The common question I've been asked multiple times through various means, "How can I tell if my iFix is installable as-is when I upgrade WebSphere Application Server (WAS) to a newer fix pack level?" The answer, as it is to so many things, is "it depends." The manual method is not necessarily difficult, but may be a bit tedious if you have a lot of iFixes to consider. The automatic method is sometimes simpler and can be performed through the Installation Manager (IM) GUI or command line tool, depending on which... [More]

Tags:  was apar install ifix websphere fix maintenance websphere_application_ser... fixpack

  Once your application is implemented and deployed, it is important to keep it up-to-date and maintained to avoid any issues that might impact its availability and to ensure continued support in the event a problem occurs.   The Operational Decision Manager version numbers use the standard IBM format V.R.M.F which stands for Version.Release.Modification.Fixpack . See the V.R.M.F Maintenance Stream Delivery Vehicle terminology explanation for more details.     First of all, it is always... [More]

Tags:  migrate upgrade maintenance jrules fixpack fix odm update

In the fall of 2011, I posted an article titled WebSphere Application Server Information Supercenter with links that may be particularly helpful when navigating the support information available for WebSphere Application Server (WAS). Since then we've had plenty of newsworthy activity, for example, the release of WAS V8.0 and V8.5 as well as some fix packs. Here is an updated list to bookmark that will help with keeping the top information at your fingertips. Version 8.0 and 8.5 Links: System Requirements for Application Client for WebSphere... [More]

Tags:  was websphere fix application support planning migration server upgrade

When it comes to making the decision on when to upgrade the maintenance on a WebSphere MQ system, many people prefer not to think about it. They wait until they are forced to make the upgrade, either because they hit some very serious problems or because a version of MQ has gone unsupported. After going through a "forced" upgrade, it is very common for a person to look back at their experience and wish they could have avoided that scenario. Often times, the person will say "I wish I knew then what I know now". Thinking... [More]

Tags:  update jms pack java csd fix websphere upgrade multi-instance wmq mq multi-version mainteance

Earlier this week, Fix Central was updated to prompt for an IBM ID prior to downloading fixes. When you visit the Fix Central site , you will see the following announcement: As of January 31, 2012, each IBM client accessing Fix Central (whether through their employees or other authorized representatives) is required to have an individual IBM ID to download fixes (some exemptions may apply). The registration is quick and simple and will provide users with a customized experience to better serve their needs. Fix Central downloads are available... [More]

Tags:  fix-central websphere fixcentral support ibmid fix cics

Often, we receive Problem Records (PMRs) or Service Requests (SRs) requesting a fix for a specific APAR problem.  If the fix is included with a published fixpack, we generally recommend that the user apply the latest fixpack rather than requesting an interim fix. Interim fixes are often not available on fix central for general download.  We encourage users to apply the fixpack if possible.  Interim fixes do not undergo the same rigorous 3 month cycle of thorough testing involved in certifying a FixPack.  If a user wants an interim fix for... [More]

Tags:  maintenance download wmq ifix apar mq fix upgrade websphere interim

So much information, so little time!  There is a lot of information for supporting WebSphere Application Server available to everyone but it can be frustrating finding what you want when you need it. Certainly you can access the IBM Support portal and do internet searches but in an effort to save some time here is a list of topics you may find helpful. I've compiled a jumping off point for getting to the information you need for the WebSphere Application product.  The following has fix lists, knowledge collections & DSRs and if you need to... [More]

Tags:  support newsletters was list websphere server application fix pack

Here are some questions that we hear quite often about accessing WebSphere DataPower SOA Appliances firmware fix packs on our Fix Central web site: How do I find DataPower fix packs? They're available on Fix Central. You'll need to know details about your appliance such as the model in addition to license information. This Knowledge Collection might be helpful in collecting those details along with tips on navigating in Fix Central.  We also hope this document containing Fix Central screen shots is helpful.  Keep in mind that you'll be prompted... [More]

Tags:  fixes datapower fix faq faqs fixpacks