimized performance for mission-critical workloads. Key strengths include comprehensive data encryption at both logical and physical volume levels, advanced authentication methods including MFA, secure boot capabilities, and continuous vulnerability mitigation. Its deep integration with IBM Power processors (POWER8, POWER9, Power10, Power11) ensures high scalability and efficient resource utilization, making it ideal for demanding applications like large databases and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.

However, its proprietary nature and exclusive dependency on IBM Power hardware represent potential weaknesses, leading to vendor lock-in and potentially higher acquisition and maintenance costs compared to open-source alternatives on commodity hardware. The learning curve for new administrators might also be a consideration. Despite these, for organizations prioritizing unparalleled reliability, security, and performance for their most critical applications, AIX 7.3 on IBM Power Systems remains a compelling choice, particularly within hybrid cloud strategies leveraging IBM Power Virtual Servers.

The information provided is based on publicly available data and may vary depending on specific device configurations. For up-to-date information, please consult official manufacturer resources.