Program temporary fix: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 02:25, 11 January 2023

Revision as of 15:21, 11 January 2023

Line 47:

==PTF usage==

{{abbreviations|section|HA|date=January 2023}}

{{expand section|Maintenance vehicles for other platforms, alternate methodologies|talk=Service cycle|date=August 2021}}

PTFs used to be distributed in a group on a so-called ''Program Update Tape'' (''PUT'') or ''Recommended Service Upgrade'' (''RSU''), approximately on a monthly basis. They can now be downloaded straight to the system through a direct connection to IBM support. In some instances IBM will release a "Cumulative PTF Pack", a large number of fixes which function best as a whole, and are sometimes codependent. When this happens, IBM issues compact discs containing the entire PTF pack, which can be loaded directly onto the system from its media drive.

Line 54 ⟶ 55:

|url=http://powerwire.eu/tech-tip-populating-the-vios-virtual-media-repository}}</ref> If the "Cumulative PTF Pack" is larger than the default, "If you try (to) FTP 17GB of ISO images you will run out of space."

TheIn [[z/OS]], the PTFs are processed using [[SMP/E]] (System Modification Program/Extended) in several stages over a course of weeks. Each PTF may include ''HOLDDATA'', in which case it is know as an ''exception SYSMOD''. In rare cases an installation may install a single PTF, but normally it will install all available service except PTFs excluded by, e.g., aging policies, HOLDDATA. Details vary from installation to installation, but a simple service cycle would involve these steps:

# Download the most recent HOLDDATA

# ''Receive'' (load) the proper PTF to the HA (non-production) system

# ''RECEIVE'' (load) the service and HOLDDATA to the ''Consolidated Software Inventory'' (''CSI'')

# ''Apply Check'' to make sure necessary prequisite PTFs are installed, or are being installed, and that none have been marked "held" for errors or other problems

# ''APPLY CHECK'' the service and HOLDDATA to to list exception SYSMODs, verify that necessary prerequisites are available,and to list potential problems, e.g., errors.

# ''Apply'' the PTF to the HA system, and review the system's performance over multiple weeks to ensure it does not hinder your productivity or functionality

## Review exception SYSMODs for, e.g., ACTION, DOC, holds.

# ''Receive and apply'' the PTF to the production system and monitor its effects for several weeks

## Update documentation to reflect the exception SYSMODs, and take any necessary actions

## Order and RECEIVE any missing prerequisites.

## ''RESTORE'', ''REJECT'', rework and re-APPLY any local exits or modifications affected by the service.

# ''ApplyAPPLY'' the PTFservice to the HA system, and review the system's performance over multiple weeks to ensure it does not hinder your productivity or functionality

## Selectively ''BYPASS'' HOLDDATA when appropriate

# ''ReceiveRECEIVE and applyAPPLY'' the PTFservice to the production system and monitor its effects for several weeks

If the system is adversely affected by the PTFservice, a [[system administrator]] may sometimes selectively ''restoreRESTORE'' (un-apply) the PTFit and seek further support from IBM. However, if no problems are found after the PTFservice is applied, it can be permanently installed, ''acceptedACCEPTed'', or ''(committed'',) to the system.

These repairs to IBM software are often in response to APARs submitted by customers and others and acted on by IBM, and are a common first step to resolving software errors. It is generally expected by the customer that the problem would be fully corrected in the next release (version) of the relevant product.