IBM i APARs/PTFs have migrated to Known Issues/Fix Information

Content

What changed?

Effective March 18, 2024:

1. Known Issue records have replaced APAR records. The seven-digit APAR record (2 alpha + 5 numeric) has been replaced with an eight-digit record number with a “DT” prefix.
2. Fix Information records have replaced PTF records. The Fix Information number is nine-digits with an "FI" prefix. The Fix Information record will contain a "legacy number" field with the familiar seven-digit PTF ID number (2 alpha + 5 numeric).

Why was the change made?

The legacy system that held IBM i APAR and PTF records is decades old. While still functioning, it required numerous supporting systems and processes to permit compatibility with IBM’s Cognitive Support Platform and Support Community.  Today, Known Issue and Fix Information records reside directly within the Cognitive Support Platform. This affords IBM i customers direct visibility to any Known Issues associated with their IBM i cases.

What does this change mean for me?

• When displaying PTF details (DSPPTF, option 5 and then option 9) to identify APARs fixed, "legacy" APAR numbers and new fixed Known Issue numbers may be listed.  Note that the Known Issue numbers will be shown with the leading numbers truncated. For example, DTxxxxxx will display as Txxxxxx.

• You will continue to be able to use the Support Community to search for Known Issue (formerly APAR) records to locate Fix Information and [legacy] PTF records for individual and group fixes. Legacy PTF record prefixes will change from SI to SJ for the operating system, and from MF to MJ for licensed internal code.  Firmware PTF records will continue to use the MH prefix.

• You will continue to order PTFs in Fix Central using the legacy number.  Please note that the Cover Letter links in Fix Central for new "SJ" and "MJ" prefixed PTF records is broken and will be fixed. 

• PTF Cover Letters from prior to the March 18, 2024 migration are no longer being updated and therefore may not reflect the latest superseding fix information record.

• Documents used by the PTF SQL services will also be migrated. To minimize impact, the previous documents accessed will contain a redirect to the new location. Applications that accessed the PSP or XML files directly should be reviewed to determine if any changes are needed. The old documents will be removed in the future.  The XML files can be accessed directly at: https://public.dhe.ibm.com/services/us/igsc/PSP/

• Group List Preventative Service Planning document changes:
  • There will now be one document per group.  Special instructions links have been incorporated in to the Group member lists and are distinguished with an asterisk and/or underlined Fix Information number.  Previously special instructions for a group were in a separate PSP document.  
    • Underline indicates the Fix has special instructions.
    • Asterisk indicates special instructions can be disregarded if applying delayed. 
  • HIPER Group lists may contain non-HIPER Fix Information members, if they are requisite for a HIPER Fix and have associated special instructions.
  • Group lists will be in html format only.  PDF files are no longer being created. 
• Current behavior for searching for Known Issues/Fix Information/Preventative Service Planning information:
  • You can search for known issues, fixes and PSP documents at the following URL: https://www.ibm.com/mysupport/s/product-defect-list?productid=01t500000051Jh7AAE&language=en_US
    • This page is a work in progress and we understand enhancements are needed to improve your search experience.  Return or subscribe to this page to be notified of enhancements.
  • The version and operating system filters are not working as expected.  It is suggested to leave these set to ALL.
  • Click on any of the column headings to sort by that column.
  • Use the first filter to filter on Known Issues, Fix Information or Preventative Service Planning. 
  • Text search is located to the far Right of the page and below the filters.
    • 
  • Use Text search to search Release and search criteria you are looking for (Example RGZPFM 750)
    • When searching for Known Issues and specifying a release you will only see those Known Issues that have a reported release you are searching on.  It will not show if there is a fix for the release you are searching on.  Example: Searching on RGZPFM 750 will show Known Issue SE80240 as this Known Issue was opened for R750.  Searching for RGZPFM 740 will not show Known Issue SE80240 even though there is a Fix for R740.
  • Open the individual Known Issue or Fix Information by right clicking and open in new tab.  Filters are reset to default when you go back to your search.
  • Any previous MyNotification subscription should be working.  This was recently fixed for PSP subscriptions.
• URL builder information:
  • PTF/fix info- https://www.ibm.com/mysupport/s/fix-information?legacy=SI12345
  • APAR/Known issue -  https://www.ibm.com/mysupport/s/defect?legacy=SE12345
    • Note:  that Known Information documents created after March 18, 2024 will not have a legacy number; an alternative builder scheme is being investigated.
• This document will be updated as new information and enhancements become available.