IMS Tools Fix Strategy

Last Updated: January 16, 2008

IMS Tools z/OS

Installation and Maintenance Methodology

IMS Tools installation and maintenance is provided via SMP/E in element replacement format.

Service Packs contain both a base install and PTF maintenance upgrade option which contains all fixes up to a known date. Service Packs are available via a cartridge or electronic delivery.

Maintenance Delivery & Timeframes

IMS Tools provide maintenance using the delivery methods listed below. The goal of the IMS Tools product team is to generate these deliverables using the following guidelines:

• Individual Fixes                     As necessary 

• PSP Buckets                          Updated daily 

• Preventive Maintenance PTF Buckets   Weekly 

• Service Packs                        Every 6 months 

Fixes requiring a change in architecture will be held for a major release. Fixes requiring extensive code changes may be held for minor releases.

Delivery Definitions

Individual Fix: A published fix which addresses the product defect as documented in the fix description. An individual fix can contain element replacement(s) and must be applied to an existing product environment. Individual fixes are included in, and superseded, by the next release.

PSP Bucket: A file that contains a cumulative and fully-chained PTF package of resolving PTFs for PE (in error) PTFs and HIPER (High Impact and Pervasive) PTFs.

Preventive Maintenance PTF Bucket: A delivery mechanism used by GA mainframe products to deliver published fixes in a preloaded "shopping cart", allowing customers to download a product's fixes without individually searching/selecting them. A maintenance PTF bucket is comprised of all confirmed fixes for a product/component(s) since the last GA release, service pack, or PTF bucket and must be applied to an existing product environment.

Service Pack: A service pack is a delivery mechanism for GA product maintenance which consists of an accumulation of PTF fixes from the GA release to a given point in time. A Service Pack essentially supersedes previously issued fixes and service packs.