Releases and downloads

IBM Spectrum Control provides regular maintenance updates that can include code fixes, security fixes, new features, and enhancements.

Three types of maintenance packages are available for IBM Spectrum Control:
  • Releases represent a significant update to the product, which includes, but is not limited to, new features, enhancements to existing features, code fixes, and security fixes.
  • Refresh packs are quarterly deliverables that update the modification level of a release, and include new features, enhancements to existing features, code fixes, and security fixes.
  • Fix packs update the fix level of a release, and primarily include code and security fixes.
All types of maintenance packages are cumulative: a fix pack includes all previous fix packs; a refresh pack includes all the previous fix packs and refresh packs; a release includes all previous fix packs, refresh packs, and releases.
With each new maintenance package that is delivered, the product number changes. The following table provides example of product number changes when you install a package.
Maintenance packages Product version change examples
Release 5.4
Refresh pack (modification level) 5.4.1
Fix pack 5.4.1.1
A fix pack is installed on top of a specific modification level and release. If you install a fix pack that belongs to a newer level than your current fix pack, then your environment is automatically upgraded to the newer fix pack. For example,:
  • If you are on fix pack 1 (5.4.1.1) and you apply fix pack 2, then the version is changed to 5.4.1.2.
  • If you are on fix pack 1 (5.4.1.1) and you apply fix pack 3, then your environment is automatically updated to fix pack 3 and your version is changed to 5.4.1.3.
Tip: When you install a release, the modification level and fix pack number are reset to 0.

Downloading IBM Spectrum Control

If you have an IBM® ID and have purchased IBM Spectrum Control, you can download packages for a new installation or download packages that you can apply as an upgrade or fix to your existing installation.
  • To download the package for a new installation of IBM Spectrum® Control, go to Passport Advantage Online.
  • To download the package for upgrading or applying the latest fixes to your existing installation of IBM Spectrum Control, go to Fix Central.
Tips:
  • If you are downloading the package for a new installation, a license is required and is included on Passport Advantage® Online.
  • If you are downloading the package for an upgrade, your existing license is transferred.
  • Fix Central is the recommended site for retrieving fixes for most IBM products. Fix Central enables you to search, select, and download appropriate fixes for their situation.