[c-nsp] Multicast over VRF possible?

[Jeff Kell]

In the process of an upgrade/reconfiguration today, I discovered that 
PIM multicast routing and VRF-lite are apparently mutually exclusive on 
a 4506.  In this case, specifically IOS 
cat4500-entservicesk9-mz.122-50.SG1 on a Sup-IV  WS-X4515.

With an "ip vrf forwarding ..." directive, there is no "ip pim" option 
available, it disappears from the configuration options.

OK, that was the "old school" fix to make some limited multicast work in 
this situation (Symantec Ghost for imaging remote labs).

Is there another way to achieve routed multicasting in a VRF 
environment?  Specifically, the imaging server resides in a "public 
services" VRF, while the target labs are in other VRFs.

Is this a platform-specific restriction?  Or is it Catalyst-wide?  Can 
the 6500 handle it (on a 'ip vrf forward'ed interface or SVI)?

There are some imaging alternatives (just relocate a suitable "master" 
copy to the local subnet), but there are some other multicast "plans" on 
the table that aren't so easily bypassed.

Thanks in advance,

Jeff