Versions and revisions

In this section, you can learn about the IBM® MQ queue manager versions and revisions for IBM MQ as a Service.

Queue manager details

Shows the configuration tab

The queue manager Configuration tab shows details about the current queue manager, including the IBM MQ version, revision, and the date it was last updated. Hovering over the information icons reveals additional detail, such as the build level and the time of the last update.

IBM MQ version

The version and maintenance level of the queue manager for example, 9.4.4, represents the fourth Continuous Delivery (CD) release within the version 9.4 family.

From time to time new versions of the IBM MQ product are released, such as during a new Continuous Delivery (CD) release. The new version of IBM MQ automatically becomes the default selection for new queue manager deployments, and existing queue managers are notified that they have a specified time window to upgrade to the latest version.

IBM MQ build level

Hovering over the information icon next to the MQ version field reveals the build level. The build level includes the date that the IBM MQ level was built, which changes when a fix has been applied to the queue manager deployment.

shows the build level field

Revision

The IBM MQ as a Service service uses the term "revision" to describe different levels of the container image that runs inside an individual queue manager. Revisions are a sub-division within the IBM MQ version. For example, the operating system image used in "9.4.3 r1" is not generally the same as "9.4.4 r1". Revisions are inclusive so "9.4.4 r3" would contain the changes in "9.4.4 r1" and "9.4.4 r2".

Periodically, a new revision is released for a given IBM MQ version. A new revision can include one or more of the following:

  • Applied queue manager fixes, such as required security fixes.
  • New or updated operating system dependencies.
  • Fixes or new features specific to the IBM MQ as a Service service.

The new revision automatically becomes the default selection for new queue manager deployments, and existing queue managers are notified that they have a specified time window in order to update to the latest revision.

The update notification is displayed on the Queue managers list view where an information text box appears above the list of queue managers. An icon also appears next to the Version field of applicable queue managers. Hovering over the information icon reveals the date by which the queue manager should be updated.

shows the queue manager update message
The queue manager details page also displays any applicable update notification.
shows the update availability message

The information icon changes from a blue circle to an orange triangle when the time window for the update is within 14 days. If you do not update before that time elapses, the update is performed automatically. This happens within a 24-hour period of the given date.

Important: The length of the time window in which a manual update can take place depends on the severity of the fixes contained in the new revision. A high-severity security fix needs to be applied more quickly than a low severity fix, as such, the automatic update would occur sooner than a low severity fix.

To get more information on the nature of the update, click on the Update now button to open the side panel.

Shows the update now button and side panel

The side panel shows more details and a summary of the contents of the update. Full details of the current and previous update history can be found by clicking on More details.

Version update

Periodically, a new version of IBM MQ is released. New versions can include one or more of the following features:

  • New features or function
  • New or updated operating system dependencies
  • New or updated client dependencies
  • Fixes and security updates
The new version is offered as an alternative update choice until such a time as it becomes the default (or only) update choice. You can choose between the next revision (if available) and the next version for the update.
Shows a new version becoming available

Last updated

The date that is stated is when the queue manager was deployed. Following this, the date represents when it was most recently updated to a new version or revision.

Shows update detaills for a queue manager

Hovering over the information icon next to the Last updated field reveals the time of day of the last update .