Edit: Some links no longer work.
Originally posted January 21, 2014 on AIXchange
Last fall I wrote about IBM changing its approach to delivering software products and updates:
“Another portal feature is an entitlement check that allows customers to download fixes. Just enter your machine type and serial number. The various entitlement types are tied to the level of maintenance you have on your machines. Going forward, IBM will move toward making the capability to download fixes a privilege available primarily to paying customers.”
Get ready. It appears we’ll soon need to verify that we’re entitled to download fixes. The details can be found here:
“Starting in January 2014, IBM will implement entitlement validation on Fix Central for select software products and updates and for Machine Code (also known as firmware or microcode) updates for select machines. Entitlement for Machine Code updates will be checked through user-provided serial numbers. Entitlement for software products will be validated through IBM ID association to relevant IBM customer numbers. Additional information may be requested or required to confirm entitlement.
These entitlement validations are not being implemented in all countries at this time.
IBM reserves the right to change, modify or withdraw its offerings, policies and practices at any time.
FAQs
1. How does entitlement work?
A: Entitlement for Machine Code updates is validated through user-provided machine serial numbers. Entitlement for software products will be validated through IBM ID association to relevant IBM customer numbers.
2) What if I failed entitlement but have warranty or an applicable support contract in place?
A: Please submit a request for help during the download process.
3) Who can I contact for additional help?
A: You can submit a request for help during the download process or contact IBM Support.
Note: Fix Central Machine Code updates are available only for IBM machines that are under warranty or an IBM hardware maintenance service agreement. Code for operating systems or other software products is available only where entitled under the applicable software warranty or IBM software maintenance agreement. All code (including Machine Code updates, samples, fixes or other software downloads) provided on the Fix Central website is subject to the terms of the license agreements which govern the use of the associated code.
Some exemptions may apply.
Visit the IBM Fix Central site directly at http://ibm.com/support/fixcentral or navigate to the “Downloads” section on any IBM Support Portal product page.
For even more information about all of IBM’s Electronic Support sites and tools, please visit our information site at: https://www.ibm.com/support/home/
The next time you need to download fixes, you might want to give yourself some extra time to make sure you’re properly entitled. Try to be proactive and test things out before you find yourself in a situation where you need to try to download something in a hurry.