THE BPD Blog

Setting up a robust and scalable infrastructure is the backbone of any successful enterprise solution. With the integration of IBM Maximo and RedHat OpenShift, businesses can unlock the full potential of asset management and container orchestration. While Part 1 of this series focused on the benefits of this powerful combination and how they complement each other, this section dives into the practical steps needed to implement the integration. 

 In Part 2, we’ll walk you through the technical details of setting up OpenShift for IBM Maximo. From understanding hardware and software requirements to configuring virtual machines and connecting to the master server, this guide provides a clear and actionable roadmap to get started. 

Let’s get hands-on and explore how to build a scalable, efficient foundation for your Maximo deployment with OpenShift. 

OpenShift Cluster Installation 

To get a sneak peek and hands on experience and access OpenShift capabilities and functions, RedHat offers a 60-day trial RedHat OpenShift cluster installation. 

We can create a RedHat account and browse to OpenShift to create the 60-day trial cluster. (console.redhat.com/openshift) 

In this blog, we'll explore the installation of OpenShift 4.15.17 SNO on a virtual machine. Before diving into the installation process, I'll outline the necessary prerequisites that need to be met. 

Hardware Requirement: 

These are the minimum hardware requirements to install OpenShift. 

• Core: 8 vCPUs. 
• RAM: 16GB. 
• Storage: 120GB.
• A reliable network connection. 

Software Requirements: 

• Hypervisor (VM Workstation or VirtualBox).
• SSH Public Key (Either from PuttyGen or a Linux Machine). 

Cluster Installation: 

• Login to https://console.redhat.com/openshift/
• Select Create Cluster. 

• Use the Datacenter option and then click Create cluster 

• Enter Cluster name.
• Base domain (localhost.com).
• OpenShift Version.
• Check the option: Install Single Node OpenShift (SNO). 

• Leave the Operators section as it is.
• In the next step, add host for discovery ISO. (Generate a SSH Public key).
• Now select generate Discovery ISO and,
• Select Download Discovery ISO. 

Virtual Machine Configuration: 

Now create a virtual machine with the minimum hardware requirements, I have configured as follows: 

• Cores: 8 vCPUs. 
• RAM: 32 GB. 
• Storage: 150 GB. 

If you are using virtualbox, then configure the boot priority as follows:

• If you are using VMware, then add the following configuration in the VM config file:
• disk.EnableUUID = "TRUE".
• Keep the Network settings as Bridged Adapter as it will replicate the IP configuration same as your local.
• Add the downloaded Discovery ISO file in the VM and boot the VM.
• After the VM is up, some configurations will run and the following terminal will come up: 

• At this point, go back to the OpenShift Console and you will see the host there: 

• At this point some checks will be performed and the Host will indicate Status as ready and then you can move to the next step.
• Moving forward, review the storage and network configuration sections and then select Install Cluster. 

• This step can take upto 40 minutes, depending on the speed of the Internet.
• After the installation is complete, click on the “Not able to access web console” option and select “Option 2” to access the host resolution.
• Copy the configuration to your local machine host file.
• Finally click “Launch OpenShift Console” 

• Login using the kubeadmin username and password provided after installation completion. 

• The installation is complete now and you trial all the features of RedHat OpenShift Cluster for 60 days. 

Connecting with Master Server 

During the OpenShift installer, a SSH key was used to add in the host. Which was later used to connect to the Master Node. 

There are 2 ways that I have experienced. 

2. Generate a SSH key via PuTTYgen 

After the Host is added and OpenShift is installed, we can login from PuTTY or Linux Terminal by using: 

• Use the command: ssh core@IP
• Alternatively, configure PuTTY with the private key and connect as the user core. 

Once connected, you’ll be able to manage and monitor the OpenShift environment effectively.  

What’s Next? 

With your OpenShift cluster installed and configured, you’re now ready to deploy and scale IBM Maximo seamlessly. In Part 3, we’ll focus on troubleshooting, viewing logs, and optimising the setup for continuous, efficient operations.