[z/OS]

Applying and removing maintenance on z/OS

You can install maintenance to update IBM® MQ for z/OS® to a new maintenance level.

Before you begin

This task assumes that you understand the difference between Long Term Support and Continuous Delivery releases, and the maintenance delivery model that applies in each case. For more information, see IBM MQ Release Types and versioning.

The command level of a queue manager is the three-digit VRM level. An IBM MQ program can call MQINQ, passing the MQIA_COMMAND_LEVEL selector, to get the command level of the queue manager it is connected to.

About this task

IBM MQ for z/OS uses PTFs for Maintenance.

[Long Term Support]PTFs are specific to a particular set of libraries corresponding to specific release level. For UNIX System Services features (that is, JMS and WEB UI, Connector Pack, and Managed File Transfer) the z/OS PTFs are aligned directly with the Multiplatforms fix packs and cumulative security updates (CSUs). These fixes are cumulative, and are made available at the same time as the equivalent Multiplatforms fix pack or CSU.

[Continuous Delivery]CD CSUs are not usually made available between CD releases, but are included in the next IBM MQ for z/OS CD release. You can also contact support to request a ++USERMOD.

Other fixes on IBM MQ for z/OS are distinct fixes on particular parts. These fixes resolve specific issues, are not cumulative, and are made available as and when they are produced.

PTFs are applied to and removed from the installed code using SMP/E. For more information about SMP/E, see Installing IBM MQ for z/OS and z/OS installation overview and the appropriate Program Directory. For download links for the Program Directories, see IBM MQ for z/OS Program Directory PDF files.

Apart from any exceptions documented with the PTFs, PTFs do not change the correct operation of IBM MQ, and are reversible. Nonetheless, you must check that the fixes have not changed the operation of critical programs unexpectedly.

Applying PTFs does not change the version, release, or maintenance level of the code. No queue manager migration is required after applying maintenance. PTFs are grouped into Recommended Service Updates (RSUs) that have been tested together in a Consolidated Service Test (CST); see Consolidated Service Test and the RSU.

PTFs that apply to a category of software fixes might be grouped together and identified using a fix category. For more information, see IBM Fix category values and descriptions.

Procedure

  1. Open Downloading IBM MQ 9.1.
  2. Click the CD releases tab.

    Note that 9.1.5 was the final CD release for IBM MQ 9.1, and you are instructed to upgrade to CD releases in IBM MQ 9.2.

  3. To access the latest 9.1 LTS downloads, click the "Latest LTS fix" tab.

    From this tab you can download either an LTS fix pack or an LTS CSU, whichever is the latest.

    1. Find the section Downloading the fix pack/CSU for z/OS.
    2. Get the specified fix pack/CSU PTFs from Shopz.

    Fix packs and CSUs are cumulative. Therefore you are only offered the latest fix, which might be either a fix pack or a CSU.