IBM Support

AIX Open Source Toolbox : Instructions on utilizing and managing the RPM Packages

Question & Answer


Question

How to install and update AIX® RPM Package on AIX?

Answer

The AIX RPM Package Manager file set (rpm.rte) is provided as part of the AIX base operating system.

For reinstalling  or updating rpm.rte, the rpm.rte installation images are included in the AIX Web Download Pack Programs.  The downloads are hosted on the IBM MRS (Marketing Registration Services) site.

Important:  AIX Support is not able to provide images or resolve MRS access issues. For MRS support, send an email with a clear problem description to the Marketing Systems Support Help Desk mktsystm@us.ibm.com. This email will initiate an internal ticket. Someone from the team will reach out to you within their 24x5 support coverage hours.
Available RPM Package Manager versions:
AIX 7.3.2:  rpm.rte 4.18.1.2003 and later
AIX 7.3:  rpm.rte 4.15.1.2007 and later
AIX 7.1 (TL5)  and 7.2: rpm.rte 4.15.1.1007 and later

TIP: The AIX Toolbox team recommends using DNF to install and manage Open Source software packages and dependencies.
Visit Get Started to learn more about DNF and the dnf_aixtoolbox.sh install script.

SUPPORT


A) For all questions or issues with Toolbox packages, the support is handled by the AIX Open Source Team in the forum: 

https://community.ibm.com/community/user/power/communities/community-home?CommunityKey=10c1d831-47ee-4d92-a138-b03f7896f7c9

The AIX Open Source Team provides support through the forum, only. They answer questions, if possible, but they don't own the packages, or formally support them. For true expertise in usage of each package, users should consult the community for each respective package. 

** Cases opened to address Toolbox problems will be canceled and users will be referred to the Open Source Forum.
If you experience technical issues accessing the AIX Open Source community or forum, refer to the footer of the IBM Community forum page.
There is email, and "Contact Us" information for community support


B) If there is a problem with installing rpm.rte or executing the rpm binary file, open an AIX Case (See the following C section) for assistance.
The AIX Remote Technical Support Team does support the rpm.rte package as part of your AIX entitlement, but the support is limited to the layers of the operating system (library) code of the rpm command specific to IBM owned code:

https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/aix-open-source-downloading-rpm-package-manager-rpmrte-file-set

Example of an rpm.rte rpm loading issue:

# rpm -qa
    exec(): 0509-036 Cannot load program /usr/opt/freeware/bin/rpm because of the following errors:
    0509-150 Dependent module libnss3.so could not be loaded.
    0509-022 Cannot load module libnss3.so.
    0509-026 System error: A file or directory in the path name does not exist.

 
This example would be handled through an IBM AIX Support case, and the support team would help resolve the missing modules.
To learn what is provided and supported by the rpm.rte file set:

# lslpp -f rpm.rte

IBM owned code is the installed image and the code interface between the open-source code and the interaction with the operating system library calls that can impact the ability to run the command. Code that is owned by the open-source community (the logic or specification of the rpm command) is not owned by IBM and the IBM Development Team cannot make these changes directly.  We get our code directly from the open-source community.

Note: If the request is related to the design/architecture of the rpm command, then there isn't an IBM code change that we can provide you; that will be workaround or resolve this request.

Hence, being an enhancement request, there are two options as follows:

1. Submit an Enhancement Request to the community for consideration.

2. Open an Idea (aka previously known as an RFE) which is directed to the development team.

If you want to submit an enhancement request to our development team, here is the link to the process: 

https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/welcome-ibm-ideas-portal 
 

C) MRS (Marketing Registration Services) Support

AIX Support is not able to provide images or resolve MRS access issues. For MRS support, send an email with a clear problem description to the Marketing Systems Support Help Desk mktsystm@us.ibm.com. This email will initiate an internal ticket. Someone from the team will reach out to you within their 24x5 support coverage hours.

D) Opening an AIX Support Case
If additional assistance is required due to issues with rpm.rte file set (see preceding B section), use the following step-by-step instructions to contact IBM to open a case for software with an active and valid support contract.  

1.  Document (or collect screen captures of) all symptoms, errors, and messages related to your issue.

2.  Capture any logs or data relevant to the situation.

3.  Contact IBM to open a case:

- For electronic support, see the IBM Support Community:   
      https://www.ibm.com/mysupport
- If you require telephone support, visit the IBM Directory of worldwide contacts. 

Click your country and use the Software phone number listed in the Contact information section.
      https://www.ibm.com/contact/global

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Document Information

Modified date:
01 April 2025

UID

ibm17007063

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