Re: upgrade 5.4 to 6.1

Yep. And the errors are subtle and the message descriptions are misleading. I currently have a PMR open on the fact that the message on a newly failing statement points to the primary file as having a decimal data error when in fact it is one of the JOINed files. Very frustrating until you know better.

In general, if you are working with legacy data where you have invalid data in decimal fields, 6.1 is the make or break release for your code. You will either fix your database or use some pretty big hammers to get around it. In our worst case scenario, we had to go to an MQT (materialized query table) to get around a problem. Since an MQT is essentially a duplicate file that is populated as a snapshot on demand, it's not a silver bullet (imagine using this technique on a file with millions of records every time a user runs an inquiry - not a happy thought).

The good news is that we're definitely going to be cleaning up our database.

Joe

In fact, most of the rules pertaining to SQL syntax have been strengthened in 6.1. Joe Pluta was the forum's most recent victim of this.

steve

-----Original Message-----
From: midrange-l-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:midrange-l-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Paul Nelson
Sent: Monday, February 28, 2011 4:07 PM
To: 'Midrange Systems Technical Discussion'
Subject: RE: upgrade 5.4 to 6.1

Tim,

If you have gotten into SQL, take not of the SQL0338 error message
discussion in the MTU. I saw a company go dead in the water after their
upgrade because their SQL whiz kid had coded them into a corner.

Paul Nelson
Office 512-392-2577
Cell 708-670-6978
nelsonp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx


-----Original Message-----
From: midrange-l-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:midrange-l-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of rob@xxxxxxxxx
Sent: Monday, February 28, 2011 3:52 PM
To: Midrange Systems Technical Discussion
Subject: Re: upgrade 5.4 to 6.1

Great link below Chris. Tim, pay attention to it. Especially the "Memo
to Users" part and the "Installing PTFs and analyzing your system for
object conversions". The latter will get you to "i5/OSR Program
Conversion: Getting Ready for i5/OS V6R1 " at
http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/redpieces/abstracts/redp4293.html?Open

Although I recommend going straight to 7.1. You still must read the 6.1
MTU and the conversion stuff.

If you go to 6.1 of OS I would go to 6.1.1 of LIC and not 6.1 of LIC.
There's no valid reason not to. It's not as if 6.1.1 will cause problems
on certain hardware that 6.1 wouldn't. 6.1.1, however, will allow you to
use hardware that 6.1 won't.

See "resaves" at:
http://www-947.ibm.com/systems/support/i/planning/resave/v6r1.html
paging down to 6.1.1 Machine Code.


Rob Berendt