Obtaining and installing maintenance

The following procedure is an example that you can use as a model for implementing a maintenance procedure that is specific to your IMS installation.

This maintenance procedure is based on the recommendations that are outlined in Updating the maintenance service level of a new or migrated IMS system and Maintaining service levels of existing IMS production systems.

For a similar example procedure with additional information, see Informational APAR II13024.

Attention: SYSMODs that are applied (APPLY) but not accepted (ACCEPT) might be regressed by the system definition process. To avoid regressing SYSMODs, see Preventing regression of SYSMODs in APPLY-only status by an IMS system definition.

Procedure

  1. Obtain current service by using your current service delivery method, such as Shopz.

    Shopz is an IBM web-based productivity tool that simplifies the ordering of System z software products, product upgrades, and system maintenance. For more information, see Shopz.

  2. Obtain and RECEIVE current enhanced HOLDDATA for z/OS.

    For the most current and complete information, see Enhanced HOLDDATA for z/OS.

  3. Use SMP/E to install the service.
    • Specify SOURCEID(RSUyymm) to include service that passed Consolidated Service Test (CST). For information, see Consolidated Service Test and the RSU.
    • Evaluate any PE PTFs that are installed in your IMS system that do not have the corresponding fix installed to determine whether the PE PTFs affect your IMS environment. If so, install the fix for the PE PTF, remove the PE PTF, or contact IBM support for assistance.
    • Resolve any system HOLDs in PTFs that are being processed.
  4. Obtain information from the z Systems Security Portal. To learn more, see IBM Z and IBM® LinuxONE Security Portal Frequently Asked Questions.
  5. Obtain and RECEIVE current Enhanced HOLDDATA for z/OS again to ensure that you address any HIPER APAR and PE PTF exposures that changed since you last checked.
  6. Run the SMP/E REPORT ERRSYSMOD command to identify HIPER/PE/SEC exposure. Analyze the output and take the following actions as necessary.
    1. Obtain applicable SYSMODS
    2. Process SYSMODs that are applicable to your environment.

      Use IMS Support website or PSP Buckets for APAR descriptions.

      Courses of action for PE SYSMODs already on the system can include:
      • Removing the PTF in error if it is not already ACCEPTed.
      • Leaving the PTF in place if the reported PE symptom is not significant.
      • Instituting procedures to avoid encountering the exposure until the exposure is resolved.
      • Installing corrective the APAR/PTF fix, if one is available.
      • Requesting a FIXTEST from IBM software support for the reported problem, if the APAR is still OPEN.
      • Requesting a USERMOD code bypass for the reported problem from IBM software support.
      • Contacting IBM® Software Support for assistance as needed.
  7. Review the IMS PSP buckets for new service information.
  8. Test the new maintenance level.
  9. Implement the new maintenance level.

Repeat steps 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 from the preceding procedure in an ongoing basis to keep your service level current. At a minimum, perform these steps immediately before you migrate an IMS system into a new environment, such as a test, development, or production environment.