IBM i Technology Refreshes Overview 2012 06-04

IBM Power Systems

IBM i Technology Refreshes
Strategy, Definition, Best Practices & Content
Steve Will - Chief Architect – IBM i

© 2012 IBM Corporation

IBM Power Systems

Technology Refreshes
& Related Enhancements

Strategy, Definition & Best Practices

Information Sources
– Official Technology Refresh page
– developerWorks

Example Technology Refresh Content
– Latest & Greatest session Wednesday
2 A system designed for business © 2012 IBM Corporation

IBM Power Systems

IBM i Roadmap
2006 2007 2008 2009

V5R4 6.1

V5R4M5 6.1.1

Clients requesting fewer operating system releases; and longer support cycles
– Major release upgrades can be disruptive for a business

Clients requesting access to newest technology

Before 7.1
– Small changes could be added using PTFs
– Major new support required a “point release”

IBM Power Systems

IBM i Roadmap
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

V5R4 6.1 7.1 i next i next + 1

V5R4M5 6.1.1
………
7.1 TRs
…
At 7.1 Technology Refreshes were added
– Built from experiences with PTF Groups
– Treated as a mini-release for planning & testing purposes
– Simpler to install on a current release and less disruptive
– Now i had a means to stretch releases, yet deliver enhancements

… but …


IBM Power Systems

Technically ….

Technology Refreshes are only for SLIC
– and really only for some of SLIC

WHAT?

– What do you mean by SLIC?

– What about that DB2 stuff I saw in the announcement?
Or the Java stuff?
Or PowerHA?
Or …


IBM Power Systems

IBM i Architecture – Big Animal Picture

•Higher-level functions for users & applications: MI-based
•Integrated Middleware: Directory Services, SQL APIs, etc.
•Web-based capabilities: Apache Web Server; Web App Server
•High-level language (C/C++, RPG, COBOL, SQL, CL, etc.)

Technology Independent Machine Interface
• Security
System Licensed Internal Code
• Networking • DB2 Database
• PASE (AIX Runtime) • Storage management
• JVM • File systems
• I/O Device Usage
• Virtualization Layers
• Processor Exploitation
• Workload Scheduling
Firmware & Hardware


IBM Power Systems

Big Animal Point Release

Point Releases such as V5R4M5 and 6.1.1 replaced all of SLIC.
Everything below the MI, above Firmware & Hardware

• Security
• Networking • DB2 Database
• PASE (AIX Runtime) • Storage management
• JVM • File systems
• Virtualization Layers
• Processor Exploitation
Firmware & Hardware


IBM Power Systems

Technology Refreshes: Enable Hardware, I/O & Virtualization


Technology Refreshes • Virtualization Layers
Enable New Capabilities • Processor Exploitation
Firmware & Hardware


IBM Power Systems

Technology Refresh Concept as Delivered by TR Groups

Beginning with IBM i 7.1 GA, future point / modification releases are replaced
with a new delivery mechanism:

“Technology Refresh”

Definition: A collection of OS software for “new function enablement” that is
– packaged together,
– tested together, and
– delivered as a single PTF Group.

A Technology Refresh may include:
– Support for new hardware and firmware
(for example, new I/O devices or newly
announced models)
– Support for new virtualization functions
– Performance improvements
– New function enablement


IBM Power Systems

Technology Refresh: Technically Speaking


IBM Power Systems

What Is a Technology Refresh – Really?
CUM
Other function
Overloaded Term GAed at same
– System Management definition time
Other PTFs
TR PTF Group + GA CUM
(+ GA Resave if upgrading to 7.1)
– General communications
GA Resave TR PTF Group
Everything announced when TR PTF
Group is delivered
developerWorks uses the term
TECHNOLOGY UPDATE TR-Reqs
TR-PTF
Think of the Technology Refresh
as the TR PTF Group + GA CUM
(+ GA Resave if upgrading to 7.1)
– Orderable entities – bundle various
Managed
PTFs, including a TR PTF Add Function
– Together they provide enablement of PTFs
new hardware, firmware, and
virtualization

IBM Power Systems

CUM
Other function
GAed at same
time
Other PTFs
Typical Fixes

GA Resave TR PTF Group For example,
DB2, Java,
BRMS

TR-PTF TR-Reqs
New TR function

Fixes made to
New function
Managed the TR code,
outside the TR.
Add Function or which
For example,
PTFs require the TR
IBM i has added
tape support
outside the TR Some TR function requires non-SLIC
components to deliver complete
12
solutions. Example: Cryptography
A system designed for business © 2012 IBM Corporation

IBM Power Systems

The Technology Refresh Web Site

www.ibm.com/systems/support/i/planning/techrefresh/index.html


IBM Power Systems

Technology Refresh Details Page


IBM Power Systems

A Look Under the Covers – The Technology Refresh PTF

Provides much of “magic” of the Technology Refresh
– Large multiple-component Licensed Internal Code (LIC) PTF
– Allows development and testing like a modification release, but
distribution like a PTF

Part of the “magic” is accomplished by breaking the supersede chain after each
Technology Refresh PTF
– Therefore, it must be perm applied to install follow-on PTFs
– PTF Install will enforce rules and try to do this for you

Built and approved well before GA, so can be included in GA resave
– It is NOT a “marker PTF” – it is an actual, functional PTF
– At GA time, it is bundled in TR PTF Group along with follow-on PTFs and
additional function
– IBM DOES NOT recommend installing the individual TR PTF before GA or
without the corresponding TR PTF Group, unless the TR PTF is required by a
PTF Group or a follow-on PTF


IBM Power Systems

Technology Refresh PTF (cont.)

Follow-on PTFs: Non-Technology Refresh PTFs
containing common objects with the
Technology Refresh PTF

Follow-on PTFs:
– Will NOT supersede the Technology Refresh PTF TR

– Will have new *TRREQ (Technology Refresh requisite) designation
– New *TRREQ type supported on DSPPTF and QPZRTVFX API
In RETAIN, follow-on PTF will prereq the Technology Refresh PTF (RETAIN will
not support new *TRREQ).
– Cannot be loaded until the Tech Refresh PTF is permanently applied
– Can be *IMMED even though Tech Refresh PTF is *DELAYED.

Technology Refresh PTF identified via:
– New PTF attribute (DSPPTF command, QPZRTVFX, QpzListPTF APIs)
– Reserved prefix range: MF99nnn – e.g., MF99004 for 7.1 is PTF for TR4

IBM Power Systems

A Very Good FAQ

Are Technology Refreshes available for the entire IBM i
operating system?

– No, Technology Refreshes are currently only available for
Licensed Internal Code

– However, other system function may be GAed at the same
time as a TR


IBM Power Systems

Strategically Speaking

Historically

– DB2 was already producing PTF Groups for new off-release function

– Other technologies were delivering capabilities in groups, or individual PTFs

– No coordination: themes, communication, documentation

IBM i needed to emulate Technology Refreshes throughout the Operating System

– Coming to fruition in TR4 timeframe

– Let’s look at developerWorks – THE place to go for TRs and more new function


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developerWorks: IBM i front page

ibm.com/developerworks/ibmi

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developerWorks: Technology Updates page

Technology Refreshes

Notice: Many technologies have updates
outside the Technology Refresh

www.ibm.com/developerworks/ibmi/techupdates

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developerWorks: Hardware & I/O – TR pages

www.ibm.com/developerworks/ibmi/techupdates/hw

IBM Power Systems

TR Virtualization - Summary


IBM Power Systems

TR Virtualization - Details


IBM Power Systems

developerWorks: DB2


IBM Power Systems

developerWorks: More Technologies, More Groups

• Over time, technology groups which have been delivering functions between
releases are being gathered here.

• BRMS & PowerHA, for example, have been added since TR3, gathering
material from “marketing” pages where they were initially created.

• In any specific TR, there may or may not be enhancements in some
technologies.

IBM Power Systems

TR Announcements

TR
Coordinated around TR

TR DB Java BRMS

Contain much more than
actual TR Group

Cover anything delivered
since prior TR
Announcement


IBM Power Systems

Redbook updates in 2011:

• IBM i 7.1 Technical Overview
• Cover through TR3
• Supplement Info Center

• PowerHA SystemMirror for i
• “How To Implement”
• V7000, SVC and more

http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/redbooks/pdfs/sg247858.pdf

IBM Power Systems

What Are Best Practices ?

H
At a minimum should consider applying: I

W
– CUM, HIPERs, DB Group, TR Group – P

TP
eb
roughly every 6 months E

Qu

HT
R

er
– Do not “pick and choose” individual PTFs Se S

y
from the groups – load everything c IP
uri
ty P/
– This is the best way to avoid unplanned TC
downtime
TR Group CUM DB Group
Depending on needs & your environment
– Other groups
(Security, Java, HTTP, TCP/IP, Print, BRMS, etc.) S Ja
va
BRM
– Individual PTFs for particular support

Pe
int
– Consult developerWorks and PSP web pages E

rf.
Pr
for info to help make decision T

To
ols
C
Load all into same image catalog
– Apply from there
– Let the system decide
how to apply most Virtual
Optical
efficiently
Image Catalog


IBM Power Systems

The TR PTF Itself

The TR PTF will be available before GA
– TR PTF is created well before GA, so it can be included in the
GA Resave
– It is extensively tested on older levels of supported hardware
before that – so it is safe to install on older supported systems
– BUT IBM does not recommend that it be installed without the
TR PTF Group, unless it is required by another PTF or PTF Group being installed.

The TR PTF can become a requisite of another PTF before (or after) GA
– If a part / module in the TR PTF is changed by a subsequent PTF, TR
TRREQ
the TR PTF becomes a special kind of requisite, called a *TRREQ
(looks like prereq in Retain)
– Follow on PTFs can be *IMMED even though Tech Refresh PTF is *DELAYED.

The TR PTF can be included in PTF groups (like HIPERs and CUMs)
– If a PTF in the HIPER group or CUM calls out
the TR PTF as a *TRREQ, then the TR PTF HIPER
will be pulled into the HIPER group or CUM PTF
PTF
PTF
TR PTF
– In fact, this likely will occur PTF
PTF
PTF TRREQ
PTF
PTF


IBM Power Systems

Some Other Things to Remember

The TR PTF may be required for debug or future fixes
– Development / support will generally try to debug
a problem when the system is in the failing state
Sometimes development builds traps or special 1 3
debug code to help isolate the problem 2

– If system is back-level, may need to bring fix level
up to date before can get permanent fix – if TR PTF
is in PTF chains of fix, this will mean applying the TR PTF

Later Technology Refreshes are supersets of previous ones
– This means that if a system is back level on Technology
Refreshes, only the latest TR must be installed to 1 2 3
bring the system up to date

Make sure the TR PTF is permanently applied
– Will need to be perm applied before any
follow on PTFs that require it can be
applied


IBM Power Systems

Details for Planning Purposes

Before installing the TR PTF, TR Group, CUM, etc. make sure the Double IPL Automation
PTF is installed on your system – SI43585
– It will save you time when applying TRs, Groups, PTFs, etc.
– Has been in HIPER group since 05/10/11
– In TR Group for TR 2 – 05/13/11
– In CUM and Resave available at same time as TR 2

Must be installing from an image catalog, in order to take advantage of the “Double IPL”
automation support
– If installing from a remote virtual optical device on a different partition, make sure the
server partition has PTF SI42302 applied (contains required image catalog and optical
code for “Automatic Double-IPL”).

Read InfoApar II14482 when planning your upgrade to 7.1
– Lists PTFs and process needed to avoid a potential problem trying to
apply a TR immediately after doing an upgrade to 7.1 from 5.4.x or 6.1.x,
– This was initially thought to be a TR problem, but was actually related to image
catalog support


IBM Power Systems

If You Have Questions

Don’t just assume
– Consult the web pages, FAQs, Info Center, etc.
– And if still confused – ASK


IBM Power Systems

Enhancements provided by TRs


IBM Power Systems

IBM i 7.1 Technology Refreshes Add Value

Technology Refresh 1 – September 2010
– Virtual Media support to reduce hardware dependencies and costs
– Network Installation of all IBM i software for more efficient operations
– Web Services support for integrating legacy applications into business processes

Technology Refresh 2 – May 2011
– Suspend/Resume IBM i partition as another step towards clouds
– Sharing Tape Drives across IBM i partitions to reduce infrastructure complexity
– XML and Security enhancements to DB2 for i

Technology Refresh 3 – October 2011
– VM Image Management in cooperation with Systems Director VMControl
– PowerHA support of V7000 & SVC – Metro Mirror, Global Mirror & FlashCopy
– Thin Provisioning for DS8700 and DS8800 storage servers, and for VIOS Shared
Storage Pools allows configurations set up with a smaller amount of real disk storage


IBM Power Systems

PowerHA SystemMirror Enhancements Translated Version TR4

• PowerHA SystemMirror for IBM i support includes
• DS8000 (DS8K)
• SAN Volume Controller (SVC) and IBM Storage Systems Storwize V7000 TR3
• Advanced Copy Services (ACS)
• Currently available for DS8K
• Future direction - V7000

Admin domain
Local Site
*SYSBAS
*SYSBAS
(DR)
DR Site
POWER7
(Prod) Metro Mirror
IBM i

F IASP
IASP
(Switchable) Global Mirror l HA
DR
a
s
h
C IASP
DR
HA
Flash
o
Backup
p *SYBAS
y (Backup I)

POWER7 POWER7
IBM i DS8000 DS8000 IBM i
Production SVC* SVC
Storewize V7000* Storewize V7000 ©


IBM Power Systems

IBM i Technology Refresh 4 - Highlights
Moving running workloads from one machine to another with Live
Partition Mobility delivers the next step for cloud environments
DB2 for i enhancements improve performance as well as delivering
additional security, error monitoring and SQL functions
Virtualized SAN and Network Infrastructure

DB2 WebQuery for i simplifies ordering with Express and Standard
offerings
New options in Application Runtime Expert allow access to the tool
without granting high security levels

IBM i Workload Groups allows clients to license SWG products at "less
than capacity" level
• PowerHA for IBM i now includes support for IBM Storage Systems
Storwize V7000 and San Volume Controller (SVC)


IBM Power Systems

Live Partition Mobility for IBM i

Improves service levels for IBM i workloads
– Business and IT security and resiliency are as critical as ever, and must
be dynamic and intelligent in order to match the speed of business
change
– PowerVM Live Partition Mobility
Move running IBM i partitions between systems
Eliminate planned outages and balance workloads across systems
VIOS is required

TR4 Group Required



IBM Power Systems

New I/O Support for IBM i

New SFF SSD:
– 2X performance 2X capacity
– Better price performance

High performance low profile SAS SSD Adapter
– RAID 5/6 with just one adapter (vs two)
– May lower the cost for SSD configuration

New lower price, 4-port 1Gb LAN adapter
– Native support plus support through VIOS
– Replaces existing 2-port and 4-port LAN adapters in most POWER7
proposals

New DAT160 USB-attached tape drive config option
– for Power 720/740/750 HH bay of system unit
– Supported through VIOS
– Potentially improves performance for saves/restores

TR4 Group Required


IBM Power Systems

DB2 for i Enhancements Row Lock Performance

250
Significant functional enhancements 228

– Short names
200
– Where used information
– Support for JDBC 4.1 specification 150
SQL enhancements Before
Minutes
After
– Subselect 100

– RUNSQL command
50
Security enhancements
12
– Object Auditing Control
0
Performance improvements
– based on analysis of index statistics
DB Management Improvements
– adding SYSDISKSTAT catalog to QSYS
library
Enhanced SQL Error Reporting using monitor
records

DB2 Group Required
See developerWorks

IBM Power Systems

Web Integration Enhancements

Java 7 5761-JV1 Options 14 & 15
– 32 and 64 bit version Java 7 runtime engine
– Available only on IBM i 7.1

XML Service GA Dec 2011
– New Open Source tool to access Native IBM i objects from any language
– Access RPG programs from PHP, RUBY, or other languages
– Use in a Tier 1 or Tier 2 environment


IBM Power Systems

IBM i Workload Groups – Enhanced Management & Licensing

Workload Groups new capabilities to manage/license workloads on IBM i
– Limit the number of cores that are used by specific applications
within single system/partition/subsystem
– Limits placed at the whole processor-core level
– Applications licensed for the number of capped cores
– Can cap a single job or all jobs/threads in a subsystem

IBM i Today IBM i with Workload Groups

Application #1= 6 Cores Application #1 = 3 Cores

Application #2 = 6 Cores Application #2 = 4 Cores

IBM i = 6 Cores IBM i = 6 Cores

IBM i System / Partition / Subsystem IBM i System / Partition / Subsystem

https://www.ibm.com/developerworks/mydeveloperworks/wikis/home?lang
=en#/wiki/IBM%20i%20Technology%20Updates/page/IBM%20i%20workload%20groups

IBM Power Systems

Summary

Without Technology Refreshes
– IBM i would be delivering another release this year – 2012
There would have been impacts to V5R4 & 6.1 EoS
– Partition Mobility would not be available on 7.1
Along with Suspend/Resume & other virtualization enhancements
– Coordination of deliverables would have been unlikely
“Same As Always” would have occurred

With Technology Refreshes
– Full-release function has been delivered
In a staged approach
– Isolation of new function allows for mini-release testing
While ensuring that TRs do not require requalification
– No Release Upgrade is required
Disruption of release is removed


IBM Power Systems

Thank You!

IBM Power Systems

Technology Refresh: Backup Details


IBM Power Systems

A very detailed walk-through using system interfaces to install and inspect the TR was written
in spring 2011 with TR2 as the example TR. I include that example here for reference
purposes.

COMMON 2011 had a very detailed presentation on Technology Refreshes, and that “helpful
hint” information is also included, because it might help you with the details of TRs.


IBM Power Systems

Display PTF – DSPPTF LICPGM(5770999)
PTFs are displayed in
Display PTF Status
descending order by
System: SYSTEM1 PTF ID, so the Tech
Product ID . . . . . . . . . . . . . : 5770999
Refresh PTFs (MF99*)
IPL source . . . . . . . . . . . . . : ##MACH#B will be listed after the
Release of base option . . . . . . . : V7R1M0 L00 marker (TL*) PTFs, but
Type options, press Enter. before the remaining
5=Display PTF details 6=Print cover letter 8=Display cover letter
MF* PTFs.
PTF IPL
Opt ID Status Action
5 MF99002 Permanently applied None
MF99001 Permanently applied None
5 MF52149 Permanently applied None
MF50941 Superseded None
MF50925 Permanently applied None
MF50860 Not applied None
MF50836 Temporarily applied None

More ...
F3=Exit F11=Display alternate view F17=Position to F12=Cancel

46 © 2011 IBM Corporation

IBM Power Systems

Display PTF – DSPPTF details of Tech Refresh PTF
• Note the Technology
Display PTF Details Refresh PTF will call out
Product ID/PTF ID . . . . . . . . . : 5770999 MF99002 Link/Loader (LIC PTF
Release . . . . . . . . . . . . . . : V7R1M0 Management) PTF MF51814
Select one of the following: as a prereq.
1. General information
2. Requisite PTFs • TR2 supersedes TR1 and
339 existing LIC PTFs (110
4. Superseded PTFs
chains), TR1 superseded 87
6. PTF Objects PTFs.
7. Symptom strings

9. APARs fixed • Option 6 to list objects in
20. All of the above TR2 will show 1507 RUs
(replaceable units). Each TR
is cumulative, so the object
Bottom
Selection list will grow every 6 months
1
when we release a new TR
F3=Exit F12=Cancel (TR1 had 525 RUs). PTF
save file for TR2 is 20 meg
47
(TR1 was 8.6 meg). © 2011 IBM Corporation

IBM Power Systems

Display PTF – DSPPTF Tech Refresh PTF, option 1

General information

Product ID/PTF ID . . . . . . . . . . : 5770999 MF99002
Release . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . : V7R1M0

On order . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . : No
PTF save file . . . . . . . . . . . . : Yes
PTF status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . : Permanently applied
Latest superseding PTF . . . . . . . . : None
Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . : Delayed
Unattended IPL action . . . . . . . . : None
Note Tech Refresh
Optional part . . . . . . . . . . . . : *BASE PTF will always be
PTF library . . . . . . . . . . . . . : QGPL Delayed and require
Cover letter . . . . . . . . . . . . . : No
Mandatory instructions . . . . . . . . : No an IPL to apply.
Test Fix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . : No
Action pending . . . . . . . . . . . . : No
Action required . . . . . . . . . . . : No
More...
Press Enter to continue

F3=Exit F12=Cancel


IBM Power Systems

Display PTF – DSPPTF Tech Refresh PTF, option 1

General information

Product ID/PTF ID . . . . . . . . . . : 5770999 MF99002
Release . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . : V7R1M0

Target release . . . . . . . . . . . . : V7R1M0
Minimum-Maximum level . . . . . . . . : L00-L00
PTF creation date/time . . . . . . . . : 01/21/11 10:04:34
Technology refresh PTF . . . . . . . . : Yes

New Technology
refresh field added to
the panel. Note new
attribute is only
applicable for LIC
Bottom (57xx999) PTFs.
Press Enter to continue

F3=Exit F12=Cancel


IBM Power Systems

Display PTF – DSPPTF details of Follow-on PTF

Display PTF Details
•Note: Option 2
Product ID/PTF ID . . . . . . . . . : 5770999 MF52149
Release . . . . . . . . . . . . . . : V7R1M0 (Requisite PTFs) is
listed because the
Select one of the following:
follow-on PTF will
1. General information *TRREQ the Tech
2. Requisite PTFs
Refresh PTF.
6. PTF Objects
7. Symptom strings
•Note: Option 4
9. APARs fixed (Superseded PTFs) is
20. All of the above not listed because the
follow-on PTF does
Bottom supersede the
not
Selection
2 Tech Refresh PTF (or
any other PTFs in this
F3=Exit F12=Cancel
example).


IBM Power Systems

Display PTF – DSPPTF Follow-on PTF, option 2

Display Requisite PTFs

Product ID/PTF ID . . . . . . . . . : 5770999 MF52149
Release . . . . . . . . . . . . . . : V7R1M0

Product Requisite Product Requisite
PTF ID ID type PTF ID ID type
MF99002 5770999 *TRREQ

New *TRREQ
(Technology refresh
requisite) type defined
Bottom
in addition to
Press Enter to continue *PREREQ, *COREQ,
*DSTREQ.
F3=Exit F12=Cancel


IBM Power Systems

Display PTF – DSPPTF Requisite type help (*TRREQ)

Requisite type - Help

The type of the requisite. The types are:

*PREREQ
The PTF is required to be installed on the system before you
can apply this PTF.
*COREQ
The PTF is required to be applied with the PTF that is being
displayed. Note the *TRREQ is a
*TRREQ load time check where
The technology refresh PTF is required to be permanently *PREREQ and
applied on the system before you can load this PTF.
*DSTREQ
*COREQ are apply
The PTF is required for distribution purposes only. time checks.

Bottom
F2=Extended help F3=Exit help F10=Move to top F12=Cancel
F13=Information Assistant F14=Print help


IBM Power Systems

Installing Follow-on (*TRREQ) PTF when Tech Refresh PTF not installed

Can occur in the following scenarios:

– Order and Install cumulative PTF package CUM
PTF PTF
C1116710 for IBM i 7.1 where the cumulative PTF
PTF
PTF
PTF package contains TR2 and follow-on PTFs. PTF
TR
TRREQ
PTF
PTF

– Order and Install a PTF group (e.g. Technology HIPER
Refresh, TCP/IP, HIPER) that contains a follow-on PTF. PTF
PTF
PTF
TR PTF
PTF
PTF
PTF TRREQ
PTF
PTF

– Order and Install an individual PTF that is a
follow-on (*TRREQ) PTF for the Technology
Refresh PTF. TR
TRREQ


IBM Power Systems


For each of the previous scenarios:

– Make sure “Automatic Double-IPL” PTF SI42445 is applied (PTF is in
HIPER PTF group SF99709 level 26 or higher). Note this PTF automates
the extra IPL for both Technology Refresh and Special Handling pre-apply
PTFs.

– If your PTFs are on physical DVDs, create image catalog and use the Add
Image Catalog Entry (ADDIMGCLGE) command for each DVD.

– If you are installing PTFs from a remote virtual optical device on a different
partition, make sure the server partition has
PTF SI42302 applied (contains required image
catalog and optical code for
“Automatic Double-IPL”).

– Use GO PTF command, option 8 to install PTFs.


IBM Power Systems


For each of the previous scenarios:

– Make sure “Automatic Double-IPL” PTF SI42445 is applied (PTF is in
HIPER PTF group SF99709 level 26 or higher). Note this PTF automates the
extra IPL for both Technology Refresh and Special Handling pre-apply PTFs.

– If your PTFs are on physical DVDs, create image catalog and use the Add
Image Catalog Entry (ADDIMGCLGE) command for each DVD.

– If you are installing PTFs from a remote virtual optical device on a different
partition, make sure the server partition has
PTF SI42302 applied (contains required image
catalog and optical code for
“Automatic Double-IPL”).

– Use GO PTF command, option 8 to install PTFs.


IBM Power Systems

GO PTF, option 8 (Install a PTF package)

Install Options for Program Temporary Fixes • For Device, enter
System: SYSTEM1 name of virtual optical
Type choices, press Enter.
device with loaded
Device . . . . . . . . . OPTVRT01 Name, *SERVICE, *NONE image catalog, or
*SERVICE. To install
Automatic IPL . . . . . N Y=Yes
N=No
from both optical and
*SERVICE, change
Prompt for Media . . . . 1 1=Single PTF volume set Prompt for Media field
2=Multiple PTF volume sets
3=Multiple volume sets and to 3.
*SERVICE
• For Automatic IPL,
Restart type . . . . . . *SYS *SYS, *FULL
enter Y or N. Auto
Other options . . . . . N Y=Yes IPL=Y will power down
N=No
immediately if IPL
required to perm apply
F3=Exit F12=Cancel TR PTF.


IBM Power Systems

GO PTF – Load PTFs from device for all products

PTF Load in Progress • PTF Install code will
System: SYSTEM1 load the TR PTF and
its requisites, then
Product
ID Description
automatically set
5770999 Licensed Internal Code them for perm apply.

• PTF Install code will
not load any LIC PTFs
from media files
containing a follow-on
(*TRREQ) PTF. For
*SERVICE, all LIC
PTFs that are not
follow-on (*TRREQ)
Bottom PTFs are loaded.
Loading PTFs for 1 of 39 Licensed Programs


IBM Power Systems

GO PTF – Message CPF362E: IPL required

Program Temporary Fix •New CPF362E (IPL required)
System: SYSTEM1 message is English only. We
Select one of the following:
1. Load a program temporary fix
save GO PTF parms in an
2. Apply a program temporary fix internal space to use on the
3. Copy a program temporary fix next normal, unattended IPL to
4. Remove a program temporary fix
5. Display a program temporary fix
finish the PTF Install. So …
6. Order a program temporary fix don’t delete the image catalog
7. Install a program temporary fix from a list until the PTF install is
8. Install a program temporary fix package
9. Copy PTF Cover letter complete. If using remote
10. Display PTF Cover letter optical device, make sure
11. Delete a program temporary fix
server partition has image
More ...
catalog with PTFs still loaded
Selection or command when you IPL the client
===> 8
partition.
F3=Exit F4=Prompt F9=Retrieve F12=Cancel
•Note if IPL required for special
IPL required to complete PTF install processing.
handling pre-apply PTF (cume
pkg), same message.

IBM Power Systems

Operating System IPL (SCPF job)

Operating System IPL in Progress •During LIC IPL, Link/Loader
5/02/11 06:30:23
perm applies TR PTF and its
IPL:
Type . . . . . . . . . . . . : Unattended requisites (mini IPL to A side).
Start date and time . . . . : 5/02/11 06:15:08 •OS IPL, XPF PTF
Previous system end . . . . : Normal Management syncs with LL
Current step / total . . . . : 17 49
Reference code detail . . . : C900 2967
and marks TR PTF and
requisites perm applied.
IPL Step: Time elapsed Time remaining •Load remaining LIC PTFs
Internal journal recovery 00:00:02 from previous device and
SAG initialization 00:00:01
> PTF Processing 05:14:28 11:30:41
image catalog. Activity:
Signals initialization Loading PTFs
•Set all PTFs for delayed
Item: apply. Activity: Setting IPL
Current / total . . . . . . : 1 254
Identifier . . . . . . . . . : 5770999-MFxxxxx V7R1M0
Action for PTFs
Activity . . . . . . . . . . : Setting IPL Action for PTFs •New English msg CPI35ED –
IPL requested by PTF
IPL requested by PTF processing. processing – restart partition


IBM Power Systems

Operating System IPL (SCPF job)

Operating System IPL in Progress •During 2nd LIC IPL,
5/02/11 07:08:18
Link/Loader applies all
IPL:
Type . . . . . . . . . . . . : Unattended LIC PTFs set for
Start date and time . . . . : 5/02/11 07:02:45 delayed apply.
Previous system end . . . . : Normal
Current step / total . . . . : 17 49
Reference code detail . . . : C900 2967
•During 2nd OS IPL,
normal PTF processing
IPL Step: Time elapsed Time remaining to apply all PTFs set
Internal journal recovery 00:00:02 for delayed apply.
SAG initialization 00:00:01
> PTF Processing 16:13:28 9:33:51
Continue IPL to sign-
Signals initialization on.

Item:
Current / total . . . . . . : 52 254
Identifier . . . . . . . . . : 5770SS1-SIxxxxx V7R1M0
Activity . . . . . . . . . . : Applying PTFs


IBM Power Systems

Verify PTFs installed: WRKPTFGRP or DSPPTF

Work with PTF Groups
System: SYSTEM1
-If PTFs not installed,
Type options, press Enter. previous SCPF joblog
1=Order 4=Delete 5=Display 6=Print has debug information.
8=Display special handling PTFs 9=Display related PTF groups

Opt PTF Group Level Status
_ SF99710 11116 Installed
_ SF99701 6 Not installed
_ SF99362 9 On order

Bottom
F3=Exit F6=Print F11=Display descriptions F12=Cancel
F22= Display entire field


IBM Power Systems

Just the FAQs – the TR PTF

Is TR PTF available before GA, and if so, is it safe to install?
– Yes, and yes
– TR PTF is created well before GA, so it can be included in the GA
Resave
– Extensively tested on older levels of supported hardware before that – so it is safe to
install on older supported systems
– BUT IBM does not recommend that it be installed, unless it is required by another
PTF or PTF Group you are installing.

Can the TR PTF become a requisite of another PTF before (or after) GA?
– Yes
– If a part / module in the TR PTF is changed by a subsequent PTF, the TR PTF
becomes a special kind of requisite, called a *TRREQ

Can the TR PTF be included in PTF groups (like HIPERs and CUMs)?
– Yes
– If a PTF in the HIPER group or CUM calls out the TR PTF as a
TRREQ, then the TR PTF will be pulled into the HIPER group or
CUM – in fact, this likely will occur


IBM Power Systems

Just the FAQs – Install and Requisites

Will the TR PTF be required for debug or future fixes?
– Perhaps
– Development / support will generally try to debug
a problem when the system is in the failing state 1
2
3
• Sometimes development builds traps or special
debug code to help isolate the problem
– If system is back-level, may need to bring fix level
up to date before can get permanent fix – if TR PTF is in PTF chains of fix, this will
mean applying the TR PTF

How are later Technology Refreshes related to previous ones?
– Later Technology Refreshes are supersets of previous ones for the same base release
• This means that if a system is back level on Technology
Refreshes, only the latest one must be installed to bring 1 2 3
the system up to date

Are Technology Refreshes available for the entire IBM i operating system?
– No, Technology Refreshes are currently only available for Licensed Internal Code
– However, other system function may be GAed at the same time as a TR


IBM Power Systems

Just the FAQs – Recovery and Best Practices

How do I remove a Technology Refresh from my system?
– ***DON’T*** – the TR will eventually be required for future fixes (but can temporarily)
• Install a save of the system made before the Technology Refresh install
• Install a previous Resave level or the base install media, and bring the system up to date by
applying appropriate PTFs, CUMs, groups

How do I restore my system back to a known level after a failure?
– If system was at current Technology Refresh level, install the latest Resave,
plus CUM, plus TR PTF Group, and any other PTFs, groups, etc.
– To restore to an earlier level, must archive media or a save of the system

What are some BEST PRACTICES?
1. Keep systems up to date with latest Technology Refresh PTF Group
2. When installing a Technology Refresh, install either the
TR Group plus the CUM, or the Resave plus the TR
Group plus the CUM; do not install just the TR PTF
3. Install the Double IPL Automation PTF SI42445
4. Make sure the Technology Refresh PTF is permanently
applied to your system
5. Install from an image catalog, rather than from physical
media, for simplicity and improved performance


IBM Power Systems

Potential “Gotchas” to Consider

DON’T confuse the Technology Refresh PTF with the Technology Refresh
PTF Group and the overall Technology Refresh itself
– The Technology Refresh for a particular GA is the Technology Refresh PTF Group
plus the corresponding GA CUM
• See the TR web pages for the appropriate levels
– Timeline works like this:
• TR PTF is approved and becomes visible well
before GA, to include in GA Resave
• TR Web Pages are updated with information on
new TR levels at Announce
• TR PTF Group, Resave, and CUM become available at GA

DON’T install the Technology Refresh PTF by itself
– The Technology Refresh PTF by itself may not supply complete support or include
the latest fixes for a particular Technology Refresh.
– IBM recommends that customers should NOT install the
Technology Refresh PTF by itself, but instead should
install the Technology Refresh PTF Group and the
matching CUM (or, if upgrading from older release,
the Resave + TR Group + CUM)


IBM Power Systems

Potential “Gotchas” to Consider -2-

DON’T install the Technology Refresh PTF before GA
– The Technology Refresh PTF will be available before GA,
so it can be included in the GA Resave and CUM
– However, IBM does not recommend installing the TR PTF
before GA unless it is required by a follow-on PTF, because:
• The TR PTF is not needed for existing hardware or function
• The TR PTF by itself may not contain complete support for new hardware or
function
• The new hardware or function the TR PTF enables is not supported until after GA
– If the Technology Refresh PTF is not required to install a follow-on PTF or PTF Group,
customers should wait until the Technology Refresh GA and install the TR PTF
Group + GA CUM at that time

DO permanently apply the Technology Refresh PTF as soon as convenient
– This will save time later when applying follow-on PTFs
that require it (*TRREQ it)


IBM Power Systems

Potential “Gotchas” to Consider -3-

DO have the Double IPL Automation PTF installed on a system before trying
to install the TR Group, TR PTF, Resave, CUM, HIPER Group, etc.
– This will avoid confusion and potentially additional time required,
when upgrading to a new TR level or installing a follow-on PTF that
requires a TR (*TRREQ)

DO keep your system up to date with latest Technology Refreshes
– This can help reduce debug time for system problems, and can avoid
unnecessary outages for system problems that already have fixes available
– Installing a Technology Refresh as soon as it is convenient may avoid having to
install it at an inconvenient time, in order to get a needed fix

DO install a Technology Refresh from an image catalog
rather than physical media, if possible
– It will be simpler and will improve performance
– Using an image catalog is necessary for the
“Double IPL” automation support


IBM Power Systems

References
System i Software Information Center: http://publib.boulder.ibm.com/eserver/ibmi.html
– Maintaining and managing IBM i and related software
– Application Programming Interfaces (APIs)
– Service and support

Additional URLs
– IBM i Technology Refresh:
http://www-947.ibm.com/systems/support/i/planning/techrefresh/index.html
– IBM i Resaves:
http://www-947.ibm.com/systems/support/i/planning/resave/v7r1.html
– IBM i PTF Groups
http://www-
912.ibm.com/s_dir/sline003.NSF/GroupPTFs?OpenView&view=GroupPTFs
– Preventative Service Planning (PSP) for IBM i:
http://www-912.ibm.com/s_dir/sline003.nsf/sline003home
– IBM Systems Support, System i, Fixes:
http://www-947.ibm.com/systems/support/i/fixes/index.html
– “Automate Extra IPL for PTF Install,” iDevelop Blog article:
http://ibmsystemsmag.blogs.com/i_can/2011/03/automate-extra-ipl-for-ptf-
install.html

IBM Power Systems

Special notices
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offerings available in your area.
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IBM may have patents or pending patent applications covering subject matter in this document. The furnishing of this document does not give
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10504-1785 USA.
All statements regarding IBM future direction and intent are subject to change or withdrawal without notice, and represent goals and objectives
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The information contained in this document has not been submitted to any formal IBM test and is provided "AS IS" with no warranties or
guarantees either expressed or implied.
All examples cited or described in this document are presented as illustrations of the manner in which some IBM products can be used and the
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All prices shown are IBM's United States suggested list prices and are subject to change without notice; reseller prices may vary.
IBM hardware products are manufactured from new parts, or new and serviceable used parts. Regardless, our warranty terms apply.
Any performance data contained in this document was determined in a controlled environment. Actual results may vary significantly and are
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IBM Power Systems

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IBM i Technology Refreshes Overview 2012 06-04

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