Edit: I just left the links alone on this one. They actually still resolve and the .pdf is still there.
Originally posted October 22, 2007 on AIXchange
Did you see that IBM announced it’s enhancing the Web-based fix download facility to support its new AIX service strategy? According to the company, simplified Web pages with enhanced search capabilities and more detailed package information will be provided in the next month or so.
I want to highlight the following from IBM’s Web page:
“IBM provides many documents that recommend service and support strategies for IBM Systems and software. These ‘best practices’ documents describe system planning and support procedures to improve system administration operations. The best practices documents referenced on this page provide strategies for IBM System p servers and firmware, the AIX operating system and related products, such as the Hardware Management Console and cluster software such as HACMP. “
While you’re there, be sure to read this PDF regarding IBM’s new service strategy:
“The new service strategy encourages clients to apply complete Service Packs. Individual updates can still be applied; however, having a maintenance policy of applying the complete package improves manageability by reducing complexity and providing more consistency.
“Clients also benefit from knowing that IBM has regression-tested each Service Pack as a unit. Installing the entire Service Pack reduces the possibility of product regression and increases serviceability by enabling IBM support to identify problems quicker.
“One of the first changes you’ll notice is that IBM is now promoting the full distribution of fix packs. Downloading packages for specific problems is being discontinued. A fix to a specific problem will be available in one or more fix packs. A fix pack can be either a Service Pack or a Technology Level package.”
The PDF includes some screen shots of the upcoming changes to the Fix Central Web site. Also from the PDF:
“As you select package lists, this aide will remain visual to help you make decisions on whether to stay at your current Technology Level or upgrade to a newer one. There are many reasons to upgrade to the latest TL. End of service life is one of them.
“Search is being enhanced with full indexed searching and improved sorting options. Searching by symptoms or error messages is easier and more complete. All specific fixes are associated with fix packs that are either Service Packs or Technology Level packages.”
I recommend you take a few minutes to get all the information about the coming changes to Fix Central. These enhancements should allow us to obtain greater stability from the machines we manage because we’ll only be managing machines to the latest technology level and service pack. Of course we’ll need to check for the current technology and service-pack levels, and then decide which schedule for implementation makes the most sense in our environments.