[z/OS]

The version naming scheme for IBM MQ for z/OS

On IBM® MQ for z/OS®, releases have a three digit Version, Release, and Modification (VRM) level. To run a queue manager at a different VRM level, you must migrate the queue manager, its applications, and the environment in which it runs.

The release level of IBM MQ for z/OS is described by a three-digit VRM level. This applies to both Long Term Support (LTS) and Continuous Delivery (CD) releases.

In general, the two release types are distinguishable by the modification number:
  • Long Term Support releases always have a modification number of zero, for example 9.1.0 and 9.2.0.
  • Continuous Delivery releases generally have a modification number that is non-zero, for example, 9.1.4, 9.1.5, and so on.

[z/OS]The only exception to this rule is on IBM MQ for z/OS, where from IBM MQ for z/OS 9.2.0 there is a CD release available at the same time as each LTS release, and with the same V.R.M number. That is, there is an IBM MQ for z/OS 9.2.0 LTS release and an IBM MQ for z/OS 9.2.0 CD release, which are functionally identical. This provides for a simpler install experience for z/OS users who want to be able to upgrade CD releases by applying PTFs to a single SMP/E install, even when crossing an LTS release boundary. You can distinguish between IBM MQ for z/OS 9.2.0 LTS and IBM MQ for z/OS 9.2.0 CD by looking at the CSQY000I message in the queue manager job log.

The command level of a queue manager is the three-digit VRM level. You can look at the queue manager command level in the queue manager property panel in IBM MQ Explorer. An IBM MQ program can call MQINQ, passing the MQIA_COMMAND_LEVEL selector, to obtain the command level of the queue manager it is connected to.

[MQ 9.2.0 Jul 2020]The VRM is significant in two respects:
  • Changing the VRM that a queue manager runs at, requires migration of the queue manager, or all queue managers in the same queue sharing group.
  • Each VRM has its own service end date. So, for example, 9.2.0, on z/OS, has a different service end date from 9.2.1.

    See the Software lifecycle search results for "IBM MQ", scroll through the search results to find your version of IBM MQ, then follow the link to find the end of service dates.