WebSphere Application Server V7.0: Concepts ... - IBM Redbooks

When you choose the platform or platforms, you can determine the specific
configuration of each server by selecting the processor features, the amount of
memory, the number of direct-access storage device (DASD) arms, and storage
space that is required.
Along with selecting the hardware comes the operating system selection. The
operating system must be at a supported version with a proper maintenance
level installed for WebSphere Application Server to work properly and to get
support. Keep in mind that not every product you receive with WebSphere
Application Server V7.0 is supported on each operating system and platform.
For an updated list of the hardware and software requirements and supported
platforms for WebSphere Application Server V7.0, review the system
requirements for WebSphere Application Server V7.0, available at the following
Web page:
http://www-01.ibm.com/support/docview.wss?rs=180&uid=swg27012284
6.4 Planning for disk space and directories
Before installing WebSphere Application Server components you must provide
sufficient disk space for a successful installation and for an operation of the
environment.
Note: In this section the term file system stands as a synonym for manageable
disk storage. This can be file systems on UNIX-based systems, disk partitions,
and drive letters on Windows, HFS/zFS for z/OS, and so on.
Although WebSphere Application Server products provide a default directory
structure for their components, it might not be the best choice as the default
structure might limit the flexibility or become inconsistent in terms of naming.
Keep in mind that your directory names are bound to the naming rules.
There is no general rule if you should stick to one file system following the default
directory structure or create multiple file systems using different mount points.
Generally, disk space management is more flexible and efficient if you split the
installation in different file systems. Planning your directory structure and file
systems allows you to consider other criteria like performance, backup
requirements and capabilities, availability, and so on.
182 WebSphere Application Server V7.0: Concepts, Planning, and Design