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2019-02-04 |
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The {{site.data.keyword.BluVirtServers}} transient offering is a good option if you have flexible workloads and want cost savings. You will save money by running your workload on a transient virtual server. Transient instances are provisioned when there is unused capacity available. Therefore, when data center resources are needed for full, on-demand accounts, you can also lose those resources. Transient instances are de-provisioned on a first-on, first-off basis when those resources need to be reclaimed.
Transient virtual servers offer the following flexibility:
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Global availability
The transient virtual server offering is available in data centers across the globe.
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Cost savings
Transient virtual servers are ideal for non-production workloads. For example, you might use a transient instance to test and develop applications, or test scalability in environments that don't require constant uptime.
Transient instances are public instances that use SAN-backed storage.
You can use the {{site.data.keyword.slapi_short}} to receive notifications when resources are available for a transient instance. You can also use the API to programmatically provision a transient virtual server when resources become available. Likewise, you can use the API to programmatically stop provisioning instances when resources become unavailable. For more information, see Configuring automated reclaim notifications.
Consider the following limitations before provisioning a transient virtual server.
- The number of supported, concurrent instances are part of your account-wide device quota. For more information about concurrent instance limits, see FAQ: Virtual servers.
- Transient instances cannot be upgraded or downgraded.
- Resources can be reclaimed at any time, without notification.
- Transient instances cannot use local storage.
- Transient instances only use SAN-backed storage (balanced, compute, memory).
- Transient instances cannot use GPU-based profiles.
After you review and select your virtual server profile, it's time to provision your transient virtual server. To get started, review the following information: