RE: Console issues upgrading from V4R5 to V5R1

Jim,

I'm not sure you've really received an answer to this question.  If I
understand correctly, you need to know whether a PC5250 Asynchronous
Console will function with existing cabling if you upgrade the 720 to
V5R1.

Pardon the rant, but I get a little peeved when business partners are
not providing full service as part of a hardware sale.

<rant>
You have a business partner - I would suggest that you hold their feet
to the fire and demand an answer to this question.  They sold you this
upgrade (I assume), they are recommending that you upgrade to V5R1 prior
to the hardware thing, what do they say about the console?  While their
staff may not know the answer immediately, they do have access to IBM in
a way which you don't.  Get an answer, in writing.  It is their job to
map out the upgrade in very broad terms so that you have adequate
hardware and software for the relevant steps at the appropriate time,
and they should provide this service at no additional charge as part of
the hardware sale.  Don't expect hand-holding at every step, but at a
minimum they should provide assurances that you can do what they
propose.
<end rant>

Here are some of my thoughts (sorry I don't have time for a more
complete answer):

If you have a twinax controller you could switch to a twinax console for
the brief time your 720 will be at V5R1.

For V5 Asynchronous Ops Console support on the 720 (attached to a #2721
or #2745), the proper cable is part number 97H7557.  What is the part
number of your current cable?  What input/output adapter is it attached
to?

It strikes me that you are currently using older console (pre-V4R5)
technology.  V4R5 supports a version of Ops Console.  It might be better
to upgrade your PC software to Ops Console and get that working before
you attempt to upgrade the OS.  That way you would at least be in the
right family of products.

Your BP is right about upgrading to V5R1 prior to swapping hardware.
That is the right sequence of steps.

Regards,
Andy Nolen-Parkhouse

> On Behalf Of jim essinger
> Subject: Console issues upgrading from V4R5 to V5R1
>
> Greetings!
>
> We have brand new 820 hardware ready to upgrade to from our 720.  It
was
> suggested by our BP that we go to V5R1 1st, then do the hardware
upgrade.
> We are currently connected to the AS/400 with our console using IBM
> Personal communications (they write the code for CA Express 5250
stuff)
> SNA over ASYNC from a PC.
>
> My questions are; Will this config work on V5R1?  We are getting the
cable
> to connect the PC as an Ops console, but there will be a week or two
> between the upgrade from V5R1 to the hardware upgrade.  Should I do
both
> on the same weekend?  At the same time?  What is the best way to
procede?
>
> Things are very UNCLEAR and some guidance by those who have been there
> before would be very appriciated.
>
> Thanks in advance.
>
>
> Jim Essinger