IBM i 7.2 - An efficient, resilient platform for business
IBM Canada Ltd. Software Announcement A14-0290April 28, 2014
ENUSA14-0290.PDF
(Corrected on June 10, 2014)
"Try and Buy" information was revised.
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| At a glance |
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IBM® i 7.2 includes the following new enhancements:
- Enhanced security options in DB2® for i
- Many new functions for programmer productivity and expanded function in DB2 for i
- Improved ease of use with IBM Navigator for i
- Enhancements to iAccess Client Solutions
- Extension of security to more applications through new single sign-on (SSO) environments
- Liberty Core as the base for Integrated Application Server
- Support for Zend Server 6.0 on IBM i 7.2
- Performance improvements for the integrated file system
- Extensions to the printing environments
- Expanded Hub functions for Backup, Recovery, and Media Services (BRMS)
- PowerHA® SystemMirror® for i Express® Edition with new HyperSwap® capability
- Support for new Power Systems™ built with POWER8™ architecture and processor
- Additional I/O capabilities including support for WAN over LAN
- Rational® tools enhancements to support Free Format Report Program Generator (RPG)
- Support for the open source file serving solution Samba
For ordering, contact your IBM representative, an IBM Business Partner, or IBM Americas Call Centers at 800-IBM-CALL (Reference: AE001).
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| Overview |
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IBM i running on an IBM Power Systems server offers a highly scalable and virus-resistant architecture with a proven reputation for exceptional business resiliency. Running applications based on IBM i has helped companies over many years to focus on innovation and delivering new value to their business, not just on managing their data centre operations.
IBM i integrates a trusted combination of relational database, security, web services, networking, and storage management capabilities. It provides a broad and highly stable database and middleware foundation for efficiently deploying business processing applications, with support for over 5,000 solutions from over 2,500 independent software vendors (ISVs). IBM i solutions are offered through an extensive, highly skilled worldwide network of IBM Business Partners that is backed by IBM's trusted services and support infrastructure.
With the announcement of IBM i 7.2, IBM is extending the integration message of IBM i. This new release of IBM i provides significant new function in DB2 for i, systems management, and security as well as enhancing many other integrated components and licensed programs. IBM i 7.2 includes support for the latest Power Systems server family.
The Row and Column Access Control being added to IBM DB2 for i provides additional security considerations by changing the way in which clients may choose to lock down and enhance the security for their business data. By moving to a role-based security definition, businesses have the option to streamline security operations with regard to assigning usage rights to users. This enhancement not only increases the security options, but also helps improves the efficiency of executing database administrator-like functions.
IBM Navigator for i can increase the effectiveness of system management activities by adding the ability to manage and compare PTFs between systems, and to monitor, analyze, and predict workload impact on the system. Performance Data Investigator (PDI) allows further monitoring, detection, and adjustment of specific performance issues. Using the collection data as a base, PDI can model future workloads.
New functions in the integrated IBM i security enable SSO between a Kerberos-enabled FTP client and an IBM i FTP server and between a Kerberos-enabled Telnet client and an IBM i Telnet server. This opens the door for more applications to participate in a single sign-on environment.
IBM i 7.2 has the necessary licensed internal code to support the latest Power® servers, taking advantage of the improved resiliency, availability, and scalability characteristics. With additional throughput, these new servers will provide IBM i clients with significant benefits when moving to these new servers.
IBM Rational continues to provide new function in the Rational suite of development products, including Rational Development Studio and Rational Developer for i. This announcement includes the details regarding the latest features and functions.
The web-based middleware support integrated into the IBM i operating system has been updated and enhanced to leverage the latest version available from our open source providers and to now leverage the latest servers delivered by WebSphere®. These solutions are integrated into the operating system (OS), and ready to help you tackle modern applications.
There are many additional enhancements being added to many components of the integrated IBM i operating system and to its related licensed programs. These are documented in the new IBM Knowledge Center website
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| Planned availability date |
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May 2, 2014
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| Description |
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IBM i integrates a trusted combination of relational database, security, web services, networking, and storage management capabilities. It provides a broad and highly stable database and middleware foundation for efficiently deploying business processing applications.
With the announcement of IBM i 7.2, IBM is extending the integration message of IBM i. This new version of IBM i provides significant new function in DB2 for i, systems management, and security as well as enhancing many other integrated components. IBM i 7.2 also includes support for the latest Power Systems build with POWER8 architecture and processor.
For a full picture of the updates in IBM i 7.2, visit the new IBM Knowledge Center website
IBM i
IBM Navigator for i
The Navigator family has undergone a significant update in IBM i 7.2. The web-based Navigator, strategic for modern IBM i system management, has added many functions, improving navigation and incorporating the latest in web-based technology to improve usability and performance.
- Usability updates
- A "fast search" capability has been added, providing the ability to find screens based on the familiar names.
- The new favorites list allows users to save selected screens into a favorites list, creating a list of important screens for quick and easy repeatable access.
- Users can "deep dive" directly to the IFS path of choice by entering the path name. This provides an alternative to using the navigator tree.
- PTF GUI
- View all PTFs on the system using the new web-based interface.
- Install and apply PTFs on the selected system.
- Send PTFs to other systems in the network.
- Use multisystem PTF compare to compare a primary system to any number of other systems in the network, optionally sending and installing missing PTFs automatically.
- System Monitor
- Monitor many of the performance attributes collected by collection services.
- Create monitors that combine multiple attributes.
- When a threshold is hit, send a notification or run a command or program automatically.
- Message Monitor
- Monitor for predefined messages in any message file.
- Monitor for a user-defined message.
- When a message is encountered, send a notification or run a command or program automatically.
- Performance Data Investigator
- Left-hand navigation is improved.
- Fast search for PDI enables users to easily search for specific performance attributes, charts, views, and metrics, allowing system administrative tasks to be executed quickly. Simply enter the attribute of interest and instantly get a list of all screens that apply.
- The Batch Model has been added, providing the ability to change environment variables, modeling how those changes would impact the batch window.
There are many additional enhancements to the IBM Navigator for i product. For more details on the updates to the web Navigator, visit the new IBM Knowledge Center website
IBM i Access family
IBM i Access Client Solutions
Originally announced with IBM i 7.1 TR6 and available in June 2013, the IBM i Access Client Solutions family is enhanced with this release. IBM i Access Client Solutions enhancements for IBM i 7.2 continue to provide platform-independent features that will work with most operating systems that support Java™, such as Linux™, Apple Mac OS, and Microsoft™ Windows™. Highlights in the 7.2 release include:
- 5250 display and printer emulation based on IBM's Host-on-Demand
- 5250 Session Manager support modeled after IBM Personal Communications Session Manager
- Multiple language support for concurrent 5250 emulation sessions on the same client
- Data Transfer similar to IBM i Access for Windows Data Transfer plus support for Open Document spreadsheet (*.Odds), Excel Workbook (*.lax), and other file formats
- Data Transfer integration with Excel and OpenOffice
- Downloading and viewing of spool files
- IBM i Virtual Control Panel for LAN and HMC consoles
- 5250 emulation for LAN and HMC consoles
- Consolidation of hardware management interface configurations, including ASMI, IVM, and HMC
There are two option packages for IBM i Access Client Solutions, Windows Application Package and Linux Application package. These platform-specific packages provide features for connecting to IBM i resources using various options including connectivity to DB2 for i using ODBC, .Net, and OLE DB and the Programming Toolkit for accessing IBM i system objects.
IBM i Access for Web
IBM i Access for Web has added support for:
- IBM integrated web application server for i Version 8.5
- WebSphere Application Server Versions 8.0 and 8.5
- WebSphere Portal Versions 7.0 and 8.0
- RC4 and AES encryption types with SPNEGO environments
- Password expiration based on the QPWDEXPWRN system value
IBM i Access for Windows and IBM i Access for Linux
The newest members of the Access Client Solution family are able to provide the same (and improved) connectivity previously provided by IBM i Access for Windows and IBM i Access for Linux. Therefore, these products, while continuing to be shipped with Access Client solutions, are now considered to be stabilized. IBM i Access Client Solutions combined with the optional IBM i Access Client Solutions - Linux Application Package provides several additional features and enhancements previously not available in IBM i Access for Linux.
For additional information about IBM i Access Client Solutions, visit the product website at
Upgrade options
Clients with IBM i 6.1 or IBM i 7.1 can acquire media for IBM i Access for Web 7.2 and IBM i Access Client Solutions 1.1.3 by ordering feature 6289 for 5761-SS1 or 5770-SS1. Feature 6289 replaces feature 6288 for both 5761-SS1 and 5770-SS1. The difference between features 6288 and 6289 is that feature 6289 delivers the IBM i Access for Web 7.2 rather than 7.1.
IBM i 7.2 clients who need installation media for IBM i Access for Windows 7.1 can order 5770-SS1 feature 6287. This feature delivers both the PC and server installation media.
Security enhancements for single sign-on
IBM i 7.2 is extending its reputation for industry-leading security, by adding new function and extending the existing application suite for IBM i single sign-on (SSO). Among other things that can be realized by this support, clients currently maintaining passwords across multiple partitions will be excited to know that they can now maintain passwords in a single partition and with the new FTP and Telnet support for authentication with Kerberos that information can percolate to the remaining partitions.
FTP client and server support enables SSO between a Kerberos-enabled client and an IBM i FTP server. Telnet client and server support enables SSO between a Kerberos-enabled client and an IBM i Telnet server. In both cases, the clients are enabled for Kerberos and support Kerberos authentication and Enterprise Identity Mapping functionality.
IBM i web middleware solutions
The web middleware solutions on IBM i consist of a wide range of leading-edge technologies for modern businesses. Whether the goal is to host simple websites or to run the most advanced sites, IBM i middleware provides the robust infrastructure required to run the business.
IBM HTTP Server (powered by Apache), 5770-DG1
The HTTP server on IBM i continues to leverage the industry-standard HTTP servers for web serving. The HTTP server has been updated to use the latest Apache 2.4 level of the server. This update helps ensure a firm foundation for web serving, both now and into the future. Some of the highlights of this support include:
- Server Name Indication (SNI) support - Allows a server to present multiple certificates on the same IP address and port. This means HTTPS websites can be served from the same IP address but use different certificates.
- On-line Certificate Status Protocol (OCSP) support.
- Improved proxy capabilities.
- Advanced authentication settings.
- Many new enhanced Apache modules: mod_remoteIP, mod_request, and mod_watchdog, to name a few.
- The ability to run HTTP server jobs in a custom subsystem. Jobs are no longer tied to QHTTPSVR. This ensures HTTP server jobs have their own dedicated memory pool as needed.
- The ability to allow fastCGI jobs to run with user profiles other than the default QTMHHTTP.
Note: With the Apache server level of 2.4, all user-created plug-ins will be required to be recompiled. For additional details see the HTTP Server for i product at
IBM Developer Kit for Java, 5770-JV1
Java for IBM i has been refreshed for IBM i 7.2. The product ID has been updated to 5770-JV1. The default JVM for IBM i 7.2 has been updated to Technology for Java 7.1 32 bit (option 14). As a result several of the older versions of Java are no longer supported. The following options are no longer supported for IBM i 7.2:
- IBM Technology for Java (IT4J) 1.4.2 (option 13)
- IBM Technology for Java (IT4J) 5.0 (option 8 and 9)
Note: For additional details see the Java page on the IBM i zone for developerWorks®.
Integrated Web Application Server (IAS) V8.5
The Integrated Web Application Server has been updated to use a new runtime engine. The LWI-based server has been replaced with the WebSphere Liberty Core-based server run time. This is a significant update, providing increased ease of development for web developers, and removes previous development difficulties in the previous integrated server. As businesses needs grow and companies need to increase their web presence, web applications created in this new IAS will more easily migrate to the more robust industry-standard WebSphere Application Server as they share the same Liberty Core base.
The new IAS-based server continues to use the IBM Web Admin GUI for management of all web instances, to create, stop, start, and view the performance setting for a web application. This interface can be reached through http://hostname:2001/HTTPAdmin. V8.1 IAS servers will continue to run in IBM i 7.2; however, there will be no more enhancements to this older runtime engine.
Note: For additional details see the IAS product at
Integrated Web Services Server V8.5
The Integrated Web Services Server has been enhanced to leverage a new application server based on the new WebSphere Liberty Application Server. In addition, the web services engine is based on the Liberty Java API for XML-Based Web Services (JAX-WS) runtime environment. There are several benefits to this new Liberty base:
- Faster startup and deployment
- Improved performance
- Greater stability
Web service deployers will see little change when deploying an ILE program or service program as a web service. For additional details, visit the Integrated Web Services for IBM i product page
Zend Server, PHP runtime engine for IBM i
IBM continues to work closely with Zend to include the latest industry trends into Zend Server for i. With the IBM i 7.2 release, Zend Server Version 6 and higher will be supported.
Integrated file system
The integrated file system continues to be updated and enhanced to meet the demands of a modern application world.
- QFileSvr.400 - QFileSvr.400 will now allow multiple connections to a remote server. Users have the option of a single connection used by all jobs accessing the remote server or multiple connections where each job owns its own connection, which allows more parallel processing.
- Qp0lReaddir - A new API to return attributes with the entry name enables the user to get information from the read directory without having to call another API to retrieve additional attributes. This capability can offer significant performance improvements as compared to previous methods.
- Samba - Samba provides the de facto file server of choice for sharing files from a POSIX-compliant server. The addition of Samba to the IBM i platform gives users the flexibility to choose an open source alternative to the IBM i NetServer file server. Users can choose the file serving solution that is right for them. For additional details see the IBM i zone for developerWorks.
Additional enhancements
- New accounting method and tools for tracking use of temporary storage
- Install enhancements - A new API (QLPINSLP) that can be used to shorten the path a user must follow during the installation process
- CRTIMGCLG, which automatically adds all images within the catalogue directory to the image catalogue
- Enhancements to the journaling specific to the restore function
- Enhancements to the backing up of spooled files
- New PTF improvements for tracking of Security Audit Log
- More immediate Apply options for PTFs
- Enhanced networking capabilities to industry standards and some new environments
- Enhancements to the printing area, including more options for producing PDFs, support for all BCOCA bar codes, colour printing on PCL 5C capable printers, and addition of colour management support to PSF/i
DB2 for IBM i
In IBM i 7.2, as with previous releases, significant enhancements are delivered in DB2 for i. The enhancements include topics such as:
- New SQL-based, data-centric constructs to control access to data. These controls help you secure data comprehensively, relying upon IBM i integrated security. The thorough protection of business-critical data can be achieved with a sustainable infrastructure using auditable mechanisms.
- Improved SQL Query Engine (SQE) capabilities. The progression of expanding the interfaces supported by SQE continues with IBM i 7.2. By default, SQE will be used to implement Native DB queries, including those made via traditional interfaces Open Query File (OPNQRYF) and Query/400. Just by moving to IBM i 7.2, these Native DB queries will be easier to observe and manage through the extensive database tooling found in the IBM i Navigator OnDemand Performance Center . Heavy Native DB queries could reap a performance benefit from an implementation through a far more advanced query engine.
- New and enhanced SQL language capabilities for SQL application developers. Whether embracing database or application modernization, or simply meeting the ever-changing needs of business computing, users of DB2 for i on 7.2 will encounter new and useful capabilities.
These and many other DB2 for i enhancements await your use on IBM i 7.2.
Database security: Row and column access control (RCAC)
Data is an asset. Some data is referred to as business critical because the company has an absolute need for the data to exist for the business to operate. Critical business assets merit a robust protection strategy. From a database perspective, clients consider topics like object access or table privileges to control who has the ability to access tables with the intent to read or the intent to change the data within the table. Row and Column Access Control (RCAC) capabilities provide DB2 for i clients additional constructs to limit the amount of data exposed to specific users. RCAC can be used once the 5770-SS1 Boss Option 47 - IBM Advanced Data Security for i is installed.
RCAC provides several advantages:
- Comprehensive control over access to rows and columns within a table. With RCAC, the database is given rules to apply when any interface or user accesses a table. No user or interface is inherently exempted. Once a user has passed the table privilege requirements, any RCAC row permissions are applied automatically and the working set of rows in the table is reduced as directed by the row permission rule. Finally, if any of the columns referenced has an RCAC column mask enabled, the rule within the mask will be automatically applied, potentially limiting the data seen by the user.
- By using a data-centric approach to solving an important problem, application layers are alleviated from the heavy burden of limiting access to data. Since any application-oriented enforcement of security is by definition not comprehensive, IBM i clients should strongly consider their overall strategy for data security using RCAC on IBM i 7.2.
- RCAC can be deployed with minimal application considerations. As with any changes to business-critical data and security, a well-formed, overall strategy is advised as a key component for successfully satisfying business requirements.
Other database enhancements
Not only has the DB2 for i team delivered the new support for RCAC, they have added many other significant new functions. Some of those new enhancements are listed here:
- DB2 for i supplied global variables (for example SYSIBM.ROUTINE_SPECIFIC_NAME) provide new SQL application insight into the application environment. Whether referenced within an RCAC rule, within an SQL trigger body, or elsewhere, database maintained built-in global variables provide a new and useful programming construct.
- Maintaining and extending the security model is easier on IBM i 7.2 with the addition of new SQL statements for security administration. SQL statements such as TRANSFER OWNERSHIP, GRANT to GROUP and USER, and the suite of RCAC SQL statements make it easier to leverage standardized SQL to administer security on i.
- SQL and external functions (both UDFs and UDTFs) have far more capability and are easier to extend with the addition of named and default parameters.
- Similar to procedures and functions, SQL trigger logic can be obfuscated on IBM i 7.2. Whether the trigger logic is being protected as an asset or simply kept in a state where the trigger logic can't be easily disrupted, obfuscation of SQL covers more resources and is easily applied to existing procedures, functions, or SQL triggers on IBM i 7.2.
- Timestamp columns are a crucial component to database tables. Since they provide a record of when something occurred, it's not hard to conclude that IBM i clients running fast-paced, time-critical transactional workloads on IBM Power Systems would have a need for moving beyond microsecond granularity. With DB2 for i on 7.2, timestamp columns are no longer limited to 6 digits of precision. Timestamp columns that do not require fine precision can be altered to utilize less precision and recoup storage footprint. Similarly, time-critical columns can be altered to have up to 12 digits of precision, avoiding situations where events appear to occur at exactly the same time.
These and many other capabilities await you on IBM i 7.2, and are documented in the DB2 for i books. Many of these books contain a section entitled, "What's new for IBM i 7.2". For more information about the database books and discover what's new on 7.2, visit
Licensed programs
BRMS
As one of the highly used licensed programs for IBM i, BRMS continues to add function, increasing usability as well as technical features and functions. In IBM i 7.2 BRMS is extending the Hub functions originally introduced in IBM i 7.1 TR5. As well, there are additional functions such as:
- A dashboard view of all BRMS systems
- Graphical interface support *SYSCPY/BCKUPCY/*ARCPCY commands
- BRMS Object list support for Include and Exclude functions
- Enhancements to Media Services
More details can be found at the new IBM Knowledge Center website
PowerHA System Mirror for i Express Edition
New with IBM i 7.2 is the IBM PowerHA SystemMirror for i Express Edition. The Express Edition is designed to be the foundation for a class of HA/DR offerings based on restarting the LPAR into another LPAR on a different server for HA operations. The Express Edition differs from the Standard Edition in that the database is not placed into an IASP separate from SYSBAS. Rather, a primary LPAR is restarted or IPLd to a target LPAR on another server. With PowerHA 7.2 for i, the first stage of the Express Edition offering enables single-node full-system HyperSwap with the DS8700 (and above), which provides you with continuously available storage through either planned or unplanned storage events. With HyperSwap technologies, the act of moving between storage servers is nearly seamless.
SWG updates
Rational support for IBM i
IBM Rational continues to enhance and extend the language compilers and developer tools required by IBM i clients and ISVs to create robust applications. Following the very successful launch of Free Format RPG with the announcement of IBM i 7.1 TR7, in October 2013, Rational has continued to build in extensions and new productivity features for their tools.
Rational Development Studio for i
IBM Rational Development Studio for i provides RPG, COBOL, C, and C++ compilers as well as textual host-based development tools for creating IBM i applications.
Rational Development Studio for i offers three separately orderable, chargeable capabilities, or "features":
- ILE Compilers - The latest generation of RPG, COBOL, C, and C++ compilers for IBM i. These feature modernized language capabilities and supporting key capabilities for integrating IBM i applications with other IT assets, for example cross-language/cross platform solution debugging, and Rational Open Access RPG Edition.
- RPG IV - As of October 2013, RPG has been updated to support a near free-format syntax. All specifications except I/O have been enabled for a new modern free-format expression. Details can be found at
- COBOL - Continues to support the advancements of the language and operating system. These include things like taking advantage of multithreading capabilities inherent in the IBM i operating system. While no specific COBOL commands are required, the underpinnings of the language run time exploit these new capabilities.
- Heritage Compilers - The prior generation of compilers. These older compilers include S/38 RPG, S/36 RPG II, and many other heritage environments. These compilers are considered stabilized and continue to be available to clients needing to maintain their older application code.
- Application Development ToolSet (ADTS) - The host-based, textual or "green screen" development tools for IBM i. These tools have been stabilized since IBM i 6.1, and continue to be provided as a feature of the RDS product.
Rational Developer for i V9.1
Rational Developer for i is the strategic desktop development tool for creating IBM i applications. The latest release, Version 9.1, has been enhanced to be completely RPG Free Form capable. In addition a new code coverage tooling has been added to Rational Developer for i.
IBM i support for Power hardware
Both IBM i 7.2 and IBM i 7.1 Technology Refresh 8 are supported on the new Power Systems servers with POWER8 technology. The operating system and most applications for IBM i are built on a Technology Independent Machine Interface (TIMI) that isolates programs from differences in processor architectures, and allows the system to automatically capitalize on many new POWER® architecture features without changes to existing programs. The new IBM i 7.2 release continues the tradition, providing a high degree of integration, security, and ease-of-use across multiple generations of IBM Power Systems and processors, including the new POWER8 processor. A selection of processor support features is highlighted below.
POWER8 Technology
Multicore and multithread
The maximum numbers of cores varies by system model. Also, the operating system support of multicore and multithread technology varies by operating system and release. The maximum number of processor cores and simultaneous multithreading (SMT) levels supported by a single IBM i logical partition by processor mode are as follows:
- For IBM i 7.2:
- POWER8 : 24 Cores / SMT8
- POWER7® : 32 Cores / SMT4
- POWER6® : 32 Cores / SMT2
For IBM i 7.1 Technology Refresh 8:
- POWER8 : 24 Cores / SMT8
- POWER7 : 32 Cores / SMT4
- POWER6 : 32 Cores / SMT2
- POWER5: 32 Cores / SMT2
Clients who require additional capacity beyond the IBM i maximum can contact IBM to request support for additional processor cores. IBM Systems Lab Services works with clients to assess the requirements and to provide IBM i support for the client workload in a partition with a larger number of cores.
Automation and simple controls that offer flexibility to both the inexperienced and experienced system administrator are among the hallmarks of IBM i integration, even with the transition to a whole new generation of Power systems and through the advances in complexity of processor technology. IBM i 7.2 and IBM i 7.1 Technology Refresh 8 offer enhanced controls designed to help maximise the flexibility afforded by the greater range of SMT levels available on newer generations of processors. IBM i is designed to automatically deliver maximum single-thread performance when the workload does not demand SMT concurrence. In systems where the workload can benefit from SMT, there are configuration settings that allow for dynamic configuration of the processor SMT context (for example, ST, SMT2, SMT4, SMT8) used by the logical partition. While previously an IPL was required to switch to or from single-thread context, with IBM i 7.2 and IBM i 7.1 TR8 the switching is dynamic. Additionally, IBM i 7.2 provides a new job attribute to influence how processor threads for the job are dispatched. With a simple adjustment of this configuration value, the system administrator can choose between optimizing a particular job for improved thread performance, or running multiple threads concurrently to maximise system efficiency.
Vector Scalar eXtension (VSX)
VSX in POWER provides support for Vector and Scalar Binary floating point operations conforming to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Standard for Floating Point Arithmetic (IEEE-754). The introduction of VSX increases the parallelism by providing single-instruction, multiple-data (SIMD) execution functionality for floating point double-precision to improve the performance of some applications.
IBM i 7.2 automatically uses POWER8 vector instructions to help improve the performance of some cryptographic operations. In addition, PASE for i applications running on IBM i 7.2 on POWER7 or newer processors can now use VSX instructions.
More information
For more details about the new POWER8 systems, see the Hardware Announcement for the specific POWER8 model you are interested in.
IBM i support for "WAN over LAN" configurations
The new IBM i support for "WAN over LAN" expands advanced virtualization capabilities:
- Saves PCI slots for applications requiring a modem, thus reducing configuration cost
- Provides WAN connectivity for servers that do not have available PCIe slots
- Allows IBM i client partitions with virtual I/O to use FAX and other WAN applications
- Allows the same Ethernet adapter that provides TCP/IP connectivity for an IBM i partition to provide WAN connectivity
IBM i applications that have traditionally run on PCIe WAN adapters will now run seamlessly over an Ethernet connection to an Ethernet device server without application changes. For an existing IBM i configuration definition, the only change is that the Async or PPP line description must be modified to specify that it is for an Ethernet device server, and specify the Ethernet device server IP address and port. IBM i clients requiring a large number of serial ports or running on systems without PCIe adapter slots (such as PureSystems™ or BladeCenter® devices) now have the option to run IBM i Communication Applications on their systems.
IBM i on Power Systems has been providing WAN communications via system adapters. The #5289 - 2 Port Async EIA-232 PCIe / #5290 - PCIe LP 2-Port Async EIA-232 Adapter provides an RS-232 interface for two external devices, such as modems. The #2893 - PCIe 2-Line WAN w/Modem adapter / #2894 - PCIe 2-Line WAN w/Modem CIM adapter provides an integrated modem in addition to a single RS-232 interface. Now IBM i also supports Ethernet device servers, which provide multiple RS-232 serial ports. Ethernet device servers, which are also known as Ethernet serial servers or Ethernet terminal servers, are external non-IBM equipment that attaches to an Ethernet and contains one or more serial ports to which external modems can be attached. An Ethernet device server is accessed over the network using a standard TCP/IP sockets connection. Thus, IBM i now has true virtual serial ports for applications, such as IBM Facsimile Support for i, 5798-FAX.
IBM i requires an Ethernet device server to support COM Port Control Protocol RFC 2217 for transport of serial data and RS-232 control signals. Ethernet device servers with RFC 2217 support are available from a variety of vendors, in models containing anywhere from 1 to 48 serial ports. IBM i 7.2 has been tested and found to work with the Digi PortServer TS 4 (firmware version 82000747_V2 01/29/2013) and Perle IOLAN SDS4 (firmware version 4.5) Ethernet device servers. Facsimile Support for IBM i has been tested with the MT9234ZBA modem attached to these Ethernet device servers.
IBM i support is limited to IBM's implementation of RFC 2217 and IBM software and hardware. The non-IBM vendor provides the support for its implementation of RFC 2217, its TCP/IP network connection, and any downstream modems or fax devices. In case a problem does occur at the client site, like other non-IBM products attached through IBM LAN adapters and standard protocols, IBM will participate with clients and other vendors in problem determination under standard IBM warranty and service agreements. If IBM determines the problem is associated with the IBM adapter or with the IBM protocol implementation, normal problem resolution procedures will follow.
Increase in maximum file size for IFS QOPT files
Prior to IBM i 7.2, the maximum file size supported by the /QOPT file system was about 4 GB, which worked well for accommodating the size of DVD media. With 7.2 the maximum size is increased to almost 10 TB. This will better accommodate the size of newer media types, such as the recently introduced RDX media that are over 1 TB in size. With this larger file size, it is possible for languages and utilities to access large files and perform operations, such as copying IBM i distribution images to RDX media to move them to another partition or system. For more specifics visit
Layer-2 bridging of VLAN-tagged frames
The Ethernet layer-2 bridge capability added in IBM i 7.1 Technology Refresh 3 now supports bridging of frames that contain an 802.1q Virtual LAN (VLAN) header. With this addition, a single IBM i Ethernet resource can transparently bridge multiple Power Hypervisor virtual Ethernet VLANs to the corresponding VLAN on the physical network, keeping the traffic for each VLAN isolated.
Control over resources used to initialize client disk
Addition of the resource allocation priority parameter (RSCALCPTY) to CRTNWSSTG/CHGNWSSTG commands allows the user to have more control over resources on an IBM i server partition. When initializing and formatting a virtual disk on an IBM i client partition, an IBM i server partition has used as much system resource as it can to try to complete the request as fast as possible. In some circumstances this has caused other jobs on the server partition to slow down. The new parameter gives the user the ability to specify how aggressively the server consumes system resources while performing initialization of the disk. A lower priority value can reduce server resource utilization but increases the amount of time it takes to complete disk initialization.
Visit IBM i Information Centre documentation for the CRTNWSSTG command at
and the CHGNWSSTG command at
Improved status display for aggregated Ethernet ports
Ethernet line descriptions now display more detailed status information for aggregated ports, making it easier to diagnose and correct any issues with performance or functionality.
Usability enhancements for vary on of tape and tape library devices
Vary on processing is now improved for tape and tape library devices so that it is no longer necessary to set the device description "On-line at IPL" parameter to *NO and use a startup program to vary them on after the IPL. The device description "On-line at IPL" parameter can now be set to *YES to allow the tape and tape library devices to be varied on and available after a system IPL.
The amount of time to wait for resources to be allocated during vary on processing for tape libraries has been changed to increase as the number of resources in the tape library is increased. This should reduce the number of "The request did not complete in the time allotted" failures when varying on or changing the resource allocations for tape libraries.
The amount of time to wait for a vary on with reset to complete has also been increased. This should reduce the number of vary on with reset failures that need to be recovered by another vary on attempt without the reset.
Highlights from IBM i 7.1 Technology Refreshes
In addition to the brand new IBM i 7.2 and POWER8 functions, there have been numerous functions and features delivered with Technology Refreshes for IBM i 7.1 over the past few years. Those are now all incorporated into the IBM i 7.2 release.
Some of the highlights for I/O include:
- Native SR-IOV support for Ethernet, allowing sharing of I/O without VIOS or an IBM i server partition
- New PCIe2 SAS adapters, both with and without cache, for higher performance and higher capacity with internal storage
- Native and direct attachment of SVC and Storwize® storage, allowing external storage to be a better fit for small and medium-sized businesses
- EXP30 Ultra SSD I/O drawer, which provides ultra-high levels of performance in a dense package
- Use of USB flash drives, which are very useful for copying files and installing PTFs
- LTO-6 tape drives
- RDX dock stations for Removable Disk cartridges
- Higher-capacity HDD and SSD disks
- EXP24S SFF Gen2-bay drawer
- PCIe cryptographic adapter
- VIOS support for a wide range of I/O adapters and devices
Among the VIOS virtualization highlights are these functions:
- NPIV attach of SVC and Storwize storage
- Large Receive Offload for Ethernet layer-2 bridging
- IBM i Live Partition Mobility
- IBM i Suspend/Resume
- Mirroring with NPIV-attached storage
- PowerVM® with Shared Storage Pools
Among the iVirtualization enhancements (configurations where an IBM i partition is acting as a server partition for one or more IBM i client partitions):
- Virtual Partition Manager (VPM) enhancement to allow creation of IBM i partitions
- Navigator for i GUI for VPM
- Ethernet layer-2 bridging
- Virtual tape support
- Support for embedded media changers
Enhancements within the IBM i operating system itself that are related to hardware functions include the following:
- Ethernet link aggregation
- Variable LUN sizes for the DS8870
- Performance improvements for the Licensed Internal Code PTF apply, record locks, and SSDs
- Support for the EB33 Dynamic Platform Optimizer
- Thin provisioning for DS8000® and VIOS Shared Storage Pools
- Collection of bus-level statistics for 12x loops
- More advanced multipath algorithms
- CEC node level mirroring
- Installation of new partitions via network
Accessibility by people with disabilities
A US Section 508 Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) containing details on accessibility compliance can be requested at
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| Product positioning |
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IBM i 7.2 is the latest version of the IBM i operating environment. IBM i runs on IBM Power Systems servers or on IBM PureSystems servers and offers a highly scalable and virus-resistant architecture with a proven reputation for exceptional business resiliency. Companies that run applications on IBM i running on a Power server are able to focus on innovation and delivering new value to their business, not on managing their data centre operations.
IBM i integrates a trusted combination of a DB2 relational database, industry-leading security, standards-based Internet technology, networking, and storage management capabilities. For example, IBM installs and integrates the SQL standards-based DB2 database for IBM i with advanced database management utilities, plus additional middleware components such as multiple file system options, directory capability, an HTTP web server powered by Apache, a web application server, and a web-services environment.
IBM develops, fully tests, and preloads these core middleware components of IBM i together. The preintegration and testing of IBM i is a key factor in enabling companies to realize lower operations costs by deploying applications faster and maintaining them with fewer staff.
Virtualization and workload management are also built into the IBM i operating environment to enable businesses to consolidate and run multiple applications and components together on the same system, driving up system utilization and delivering a better return on IT investments. This broad and highly stable database and middleware foundation is ideal for efficiently deploying business processing applications.
Architecture for simplicity, stability, and security
Another key differentiator for IBM i is the underlying architecture of the operating system, which provides for simplicity, stability, and security. These are not add-on features, but inherent aspects of the operating system. For detailed information regarding the advantages of IBM i running on Power servers, refer to the " IBM i Strategy and Whitepaper," which is available from your IBM representative. This section describes a few examples.
Simplicity
As mentioned above, the relational database in IBM i is an integrated component, and it is built on integrated storage management capabilities unique to IBM i and its predecessors. This storage management is based on the "single-level storage" architecture that treats all of the storage managed by IBM i as if it were one long stream of memory that encompasses the system memory as well as the storage on disks. This architecture makes it critical that the operating system decide where to store any given piece of data, and that in turn removes the necessity of the user to manage data placement. This makes management of storage, and the database objects contained in that storage, significantly simpler.
Stability
IBM i also architecturally separates the address spaces of user applications and the operating system, so it is difficult for poorly written, or malicious, software to intrude upon the underlying operating system support. This is one of several attributes that can help keep IBM i running for days, weeks, or months without unexpected restarting of the operating system.
Several architectural attributes of IBM i contribute to the stability of the system over the years. First, applications compiled on IBM i are compiled to a set of intermediate code instructions defined as the Technology Independent Machine Interface (TIMI). This allows IBM i to fundamentally change the implementation of underlying hardware, firmware, and virtualization features, without requiring rewriting, changing, or even recompiling the applications written by users. This sort of forward compatibility is a tremendous business advantage, and has allowed the movement of software developed and compiled several years to even decades previously to run on later generations of IBM i.
Security
IBM i and its predecessors have an "object based" architecture. Each entity on the system is an object, which has a set of prescribed operations that can be performed on it, and connections from the object to those other objects that are allowed to perform various operations. An object that does not have a legal "edit" operation cannot be edited. It cannot be renamed to another kind of object. If the object does have an "edit" operation (known as "change" for most objects), only a defined set of attributes can be edited, and then only by users who have authority to do that editing.
Objects can easily be "hidden" from other users by use of the library list objects, secured by the object-based security associated with all objects. And users who all have a similar role on the system can be grouped together for role-based security, again as part of the base architecture of the system.
In conclusion, while the IBM i operating system supports open programming methods such as Java, PHP, web services, and so on, the underlying architecture provides a level of integration, stability, simplicity, and security that is a significant differentiator, and these aspects provide excellent business value to its users.
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| Statement of direction |
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A mobile solution for accessing IBM i is now available as a technology preview. Powered by IBM i Access for Web (5770-XH2), it enables you to access IBM i resources from any mobile device that supports a browser.
Features include the ability to:
- View and manage jobs, messages, output queues, files, and printers
- View, add, insert, and update database records
- Build, run, and save SQL statements with an SQL wizard
- Start one or more 5250 emulation sessions with the ability to reconnect even after a device power down
- Extract data from a variety of IBM i resources into a table using optional column selection
- Distribute and manage files to other users from a common download location
This capability is provided as part of 7.2 IBM i Access for Web (5770-XH2), which can be installed on IBM i 7.2, 7.1, and 6.1. An IBM i Access Family license (5770-XW1) is required to connect.
For additional information visit
IBM's statements regarding its plans, directions, and intent are subject to change or withdrawal without notice at IBM's sole discretion. Information regarding potential future products is intended to outline our general product direction and it should not be relied on in making a purchasing decision. The information mentioned regarding potential future products is not a commitment, promise, or legal obligation to deliver any material, code, or functionality. Information about potential future products may not be incorporated into any contract. The development, release, and timing of any future features or functionality described for our products remain at our sole discretion.
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| Program number |
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Program Program number Version name 5733-B45 3.1 IBM AFP Font Collection for Workstations and OS/400 5648-E77 1.1 IBM Infoprint Fonts for Multiplatforms 5722-WE2 5.3 SS IBM Web Enablement for i5/OS 5722-IP1 5.3 SS IBM Infoprint Server for iSeries 5733-ARE 1.1 IBM Application Runtime Expert for i 5733-CY3 7.2 IBM Cryptographic Device Manager for i 5733-ID1 5.1 SS IBM Infoprint Designer for iSeries 5733-ITL 1.1 SS IBM Temporary Software License for i 5733-NKY 5.2 SS Remove Keys/ePOEs for Transferred Software 5733-OMF 1.3 OmniFind® Text Search Server for DB2 for i 5733-RDW 9.1 IBM Rational Developer for i 5733-WQX 2.1 SS IBM DB2 Web Query for i 5733-WQE 2.1 SS IBM DB2 Web Query for i Express Edition 5733-WQS 2.1 SS IBM DB2 Web Query for i Standard Edition 5733-XT2 1.2 SS IBM XML Toolkit for i 5761-AP1 6.1 SS IBM Advanced DBCS Printer Support for iSeries 5761-CM1 6.1 SS IBM Communications Utilities for System i 5761-DB1 6.1 SS IBM System/38 Utilities for System i 5761-DP4 6.1 SS IBM DB2 DataPropagator for iSeries®, V8.1 5761-DS2 6.1 SS IBM Business Graphics Utility for System i 5769-FN1 4.4 SS IBM Advanced Function Printing DBCS Fonts for AS/400 5769-FNT 4.4 SS IBM Advanced Function Printing Fonts for AS/400 5770-AF1 7.2 IBM Advanced Function Printing Utilities 5770-AMT 7.2 IBM Rational Application Management Tool Set for i 5770-BR1 7.2 IBM Backup, Recovery and Media Services for i 5770-DFH 7.2 IBM CICS® Transaction Server for i 5770-HAS 7.2 IBM PowerHA SystemMirror for i 5770-JS1 7.2 IBM Advanced Job Scheduler for i 5770-MG1 7.2 IBM Managed System Services for i 5770-NLV 7.2 IBM National Languages for i 5770-PT1 7.2 IBM Performance Tools for i 5770-QU1 7.2 IBM Query for i 5770-SM1 7.2 IBM System Manager for i 5770-SS1 7.2 IBM i 5770-ST1 7.2 IBM DB2 Query Manager and SQL Development Kit for i 5770-WDS 7.2 IBM Rational Development Studio for i 5770-XW1 7.2 IBM i Access Family 5798-FAX 5.8 IBM i Facsimile for i
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| Additional products |
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The following products are also shipped with the IBM i operating system:
- IBM HTTP Server for i, 5770-DG1
- IBM Developer Kit for Java, 5770-JV1
- IBM Network Authentication Enablement for i, 5770-NAE
- IBM Portable Utilities for i, 5733-SC1
- IBM TCP/IP Connectivity Utilities for i, 5770-TC1
- IBM Transform Services for i, 5770-TS1
- IBM Universal Manageability Enablement for i, 5770-UME
- IBM i Access Client Solutions, 5733-XJ1
- IBM i Access for Web, 5770-XH2
- IBM i Access for Windows, 5770-XE1
- Zend Server Community Edition for i, 5639-ZC1
Software progression
The following table is used to show the updates for various products.
Program upgrades
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | | | | | | | | | V4R5 | V5R1 | V5R2 | V5R3 | V5R4 | i 6.1 | i 7.1 | i 7.2 | |--------|--------|--------|---------|--------|--------|--------|--------| |5769-SS1|5722-SS1|5722-SS1|5722-SS1 |5722-SS1|5761-SS1|5770-SS1|5770-SS1| | * | * | * | * | * |5733-ARE| * | * | |5733-A38| * | * | PN | PN | NA | NA | NA | | * | * | * | * | * |5761-AMT|5761-AMT|5770-AMT| | * |5722-AC2| NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | | * |5722-AC3|5722-AC3|5722-AC3 | NA | NA | NA | NA | | * |5722-AF1|5722-AF1| * | * |5761-AF1|5770-AF1|5770-AF1| |5769-AP1|5722-AP1|5722-AP1|5722-AP1 | * |5761-AP1| * | * | |5769-AP1|5722-AP1|5722-AP1|5722-AP1 | * |5761-AP1| * | * | | * |5722-BR1|5722-BR1|5722-BR1 |5722-BR1|5761-BR1|5770-BR1|5770-BR1| |5769-WDS|5722-WDS|5722-WDS|5722-WDS |5722-WDS|5761-WDS|5770-WDS|5770-WDS| | * | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | | * |5722-CE2| NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | | * |5722-CE3|5722-CE3|5722-CE3 | NA | NA | NA | NA | |5769-WDS|5722-WDS|5722-WDS|5722-WDS |5722-WDS|5761-WDS|5770-WDS|5770-WDS| | * | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | | * |5722-CM1|5722-CM1|5722-CM1 |5722-CM1|5761-CM1| * | * | | * |5722-CR1|5722-CR1| * | * | NA | NA | NA | | NA | NA |5733-CO2| * | NA | NA | NA | NA | |5769-WDS|5722-WDS|5722-WDS|5722-WDS |5722-WDS|5761-WDS| NA | NA | |5769-WDS|5722-WDS|5722-WDS|5722-WDS |5722-WDS|5761-WDS|5770-WDS|5770-WDS| | NA | NA | NA |5733-CY1 |5733-CY1| NA | NA | NA | | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA |5733-CY2|5733-CY3|5733-CY3| | * |5722-DB1|5722-DB1|5722-DB1 |5722-DB1|5761-DB1| * | * | | NA | NA | NA |5733-DIR |5733-DIR| NA | NA | NA | | NA | NA | NA |5733-DR1 |5733-DR1| NA | NA | NA | | NA |5722-DE1|5722-DE1|5722-DE1 |5722-DE1|5761-DE1|5770-DE1| NA | | * |5722-DFH|5722-DFH|5722-DFH |5722-DFH|5761-DFH|5770-DFH|5770-DFH| |5769-DL1| * | * | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | |5769-DP3| * |5722-DP4| * | * |5761-DP4| * | * | | * |5722-DS1|5722-DS1|5722-DS1 |5722-DS1|5761-DS2| * | * | | NA | NA | NA |5648-E77 |5648-E77|5648-E77| * | * | | NA | NA | NA |5733-EWA |5733-EWA| NA | NA | NA | | NA | NA | NA |5733-EWM |5733-EWM| NA | NA | NA | | * | * | * | * | * | * | * | * | | * | * | * | * | * | * | * | * | | NA |5733-FXD| * | * | * | * |5733-FXD| NA | | NA |5733-ID1| * | * | * | * | * | * | | NA |5722-IP1|5722-IP1|5722-IP1 | * | * | * | * | | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA |5761-HAS|5770-HAS|5770-HAS| |5733-ITL|5733-ITL|5733-ITL|5733-ITL |5733-ITL|5733-ITL|5733-ITL|5733-ITL| |5769-JS1|5722-JS1|5722-JS1|5722-JS1 |5722-JS1|5761-JS1|5770-JS1|5770-JS1| | * | * | PN | PN | NA | NA | NA | NA | | * | * | PN | PN | NA | NA | NA | NA | | * |5722-MG1|5722-MG1|5722-MG1 |5722-MG1|5761-MG1|5770-MG1|5770-MG1| | NA | NA | NA | NA |5722-NLV|5761-NLV|5770-NLV|5770-NLV| | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA |5733-OMF|5733-OMF|5733-OMF| | * |5722-PD1| * | * | NA | NA | NA | NA | | NA | NA | NA | NA |5733-PS1|5733-PS1| NA | NA | |5769-PT1|5722-PT1|5722-PT1|5722-PT1 |5722-PT1|5761-PT1|5770-PT1|5770-PT1| |5769-QU1|5722-QU1|5722-QU1|5722-QU1 |5722-QU1|5761-QU1|5770-QU1|5770-QU1| |5769-WDS|5722-WDS|5722-WDS|5722-WDS |5722-WDS|5761-WDS|5770-WDS|5770-WDS| | NA | NA | NA | NA |5733-QU2|5733-WQX| * | * | | NA | NA | NA | NA |5733-QU3|5733-WQX| * | * | | NA | NA | NA | NA |5733-QU4|5733-WQX| * | * | |5769-RD1|5722-RD1|5722-RD1| PN | PN | PN | PN | PN | |5769-WDS|5722-WDS|5722-WDS|5722-WDS |5722-WDS|5761-WDS|5770-WDS|5770-WDS| | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA |5733-RDI|5733-RDP| NA | | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA |5733-RDP|5733-RDG| NA | | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA |5733-RDW|5733-RDX| NA | | NA | NA | NA |5733-SC1 | # | # | # | # | |5769-SM1|5722-SM1|5722-SM1|5722-SM1 |5722-SM1|5761-SM1|5770-SM1|5770-SM1| |5769-ST1|5722-ST1|5722-ST1|5722-ST1 |5722-ST1|5761-ST1|5770-ST1|5770-ST1| | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | | * | * | * | * | * | NA | NA | NA | |5769-VG1| * | * | * | NA | NA | NA | NA | |5769-VI1|5722-VI1|5722-VI1| PN | PN | PN | PN | NA | |5769-WDS|5722-WDS|5722-WDS|5722-WDS |5722-WDS|5761-WDS|5770-WDS|5770-WDS| | NA | NA | NA |5722-WE1 | NA | NA | NA | NA | | NA | NA | NA |5722-WE2 | * | * | * | * | |5769-XW1|5722-XW1|5722-XW1|5722-XW1 |5722-XW1|5761-XW1|5770-XW1|5770-XW1| | * |5798-FAX|5798-FAX| * | * | * | * |5798-FAX| | NA | NA |5733-XT1|5733-XT1 |5733-XT1| NA | NA | NA | | NA | NA | NA | NA |5733-XT2|5733-XT2|5733-XT2| * | | * | * | * | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | --------------------------------------------------------------------------
Legend:
- Restating the product number indicates new code has been added for that release.
- * Indicates the product is included in the release, but no new code has been added.
- # Indicates not orderable, but ships with 5722-SS1. NA Indicates no longer available.
- PN Indicates available as part number product only via Passport Advantage®.
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| Offering Information |
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Product information is available via the Offering Information website
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| Publications |
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No publications are shipped with this program.
With the IBM Systems Information Centre, users can use a single information centre to access product documentation for IBM Systems hardware, operating systems, and server software. Through a consistent framework, users can efficiently find information and personalize their access to that information. The IBM Systems Information Centre is at
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| Technical information |
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Specified operating environment
Hardware requirements
IBM i 7.2 is supported on IBM Power Systems with POWER8 architecture and technology, IBM Power Systems servers, IBM PureFlex™ systems and blades with POWER7 or POWER7+™ processors, IBM Power Systems servers with POWER6 or POWER6+™ processors, IBM Blades with POWER6 or POWER6+ processors, and IBM i servers with POWER6 processors. Clients using any previous servers need to upgrade or install new systems to take advantage of the new features in IBM i 7.2.
Software requirements
For specific software requirements, see the Memo to Users at
The program's specifications and specified operating environment information may be found in documentation accompanying the program, if available, such as a readme file, or other information published by IBM, such as an announcement letter. Documentation and other program content may be supplied only in the English language.
Limitations
For additional information, refer to Usage restriction in the "Terms and conditions" section of this announcement, or to the license information document that is available on the IBM Software License Agreement website
IBM Electronic Support
The IBM Support Portal is your gateway to technical support. This includes IBM Electronic Support tools and resources, for software and hardware, to help save time and simplify support. The Electronic Support tools can help you find answers to questions, download fixes, troubleshoot, automate data collection, submit and track problems through the Service Request on-line tool, and build skills. All these tools are made available through your IBM support agreement, at no additional charge. Read about the Electronic Support portfolio of tools
Access the IBM Support Portal
Access the on-line Service Request tool
Planning information
Planning statements provide insight into IBM's current plans, directions, and intent, and are subject to change or withdrawal without notice. Any reliance on these planning statements is at the relying party's sole risk and will not create liability or obligation for IBM.
IBM plans to withdraw the AT&T dial accounts for connecting to IBM for electronic customer support requests. These AT&T dial accounts will no longer be available for use with the release following IBM i 7.2. If you were creating your service configuration with a local dial or remote dial connection type and using the IBM-supplied AT&T telephone numbers, you will be affected by this change. It is recommended that you connect to IBM with a direct Internet connection for electronic customer support requests. If you must continue to use a dial account, you will need to use your own Internet Service Provider (ISP) beginning with the release after i 7.2. You can make this change now with the current IBM i release you are running on your system.
IBM plans for i 7.2 to be the final release to support the Communications Trace Analyzer plug-in to IBM i Navigator. An enhancement in the i 6.1 release (PTF SI33685) allows a communications trace to be dumped into the Packet Capture (PCAP) format used by other trace analysis tools. It is recommended that you use a tool that can analyze the communications trace data in PCAP format rather than the communications trace analyzer. In the i 6.1 release, you need to create a data area named QCMNTRCPCP in library QGPL prior to issuing the Dump Communications Trace (DMPCMNTRC) CL command. The existence of this data area will result in the data being dumped in the PCAP format. In the i 7.2 release, the DMPCMNTRC command has a new Stream file format keyword, FORMAT, where *PCAP can be specified.
Refer to the following website for additional planning information for IBM i 7.2
Customer responsibilities
None
Direct customer support
For technical support or assistance, contact your IBM representative or visit
Packaging
This offering is delivered through the Internet. There is no physical media. This program, when downloaded from a website, contains the applicable IBM license agreement and License Information, if appropriate, which will be presented for acceptance at the time of installation of the program. For future reference, the license and License Information will be stored in a directory such as LICENSE.TXT.
Security, auditability, and control
IBM i uses the security and auditability features of IBM i. The customer is responsible for evaluation, selection, and implementation of security features, administrative procedures, and appropriate controls in application systems and communication facilities.
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| Software Services |
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IBM Software Services has the breadth, depth, and reach to manage your services needs. You can leverage the deep technical skills of our lab-based Software Services team and the business consulting, project management, and infrastructure expertise of our IBM Global Services team. Also, we extend our IBM Software Services reach through IBM Business Partners to provide an extensive portfolio of capabilities. Together, we provide the global reach, intellectual capital, industry insight, and technology leadership to support a wide range of critical business needs.
To learn more about IBM Software Services or to contact a Software Services sales specialist, visit
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| Ordering information |
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No-charge features
IBM i (5770-SS1)
IBM i 7.2 (5770-SS1)
|Feature
Supply features |number
-------------------------------------------------------------------
i 7.2 Machine Code |5872
i 7.2 Lang Grp 1 Supply |5827
i 7.2 Lang Grp 2 Supply |5828
i 7.2 Lang Grp 3 Supply |5829
Media and Storage Extensions
(5770-SS1 - Option 18)
|Feature
Supply features |number
-------------------------------------------------------------------
i 7.2 M&S Extensions Supply |5921
PSF for IBM i 1-55 IPM Printer
Support (5770-SS1 - Option 36)
|Feature
Supply features |number
-------------------------------------------------------------------
i 7.2 PSF/400 1-55 IPM Supply |5926
PSF for IBM i 1-100 IPM Prtr
Supp (5770-SS1 - Option 37)
|Feature
Supply features |number
-------------------------------------------------------------------
i 7.2 PSF 1-100 IPM Prtr Supp |5927
PSF for IBM i AnySpeed Printer
Support (5770-SS1 - Option 38)
|Feature
Supply features |number
-------------------------------------------------------------------
i 7.2 PSF Any Speed Supply |5938
HA Switchable Resources
(5770-SS1 - Option 41)
|Feature
Supply features |number
-------------------------------------------------------------------
i 7.2 HA Switch Res Supply |5939
HA Journal Performance
(5770-SS1 - Option 42)
|Feature
Supply features |number
-------------------------------------------------------------------
i 7.2 HA Journal Perf Supply |5940
OptiConnect
(5770-SS1 - Option 23)
|Feature
Supply features |number
-------------------------------------------------------------------
i 7.2 OptiConnect Supply |5922
DB2 Symmetric Multiprocessing
(5770-SS1 - Option 26)
|Feature
Supply features |number
-------------------------------------------------------------------
i 7.2 DB2 Symm Multi Supply |5923
DB2 Multisystem
(5770-SS1 - Option 27)
|Feature
Supply features |number
-------------------------------------------------------------------
i 7.2 DB2 Multisystem Supply |5934
Encrypted Backup Enablement
(5770-SS1 - Option 44)
|Feature
Supply features |number
-------------------------------------------------------------------
i 7.2 Encry Bckup Enab Supply |5925
Encrypted ASP Enablement
(5770-SS1 - Option 45)
|Feature
Supply features |number
-------------------------------------------------------------------
i 7.2 Encry ASP Enable Supply |5930
Advanced Function Printing Utilities (5770-AF1)
|Feature
Supply features |number
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Language Group 1 |5827
Language Group 2 |5828
Language Group 3 |5829
Rational Application Management Tool Set for i (5770-AMT)
|Feature
Supply features |number
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Rational Application Management
Tool Set for i (5770-AMT) |5819
Backup Recovery and Media Services for i (5770-BR1)
|Feature
Supply features |number
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Language Group 1 |5827
Language Group 2 |5828
Language Group 3 |5829
- Network Feature
Language Group 1 |5947
Language Group 2 |5948
Language Group 3 |5949
- Advanced Feature
Language Group 1 |5967
Language Group 2 |5968
Language Group 3 |5969
Cryptographic Device Manager for i (5733-CY3)
|Feature
Supply features |number
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Cryptographic Device Manager
for i |5819
CICS Transaction Server for i (5770-DFH)
|Feature
Supply features |number
-------------------------------------------------------------------
CICS Transaction Server for i |5819
Facsimile Support for i V5R8M0 (5798-FAX)
|Feature
Supply features |number
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Facsimile Support for i V5R8M0 |5839
PowerHA SystemMirror for i (5770-HAS)
|Feature
Supply features |number
-------------------------------------------------------------------
- PowerHA for Standard Edition
Language Group 1 |5827
Language Group 2 |5828
Language Group 3 |5829
- PowerHA for i Enterprise Edition
Language Group 1 |5947
Language Group 2 |5948
Language Group 3 |5949
- PowerHA for i Express Edition
Language Group 1 |5727
Language Group 2 |5728
Language Group 3 |5729
Advanced Job Scheduler for i (5770-JS1)
|Feature
Supply features |number
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Language Group 1 |5827
Language Group 2 |5828
Language Group 3 |5829
Managed System Services for i (5770-MG1)
|Feature
Supply features |number
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Managed System Services for i |5819
IBM National Languages for I (5770-NLV)
IBM National Languages for i |Feature (5770-NLV) |number ------------------------------------------------------------------- LANGUAGE FEATURES Estonian Secondary Language |5602 Lithuanian Secondary Language |5603 Latvian Secondary Language |5604 Vietnamese Secondary Language |5605 Lao Secondary Language |5606 Belgian English Secondary |5609 Slovenian Secondary Language |5611 Croatian Secondary Language |5612 Macedonian Secondary Language |5613 Serbian Secondary Language |5614 Portuguese Secondary Language |5622 Dutch Secondary Language |5623 English U/L SBCS Secondary |5624 Finnish Secondary Language |5625 Danish Secondary Language |5626 French Secondary Language |5628 German Secondary Language |5629 Japanese Universal Secondary |5630 Spanish Secondary Language |5631 Italian Secondary Language |5632 Norwegian Secondary Language |5633 Swedish Secondary Language |5637 English U/C DBCS Secondary |5638 German MNCS Secondary Language |5639 French MNCS Secondary Language |5640 Italian MNCS Secondary Languag |5642 Arabic Secondary Language |5654 Turkish Secondary Language |5656 Greek Secondary Language |5657 Icelandic Secondary Language |5658 Hebrew Secondary Language |5661 Japanese DBCS Secondary |5662 Belgian Dutch Secondary Lang |5663 Belgian French Secondary Lang |5666 Thai DBCS Secondary Language |5672 Bulgarian Secondary Language |5674 Czech Secondary Language |5675 Hungarian Secondary Language |5676 Polish Secondary Language |5678 Russian Secondary Language |5679 Braz Portuguese Secondary Lang |5680 Canadian French Secondary Lang |5681 English U/L DBCS Secondary |5684 Korean DBCS Secondary Language |5686 Trad Chinese DBCS Secondary |5687 Simp Chinese DBCS Secondary |5689 Romanian Secondary Language |5692 Slovakian Secondary Language |5694 Albanian Secondary Language |5695 Portuguese MNCS Secondary |5696 Farsi Secondary Language |5698 SUPPLY FEATURES i 7.2 Lang Grp 1 Supply |5827 i 7.2 Lang Grp 2 Supply |5828 i 7.2 Lang Grp 3 Supply |5829 i 7.2 Licensed Machine Code |5872
OmniFind Text Search Server for DB2 for i (5733-OMF)
|Feature
Supply features |number
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OmniFind Text Search Server
for DB2 for i |5839
Performance Tools for i (5770-PT1)
|Feature
Supply features |number
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Language Group 1 |5827
Language Group 2 |5828
Language Group 3 |5829
- Manager Feature
Language Group 1 |5947
Language Group 2 |5948
Language Group 3 |5949
- Agent Feature
Language Group 1 |5967
Language Group 2 |5968
Language Group 3 |5969
- Job Watcher Feature
Language Group 1 |5988
Language Group 2 |5998
Language Group 3 |5999
Query for i (5770-QU1)
|Feature
Supply features |number
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Language Group 1 |5827
Language Group 2 |5828
Language Group 3 |5829
System Manager for i (5770-SM1)
|Feature
Supply features |number
-------------------------------------------------------------------
System Manager for i |5819
DB2 Query Mgr & SQL Dev Kit for i (5770-ST1)
|Feature
Supply features |number
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Language Group 1 |5827
Language Group 2 |5828
Language Group 3 |5829
Rational Development Studio (5770-WDS)
|Feature
Supply features |number
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Language Group 1 |5827
Language Group 2 |5828
Language Group 3 |5829
- ILE Compilers
Language Group 1 |5947
Language Group 2 |5948
Language Group 3 |5949
- Heritage Compilers
Language Group 1 |5967
Language Group 2 |5968
Language Group 3 |5969
- Application Development
ToolSet
Language Group 1 |5988
Language Group 2 |5998
Language Group 3 |5999
IBM i Access Family (5770-XW1)
|Feature
Supply features |number
-------------------------------------------------------------------
- Processor Based
Language Group 1 |5827
Language Group 2 |5828
Language Group 3 |5829
- User Based
Language Group 1 |5727
Language Group 2 |5728
Language Group 3 |5729
System i® Temp SW License (5733-ITL)
|Feature
Supply features |number
-------------------------------------------------------------------
IBM i 7.2 |5072
High Avail Sol Mgr Std |5990
High Avail Sol Mgr Exp |5991
National Language for I5/OS (5761-NLV)
|Feature
Supply features |number
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ePoE NLV Reg OTC |6001
ePoE NLV Reg OTC |6101
CICS Transaction Server for i (5761-DFH)
|Feature
Supply features |number
------------------------------------------------------------------
ePoE DFH Reg OTC |6345
ePoE DFH Reg OTC |6346
National Language for I5/OS (5770-NLV)
|Feature
Supply features |number
-------------------------------------------------------------------
ePoE NLV Reg OTC |6001
ePoE NLV Reg OTC |6101
IBM i5/OS™ (5761-SS1)
|Feature
Supply features |number
-------------------------------------------------------------------
IBM i Access Client Sol |6289
IBM i (5770-SS1)
|Feature
Supply features |number
-------------------------------------------------------------------
IBM i Access Client Sol |6289
IBM i Access Win 7.1. |6287
Registration feature (5722-WE2)
|Feature
Supply features |number
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Dev Demo Sys Sw Reg |6485
Registration feature (5722-IP1)
|Feature
Supply features |number
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Dev Demo Sys Sw Reg |6485
Electronic Software Delivery for initial software orders
The capability to order electronic software delivery for initial software orders is available now.
Initial orders placed for many Power software products including IBM i 5.4, i 6.1. i 7.1, AIX® 5.3, AIX 6.1, PowerVM, and IBM Systems Director Editions will now be supported for Electronic Software Delivery (ESD). Customers will have the option of selecting either physical or electronic delivery. Programs ordered for ESD will have download images provided on the Entitled Software Support (ESS) website
These are the same images as provided on the CD / DVD media shipped for physical orders. This capability enables customers to receive software products electronically without the need to receive or handle physical media and fits well with customer strategies to utilize network or virtual media installation.
Customers placing ESD software orders will be informed of their fulfilled software orders via an email or physical package shipped from IBM. For customers currently registered with the ESS website, an email with software order information will be sent to the email address on file with the ESS website. Customers who have not yet registered to the ESS website will receive a letter from IBM informing them of their software order availability. The letter provides the customer number, software order number(s), and system number information which may be used for ESS website registration. Once registration has been completed, the "Downloads" support provided by the ESS website may be accessed.
Electronic delivery of upgrade orders via ESD continues to be available for Power software including i 5.4, i 6.1, i 7.1, AIX 5.3, AIX 6.1, PowerVM, and IBM Systems Director Editions.
ESD help (instructions on how to use)
ESD sign-in (must have customer number and Power software entitlements to get in)
List of Power software products that are available for electronic download
Electronic Software Update orders
Entitled Software Update (ESU) is a way for customers to self order their Power software release upgrades via the Entitled Software Support (ESS) website without the need to go to their seller to place the upgrade order. Entitled Software Update (ESU) orders for Electronic Software Delivery (ESD) will now be available in all countries. ESU orders for Power software including i 5.4, i 6.1. i 7.1, AIX 5.3, AIX 6.1, PowerVM, and IBM Systems Director Editions will be placed on the ESS website
Customers should generally select electronic delivery when ordering via ESU, but do have the ability to select physical delivery. Programs ordered for ESD will have the same download images provided as on the CD / DVD media shipped for physical orders. Countries requiring physical delivery of License Information Documentation will have these document(s) shipped separately. This physical shipment will not delay the immediate availability of the ESD images for customer download.
ESU Customers placing ESD software orders will be able to immediately proceed to the "Downloads" website support for program access, instead of waiting for delivery of a physical package shipped from IBM. For ESD orders, an email with software order information will be sent to the email address on file with the ESS website.
Customers choosing physical delivery will also have the electronic images available for ESD download.
ESD help (instructions on how to use)
ESD sign-in (must have customer number and Power software entitlements to get in)
List of Power software products that are available for electronic download
Try and Buy support for IBM i and keyed software programs
Electronic software download of the IBM i stacked media set for IBM i 5.4, i 6.1, i 7.1, and i 7.2 will now be made available for Try and Buy support. This provides the same Try and Buy capabilities for both electronic and physical media deliveries. The download images are the same as would be provided if physical media had been ordered.
Customers who are registered on the ESS website may access i software program images for trial use purposes. Prior to electronic download, the customer will be presented with the trial use program software terms and conditions documentation. The trial use software terms must be accepted before access to the requested version trial use software download images will be provided. A trial use program will operate without a permanent software key for a period of 70 days after initial program install. To have the installed program run beyond the 70-day grace period, a software order for the program must be placed. Once the software order has been fulfilled, an entitlement record and a permanent software key for the program will be provided on the ESS website. A permanent key for each entitled software program must be downloaded and installed to provide for continuous software program operation.
Customers may use the Try and Buy support to download earlier versions of a currently entitled software program. Software key(s) created for previously entitled software programs may be requested from the Key Centre
Media charge
A media charge will be billed to Power software customers ordering physical delivery of media and/or publications. The billing charge will apply to both initial and upgrade software orders. No media charge will be billed to customers choosing Electronic Software Delivery (ESD).
The physical media charge for Power software will appear under the following programs:
5761-SS1 IBM i V6 Operating System 5770-SS1 IBM i V7 Operating System 5761-NLV IBM i V6 National Languages for i 5770-NLV IBM i V7 National Languages for i 5692-A6P AIX V6 System Program Order 5692-LOP Linux on Power System Program Order
Charge metric
Part number or
Program name PID number Charge metric
IBM i 5770-SS1 Per Processor and Per Server
Additional IBM i
Processors 5770-SSA Per Processor
IBM i Application
Server 5770-SSB Per Processor
IBM i Users 5770-SSC Per User
Concurrent User
Concurrent User is a unit of measure by which the program can be licensed. A Concurrent User is a person who is accessing the program at any particular point in time. Regardless of whether the person is simultaneously accessing the program multiple times, the person counts only as a single Concurrent User. The program may be installed on any number of computers or servers, but licensee must obtain entitlements for the maximum number of Concurrent Users simultaneously accessing the program. Licensee must obtain an entitlement for each simultaneous Concurrent User accessing the program in any manner directly or indirectly (for example, via a multiplexing program, device, or application server) through any means.
Note: Some programs may be licensed where devices are considered users. In that case, the following applies. Any computing device that requests the execution of or receives for execution a set of commands, procedures, or applications from the program or that is otherwise managed by the program is considered a separate user of the program and requires an entitlement as if that device were a person.
Processor Value Unit (PVU)
PVU is a unit of measure by which the program can be licensed. The number of PVU entitlements required is based on the processor technology (defined within the PVU table by processor value, brand, type, and model number at the website below) and the number of processors made available to the program. IBM continues to define a processor, for the purpose of PVU-based licensing, to be each processor core on a chip. A dual-core processor chip, for example, has two processor cores. The PVU table can be found at
Licensee can deploy the program using either full capacity licensing or virtualization capacity (sub-capacity) licensing according to the Passport Advantage Sub-Capacity Licensing Terms (refer to the web page below). If using full capacity licensing, licensee must obtain PVU entitlements sufficient to cover all activated processor cores* in the physical hardware environment made available to or managed by the program, except for those servers from which the program has been permanently removed. If using virtualization capacity licensing, licensee must obtain entitlements sufficient to cover all activated processor cores made available to or managed by the program, as defined according to the Virtualization Capacity License Counting Rules at
* An activated processor core is a processor core that is available for use in a physical or virtual server, regardless of whether the capacity of the processor core can be or is limited through virtualization technologies, operating system commands, BIOS settings, or similar restrictions.
Notes :
- Some programs may require licenses for the program and what is being managed. In that case, the following applies. In addition to the entitlements required for the program directly, licensee must obtain PVU entitlements for this program sufficient to cover the processor cores managed by the program.
- Some programs may be licensed on a managed basis only. In that case, the following applies. Instead of the entitlements required for the program directly, licensee must obtain PVU entitlements for this program sufficient to cover the processor cores managed by the program.
- A few programs on an exception basis may be licensed on a referenced basis. In that case, the following applies. Rather than obtaining entitlements for the activated processor cores available to the program, licensee must obtain PVU entitlements for this program sufficient to cover the environment made available to the referenced program as if the program itself were executing everywhere the referenced program was executing, independent of the basis on which the referenced program is licensed.
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| Terms and conditions |
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The information provided in this announcement letter is for reference and convenience purposes only. The terms and conditions that govern any transaction with IBM are contained in the applicable contract documents such as the IBM International Program License Agreement, IBM International Passport Advantage Agreement, and IBM Agreement for Acquisition of Software Maintenance.
Licensing
IBM International Program License Agreement including the License Information document and Proof of Entitlement (PoE) govern your use of the program. PoEs are required for all authorized use.
This software license includes Software Subscription and Support (also referred to as Software Maintenance).
Agreement for Acquisition of Software Maintenance
The IBM Agreement for Acquisition of Software Maintenance (Z125-6011) applies for Subscription and Support (also referred to as Software Maintenance) and does not require customer signatures.
These programs are licensed under the IBM Program License Agreement (IPLA) and the associated Agreement for Acquisition of Software Maintenance, which provide for support with ongoing access to releases and versions of the program. IBM includes one year of Software Subscription and Support (also referred to as Software Maintenance) with the initial license acquisition of each program acquired. The initial period of Software Subscription and Support (also referred to as Software Maintenance) can be extended by the purchase of a renewal option, if available. These programs have a one-time license charge for use of the program and an annual renewable charge for the enhanced support that includes telephone assistance (voice support for defects during normal business hours), as well as access to updates, releases, and versions of the program as long as support is in effect.
Licensed machine code
IBM machine code is licensed for use by a customer on a specific machine, designated by serial number, under the terms and conditions of the IBM License Agreement for Machine Code, to enable a specific machine to function in accordance with its specifications, and only for the capacity authorized by IBM and acquired by the customer. You can obtain the agreement at the following website or by contacting your IBM representative
Elliptical Curve Cryptography (ECC) technology is included with 7.2 IBM i (5770-SS1). This ECC technology is delivered through the machine code, and requires license terms in addition to the standard IBM License Agreement for Machine Code (LMC) referenced above. These additional terms are delivered through the LMC's Addendum for Elliptical Curve Cryptography. This ECC Addendum is available for review at the following website or by contacting your IBM representative
License Information number
Z125-3301
The program's License Information will be available for review on the IBM Software License Agreement website
Limited warranty applies
Yes
Limited warranty
IBM warrants that when the program is used in the specified operating environment, it will conform to its specifications. The warranty applies only to the unmodified portion of the program. IBM does not warrant uninterrupted or error-free operation of the program or that IBM will correct all program defects. You are responsible for the results obtained from the use of the program.
IBM provides you with access to IBM databases containing information on known program defects, defect corrections, restrictions, and bypasses at no additional charge. For further information, consult the IBM Software Support Handbook found at
IBM will maintain this information for at least one year after the original licensee acquires the program (warranty period).
Money-back guarantee
If for any reason you are dissatisfied with the program and you are the original licensee, you may obtain a refund of the amount you paid for it, if within 30 days of your invoice date you return the program and its PoE to the party from whom you obtained it. If you downloaded the program, you may contact the party from whom you acquired it for instructions on how to obtain the refund.
For clarification, note that for programs acquired under any of IBM's On/Off Capacity on Demand (On/Off CoD) software offerings, this term does not apply since these offerings apply to programs already acquired and in use by you.
Volume orders (IVO)
Yes. Contact your IBM representative.
Passport Advantage applies
No
Usage restriction
Yes. For additional information, refer to the License Information document that is available on the IBM Software License Agreement website
Software Subscription and Support applies
Yes. All distributed software licenses include Software Subscription and Support (also referred to as Software Maintenance) for a period of 12 months from the date of acquisition, providing a streamlined way to acquire IBM software and assure technical support coverage for all licenses. Extending coverage for a total of three years from date of acquisition may be elected.
While your Software Subscription and Support is in effect, IBM provides you assistance for your routine, short-duration installation and usage (how-to) questions, and code-related questions. IBM provides assistance via telephone and, if available, electronic access, only to your information systems (IS) technical support personnel during the normal business hours (published prime shift hours) of your IBM support centre. (This assistance is not available to your end users.) IBM provides Severity 1 assistance 24 hours a day, every day of the year. For additional details, consult your IBM Software Support Handbook at
Software Subscription and Support does not include assistance for the design and development of applications, your use of programs in other than their specified operating environment, or failures caused by products for which IBM is not responsible under this agreement.
For more information about the Passport Advantage Agreement, visit the Passport Advantage website at
IBM Operational Support Services - SupportLine
Yes
System i Software Maintenance applies
Yes
Variable charges apply
No
Educational allowance available
Yes. A 15% education allowance applies to qualified education institution customers.
Academic use allowance: Yes
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| Statement of good security practices |
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IT system security involves protecting systems and information through prevention, detection, and response to improper access from within and outside your enterprise. Improper access can result in information being altered, destroyed, or misappropriated or can result in misuse of your systems to attack others. Without a comprehensive approach to security, no IT system or product should be considered completely secure and no single product or security measure can be completely effective in preventing improper access. IBM systems and products are designed to be part of a comprehensive security approach, which will necessarily involve additional operational procedures, and may require other systems, products, or services to be most effective. IBM does not warrant that systems and products are immune from the malicious or illegal conduct of any party.
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| IBM Electronic Services |
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Electronic Service Agent™ and the IBM Electronic Support web portal are dedicated to providing fast, exceptional support to IBM Systems customers. The IBM Electronic Service Agent tool is a no-additional-charge tool that proactively monitors and reports hardware events, such as system errors, performance issues, and inventory. The Electronic Service Agent tool can help you stay focused on your company's strategic business initiatives, save time, and spend less effort managing day-to-day IT maintenance issues. Servers enabled with this tool can be monitored remotely around the clock by IBM Support, all at no additional cost to you.
Now integrated into the base operating system of AIX V5.3, AIX V6.1, and AIX V7.1, Electronic Service Agent is designed to automatically and electronically report system failures and utilization issues to IBM, which can result in faster problem resolution and increased availability. System configuration and inventory information collected by the Electronic Service Agent tool also can be viewed on the secure Electronic Support web portal, and used to improve problem determination and resolution by you and the IBM support team. To access the tool main menu, simply type smitty esa_main, and select Configure Electronic Service Agent. In addition, ESA now includes a powerful web user interface, giving the administrator easy access to status, tool settings, problem information, and filters. For more information and documentation on how to configure and use Electronic Service Agent, refer to
The IBM Electronic Support portal is a single Internet entry point that replaces the multiple entry points traditionally used to access IBM Internet services and support. This portal enables you to gain easier access to IBM resources for assistance in resolving technical problems. The My Systems and Premium Search functions make it even easier for Electronic Service Agent tool-enabled customers to track system inventory and find pertinent fixes.
Benefits
Increased uptime: The Electronic Service Agent tool is designed to enhance the Warranty or Maintenance Agreement by providing faster hardware error reporting and uploading system information to IBM Support. This can translate to less wasted time monitoring the symptoms, diagnosing the error, and manually calling IBM Support to open a problem record. Its 24x7 monitoring and reporting mean no more dependence on human intervention or off-hours customer personnel when errors are encountered in the middle of the night.
Security: The Electronic Service Agent tool is designed to be secure in monitoring, reporting, and storing the data at IBM. The Electronic Service Agent tool is designed to securely transmit either via the Internet (HTTPS or VPN) or modem, to provide you a single point of exit from your site. Communication is one way. Activating Electronic Service Agent does not enable IBM to call into your system.
More accurate reporting: Because system information and error logs are automatically uploaded to the IBM Support centre in conjunction with the service request, you are not required to find and send system information, decreasing the risk of misreported or misdiagnosed errors. Once inside IBM, problem error data is run through a data knowledge management system and knowledge articles are appended to the problem record.
Customized support: Using the IBM ID entered during activation, you can view system and support information in the My Systems and Premium Search sections of the Electronic Support website at
My Systems provides valuable reports of installed hardware and software using information collected from the systems by Electronic Service Agent. Reports are available for any system associated with your IBM ID. Premium Search combines the function of search and the value of Electronic Service Agent information, providing advanced search of the technical support knowledgebase. Using Premium Search and the Electronic Service Agent information that has been collected from your system, you are able to see search results that apply specifically to your systems.
For more information on how to utilize the power of IBM Electronic Services, contact your IBM Systems Services Representative, or visit
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| Prices |
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Prices are subject to change without notice.
GST, QST, and sales taxes, where applicable, are extra.
For additional information and current prices, contact your local IBM representative.
IBM Global Financing
IBM Global Financing offers competitive financing to credit-qualified customers to assist them in acquiring IT solutions. Offerings include financing for IT acquisition, including hardware, software, and services, from both IBM and other manufacturers or vendors. Offerings (for all customer segments: small, medium, and large enterprise), rates, terms, and availability can vary by country. Contact your local IBM Global Financing organization or visit
IBM Global Financing offerings are provided through IBM Credit LLC in the United States, and other IBM subsidiaries and divisions worldwide to qualified commercial and government customers. Rates are based on a customer's credit rating, financing terms, offering type, equipment type, and options, and may vary by country. Other restrictions may apply. Rates and offerings are subject to change, extension, or withdrawal without notice.
Financing from IBM Global Financing helps you preserve cash and credit lines, enables more technology acquisition within current budget limits, permits accelerated implementation of economically attractive new technologies, offers payment and term flexibility, and can help match project costs to projected benefits. Financing is available worldwide for credit-qualified customers.
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| Order now |
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To order, contact the Americas Call Centers or your local IBM representative, or your IBM Business Partner.
To identify your local IBM representative or IBM Business Partner, call 800-IBM-4YOU (426-4968).
Phone: 800-IBM-CALL (426-2255)
Fax: 800-2IBM-FAX (242-6329)
For IBM representative: askibm@ca.ibm.com
For IBM Business Partner: pwcs@us.ibm.com
Mail: IBM Teleweb Customer Support
ibm.com® Sales Execution Centre, Americas North
3500 Steeles Ave. East, Tower 3/4
Markham, Ontario
Canada
L3R 2Z1
Reference: AE001
The Americas Call Centers, our national direct marketing organization, can add your name to the mailing list for catalogues of IBM products.
Note: Shipments will begin after the planned availability date.
Trade-marks
Power Systems, POWER8, PureSystems, PureFlex, POWER7+, POWER6+, i5/OS and Electronic Service Agent are trade-marks of IBM Corporation in the United States, other countries, or both.
IBM, DB2, PowerHA, SystemMirror, Express, HyperSwap, Rational, Power, WebSphere, developerWorks, POWER, POWER7, POWER6, BladeCenter, Storwize, PowerVM, DS8000, OmniFind, iSeries, CICS, Passport Advantage, System i, AIX and ibm.com are registered trade-marks of IBM Corporation in the United States, other countries, or both.
Linux is a registered trade-mark of Linus Torvalds in the United States, other countries, or both.
Microsoft and Windows are trade-marks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States, other countries, or both.
Other company, product, and service names may be trade-marks or service marks of others.
tm Trade-mark owned by International Business Machines Corporation and is used under license by IBM Canada Ltd.
® Registered trade-mark of International Business Machines Corporation and is used under license by IBM Canada Ltd.
(**) Company, product or service name may be a trade-mark or service mark of others.
Terms of use
IBM products and services which are announced and available in your country can be ordered under the applicable standard agreements, terms, conditions, and prices in effect at the time. IBM reserves the right to modify or withdraw this announcement at any time without notice. This announcement is provided for your information only. Additional terms of use are located at
For the most current information regarding IBM products, consult your IBM representative or reseller, or visit the IBM worldwide contacts page
