Several IBM® packages are available for installing z/OS®. Some are entitled with the product (as part of your z/OS license, at no additional charge), while others are available for an additional fee. This section describes each package.

Rule: Because the base elements and optional features are integrated into a single package with compatible service levels, you must install, with few exceptions, the entire z/OS product. See Choosing the z/OS base and optional features for details about this policy.

Tip: You might find that sharing system libraries or cloning an already-installed z/OS system is faster and easier than installing z/OS with an IBM installation package. For further information, see Installing z/OS without using an installation package.

For functional changes to z/OS releases, including changes to secure delivery through FTP or FTPS, see Summary of changes for the z/OS installation planner