RE: PTF's was (Version upgrade brain f**t)

John,

You may find it more convenient to get the PSP information from the web
at:

http://www-912.ibm.com/supporthome.nsf/document/10000031

If you order the comprehensive listing (SF97510) you will receive a text
file listing all known PTF's for V5R1M0.  This listing will specify if a
particular PTF is on the cumulative CD, if it has been superceded and if
so, by which PTF.  The listing may specify 'NONE' instead of a
particular cumulative CD number.

Cumulative CD's are subjected to fairly rigorous testing.  IBM freezes
the fixes at a particular point and then tests the functions
extensively.  So they don't do them on a casual basis.  Rather similar
to the service pack concept which Microsoft uses.  This then becomes a
benchmark for the next round.  While they are getting things ready other
fixes become available but may not be included until the next round.

Also, IBM does not always include all PTF's on the cumulative CD if they
are providing new features, as opposed to fixing something that is
broken.  If you were running a fairly generic suite of RPG applications,
you might never need to consider applying a database group CD.  However,
if you were pushing the leading edge of SQL functions, you might get the
database group CD on a regular basis.

The HIPERs are just what the name says, they are fixing a problem which
has a very high impact and/or is pervasive (on most installed systems).
Frequently they are solving a problem caused by a previously-issued PTF.

SF98510 is a text file; everyone gets the same one, regardless of what
software they may have installed.

For my own systems, I deal with cumes and hipers, and only apply the
group PTF's when I have a specific need.

I don't know if this answers your particular concerns or not.  I've been
dealing with the AS/400 since it was announced and cumulative PTF
distributions have never been all-inclusive.

Regards,
Andy Nolen-Parkhouse

> On Behalf Of John Ross
> Subject: PTF's was (Version upgrade brain f**t)
>
> It would be nice if IBM would say what the guidelines are for being
> included in each of the following. And does SF98510 look at what
software
> I
> have installed? Note: 510 is the release level.
>
> SF99510 - Order this PTF number when you would like to receive the
> latest cumulative PTF package that is available in your
> country.
>
> SF99097 - Ordering this PTF number will result in the shipment of
> a CD-ROM containing all known hipers. SF99097 will be
> refreshed on Tuesday of each week.
>
> SF98510 - This file contains information on all known high impact
> (hipers) and pervasive PTF problems that are NOT included
> in the latest cumulative PTF package but may affect your
> operation.
>
> SF97510 - The listing provides you with a convenient reference
> of the license internal code fixes (fixes) and program
> temporary fixes (PTFS) that are available by IBM licensed
> program categories. This listing is updated regularly.
> You may choose to order a PTF/FIX that would effort
> one of your IBM licensed programs.
>
>
>
> >Am I missing something? I thought that the CUMe contains
> >all accumulated PTFs. So, that if you one applies the CUMe,
> >there shouldn't be other PTFs still to do.