(Optional) Mirroring images to a private container registry using the IBM Catalog Management Plug-in for IBM Cloud Paks (ibm-pak plugin)

The IBM Catalog Management Plug-in for IBM Cloud Paks simplifies the process for discovering required IBM product images and uses standard Red Hat tooling for registry and cluster access. The metadata is packaged within 1-n CASEs (Container Application Software for Enterprise) which specify the composition of the product (for example, OLM packages, channels, and so on) and ultimately images that must be copied into an air gap environment.

About this task

Although WebSphere Automation supports installation in an air gap environment, it does not support operating in one due to its dependency to obtain information and fixes for vulnerabilities and exposures (CVEs) from the IBM web site.

The ibm-pak plug-in extends the Red Hat OpenShift CLI (oc command) capability to streamline the process of delivering installation images to the IBM Cloud Pak in an air gap environment.

Note: The IBM Catalog Management Plug-in for IBM Cloud Paks is referred to in the documentation as ibm-pak plug-in.

For more information about installing an IBM Cloud Pak by using a private container registry, see Installing by mirroring images to a private container registry (with ibm-pak plug-in). For more information about available CASE names and versions, see IBM: Product CASE to Application Version External link icon.

Red Hat OpenShift Container Platform requires you to have cluster administrator access to run the install-operator command.

What to do next

Proceed to the next step, Adding the IBM operator catalog and preparing the cluster.