Program conversions (V5R4 to IBM i 7.1 upgrade)

Start of changeWhen you upgrade from V5R4 to IBM® i 7.1, the program conversions will refresh programs to take advantage of the latest system enhancements. End of change

Program conversion includes the conversion of programs in libraries and conversion of Java™ programs in directories. The conversions of Java programs in directories, however, do not affect the actual IBM i upgrade time.

Start of changeBefore you upgrade to IBM i 7.1, it is highly recommended that you allow up to several weeks to analyze your system and plan your strategy for program object conversions. Information APAR II14306 describes the Analyze Object Conversion (ANZOBJCVN) tool for V5R4. This tool helps you identify potential conversion difficulties, if any, and estimates the time required for program conversion. End of change

After you upgrade, program conversion can be accomplished by one of these methods:
  • Running the Start Object Conversion (STROBJCVN) command to manually initiate conversion of program objects in libraries.
  • During a restore operation.
  • Start of changeOn the first call or activation.End of change

The overall analysis and work before the upgrade and the conversion process after the upgrade to IBM i 7.1 could lengthen your total IBM i upgrade time. For example, you might need to make adjustments to some of your application programs before your upgrade.

To begin the steps of preparing your systems for IBM i 7.1 object conversions of programs in libraries, follow these general directions.
  1. Review Information APAR II14306 for the commands and function included with the conversion PTFs. This information APAR is in the preventive service planning information about the Support for System i® Link outside information center Web page. Select the link for technical databases; then select the link for Authorized Problem Analysis Reports (APARs).
  2. Follow the directions in the IBM Redpaper publication IBM i Program Conversion: Getting Ready for IBM i V6R1 Link outside information center.

All Java programs that reside in directories can be converted in a short amount of time. Additional information about their conversion can also be found in Information APAR II14306 and the IBM Redpaper publication.