DS8000 Code Recommendation

Content

This generalized recommendation is made available to assist Clients in implementing a code update strategy. It is a full field perspective, and as such, a customized recommendation, which takes into account specifics such as business upgrade windows, length of time since last update, decommission plans, etc., may require assistance from local support teams.    

IBM recommends Clients evaluate code update / value options annually.  

In the following table, the levels shown under the Minimum Installed Level heading, are considered stable release levels. Clients running at or above these levels may remain in place unless an update is required for specific fixes or new function.  

The levels shown under the Recommended "go-to" Level heading are considered stable release levels, that have accumulated a reasonable amount of runtime in Client environments, and/or contain critical fixes. Clients who are planning to upgrade code, should choose a level from this column, unless a higher level is required for specific fixes or new function.  

DS8A00 code stream(s) actively being maintained: 10.1x.xx.xx  
DS8900F code stream(s) actively being maintained: 89.4x.xx.xx  
NOTE: Neither fixes, nor root cause analysis, will be provided for code bundle levels below minimum.  

The word "must" in the notes below refers to bundles resolving specific problems for a targeted subset of DS8000 systems and communicated via My Notifications to clients, or ECA (Engineering Change/Field Actions) Information Alerts to IBM Service colleagues.  

In this document, text highlighted in blue denotes a hyperlink to additional information.  
   
Notice:

Please review your My Notifications subscription options.  
(https://www.ibm.com/support/mynotifications)  
Note: Subscriptions for DS8900F do not automatically receive notifications specific to DS8A00.  

Potential loss of Assist On-Site (AOS) function for DS8000 systems 
Reminder - Action required no later than 30 June, 2026 

Call-home server IP address changes require:  
--> DS8000 Code update (ICS), and Client firewall and/or proxy updates prior to 1 March, 2024, and  
--> Implement FQDN filtering prior to 1 November 2024.

Remote Code Load is supported for all DS8A00 and DS8900F systems.