Getting started with the centralized installation manager (CIM) for previous versions

Prepare the centralized installation manager (CIM) for use in your application server environment.

Before you begin

Create the CIM repository on the deployment manager using IBM® WebSphere® Installation Factory Version 7.0.0.15 or later. TheIBM WebSphere Installation Factory is included with WebSphere Application Server Network Deployment Version 7.0, or you can download the latest version from the IBM website. For more information, read the Installing Network Deployment topic.

Restriction: Only Network Deployment packages and Network Deployment customized installation packages are supported in a CIM repository.

About this task

Familiarize yourself with the CIM and prepare for its use by reading the following topics in this section:

Considerations when using the centralized installation manager (CIM) for previous versions
Adding installation packages of previous versions to the centralized installation manager (CIM) repository using the Installation Factory
Special procedures for IBM i operating systems when running the centralized installation manager (CIM) for previous versions
Installing Version 6.1.x and 7.x customized installation packages (CIPs) using the centralized installation manager (CIM)
Requirements for using Remote Execution and Access (RXA)
Additional requirements for installing or uninstalling maintenance to previous versions on AIX as a non-root user

What to do next

Use the CIM to download and install packages to targets in a cell or review the CIM usage scenarios.