Month: February 2023

Posted on

IBM i, FSP, and HMC release levels and PTFs (February 2023)

Below is a table of the major group PTFs for the last few releases. This is what we are installing for our customers on iTech Solutions Quarterly Maintenance program.

7.5
7.4
7.3
7.2
7.1
6.1
V5R4
Cumul Pack
22321
22328
22335
21084
17192
15063
12094
Tech. Refresh
1
7
13
9
11
–
–
Grp Hipers
22
100
176
225
285
210
204
DB Group
3
23
32
27
43
33
33
DB2 Mirror
3
21
–
–
–
–
–
Java Group
4
17
28
38
48
41
34
Print Group
–
–
–
3
13
31
49
Backup/Recov.
7
37
62
78
75
61
57
Blade/IXA/IXS
–
–
–
1
16
30
15
HTTP
5
25
42
51
53
46
36
TCP/IP
2
9
13
14
11
17
22
Security
12
43
83
115
110
60
 33
High Availability
3
12
20
22
18
 5

Hardware
–
2
18
35
44
 17

Open Source
–
–
6
6
6
–

The easiest way to check your levels is to issue the command WRKPTFGRP. They should all have a status of installed, and you should be up to the latest for all the above, based upon your release. Now there are more groups than the ones listed above, but these are the general ones that most people require. We can help you know which group PTFs you should be installing on your machine based upon your licensed programs. Here is a nice tidbit. The Cumulative PTF package number is broken down as YDDD, where Y is the year and DDD is the day it was released. Therefore, if we look at the cumulative package for 7.3, the ID is 21245. We can determine that it was created on the 245th day of 2021, which is September 2, 2021. Look at your machine and this will give you a quick indication of just how far out of date in PTFs you may be.

HMCs

Fixes are listed below in the order in which they should be installed for each software version. If you are upgrading to a new release, install the base version from recovery media or network image and then apply updates in the order listed. If you already have fixes applied and your current fix level is not in this list, just start with the next higher-numbered fix pack in the list. Be sure to read the release notes for each HMC version, service pack, and PTF for installation instructions and prerequisites.

 

Not all software versions are supported on all HMC models. Check IBM’s Supported HMC Hardware Matrix to see which versions your HMC can run. Attempting to install an unsupported version can result in an unusable HMC.

 

HMC Version
Fixes (recommended install order)
End of Service
V10.2 for POWER-based
(7063-CRn) HMCs and
HMC Virtual Appliances

SP1030 MF70433
MF70632

Not Announced
V10.1 for POWER-based
(7063-CRn) HMCs and
HMC Virtual Appliances

 SP1021 MF70302
 MF70630

Not Announced
V9.2 for POWER-based
(7063-CRn) HMCs and
HMC Virtual Appliances

SP953 MH01934
    MH01949

April 30, 2023
V9.1 for POWER-based
(7063-CRn) HMCs and
HMC Virtual Appliances

SP931 MH01832
MH01854
SP941 MH01860
SP942 MH01877
MH01899

 September 30, 2021

V8.870 for POWER-based
(7063-CRn) HMCs and
HMC Virtual Appliances

MH01707
SP3 MH01794
MH01819
MH01848

August 31, 2019
V10.2 for x86-based HMC

Virtual Appliances ONLY

SP1030 MF70432
MF70631

Not Announced

V10.1 for x86-based HMC

Virtual Appliances ONLY

SP1021 MF70301
    MF70629

Not Announced

V9.2 for x86-based HMC

Virtual Appliances ONLY

SP953 MH01933
 MH01948

April 30, 2023

V9.2 for x86-based HMC

Model 7042-CR9 ONLY

MH01857 (Install at v9.1 before upgrade to v9.2)
SP953 MH01933
  MH01948

April 30, 2023

V9.1 for x86-based
(7042-CRn) HMCs and
HMC Virtual Appliances

SP931 MH01831
MH01853
SP941 MH01859
SP942 MH01876
MH01898

September 30, 2021

V8.870 for x86-based
(7042-CRn) HMCs and
HMC Virtual Appliances

MH01706
SP3 MH01793
MH01818
MH01847

August 31, 2019
V8.860

MH01655
SP3 MH01711
MH01764
MH01795

October 31, 2018
V8.850

MH01617
SP3 MH01689
MH01758
MH01730

May 31, 2018

V8.840

MH01560
SP3 MH01652
MH01730
MH01729

November 30, 2017

V8.830

SP3 MH01619
MH01717

July 31, 2017

V8.820

SP3 MH01583
MH01688

October 31, 2017

V8.810

SP3 MH01545
MH01645

June 30, 2016

V7.790

SP3 MH01546
MH01587
MH01687

December 30, 2016

V7.780

SP1 MH01397
SP2 MH01432
MH01570

October 31, 2015

V7.770

SP3 MH01379
SP4 MH01415
MH01516

February 28, 2015

V7.350

SP4 MH01277

May 31, 2014

Important notes:

HMC v10+ is required to manage a Power10 system. HMC v10 cannot manage POWER7 or older.
HMC v9+ is required to manage a POWER9 system. The new POWER9 “G” model firmware requires service pack 941 to be installed on the HMC. HMC v9 cannot manage POWER6 or older.
HMC v8+ is required to manage a POWER8 system. HMC v8 cannot manage POWER5 or older.
An update to HMC v9.2 for the x86-based physical HMC type-model 7042-CR9 *only* was released in March 2021.
For all other x86-based physical HMCs with machine type 7042, HMC v9.1 will be the final supported release.
Support will continue for x86-based virtual HMCs.

HMC v8.8.6 was the last release to include the “Classic” interface.
Beginning with HMC v8, the upgrade process supports a maximum span of two releases. Some examples:
HMC v8.8.1 supports upgrading from v7.7.8 and v7.7.9.
HMC v8.8.2 supports upgrading from v7.7.9 and v8.8.1.
HMC v9.1 supports upgrading from v8.8.6 and v8.8.7.

When upgrading to v8.8.6 or v8.8.7, carefully read the installation notes in the readme file before you begin. There is a step during the upgrade process which can fail without warning, leaving the HMC unusable. The only option when this occurs is to perform a fresh install of the HMC software and reconfigure the appliance from scratch. To that end, IBM provides a list of settings you should make note of before beginning the upgrade in case they are needed.

 

If you have a Flexible Service Processor (FSP) your firmware should be:

Machine Processor
Model
Version
End of Service
POWER10
9105-22A, 9105-42A, 9105-22B, 9105-41B, 9786-22H, and 9786-42H

Not Announced

9043-MRX
MM1030_45_026
Not Announced

9080-HEX
MH1030_044_038
Not Announced
POWER9
9008-22L, 9009-22A, 9009-41A, 9009-42A, 9009-22G, 9009-41G, 9009-42G, or 5105-22E
VL950_119_045
October 1, 2025
POWER8
8408-E8E, 8284-21A,  8284-22A, 8286-41A, or 8286-42A
SV860_243_165
February 1, 2022

9119-MHE or 9119-MME
SC860_243_165
February 1, 2022
POWER7+
8231-E1D, 8202-E4D, 8231-E2D, 8205-E6D
AL770_126_126
 05/31/2018

8408-E8D, 9109-RMD
AM770_126_126
 05/31/2018

9117-MMD, 9179-MHD
AM780_100_100
 05/31/2018
POWER7
8231-E1B, 8202-E4B, 8231-E2B, 8205-E6B, 8233-E8B, 8236-E8C
AL730_159_159
05/31/2018

9117-MMB, 9179-MHB
AM780_100_100
05/31/2018

8231-E1C, 8202-E4C, 8205-E6C
AL740_167_167
 05/31/2018

9117-MMC, 9179-MHC
AM770-126_126
 05/31/2018
POWER6
9407-M15, 9408-M25, 9409-M50, 8204-E8A, 8203-E4A
EL350_176_038
01/31/2017

9406-MMA, 9117-MMA, 9234-EMA
EL350_176_038
01/31/2017

9119-FHA
EH350_176_038
01/31/2017
POWER5 or 5+
520, 515, 525, 550, 570
SF240_418_382
11/30/2012

Important note: For HMC-managed systems, POWER9 firmware level 950 requires HMC v9.2 M950 or higher. This HMC version will not run on x86-based HMC hardware (7042-CRn). If you have an Intel-based HMC, do not update your system to 950 firmware.

If you need help with upgrading your HMC or FSP just give us a call. We will be happy to perform the function for you or assist you in doing it. Contact us here.

 

More From This Month:

Posted on

To Attend or Not to Attend – The Value of IBM i Conferences

The 2023 user conference season is here. Companies are contemplating which ones to attend, who to send or whether they should attend at all because budget cuts are in place.  If there was ever a time to advocate for continuing education and networking opportunities for yourself or your IT staff, now is the time.  In a 2–3-day timeline, you will gain more knowledge, insight, and perspective about the IBM i platform than you ever expected.  You don’t know what you don’t know until you attend an industry-specific conference.

You know what they say, “Knowledge is Power”.  For the low cost of attending these conferences, you will learn a lot in a very focused, short period of time. You will hear from educated speakers and industry experts that will teach you about the latest advancements on the platform, ways to improve processes, and how to keep your company safe from security breaches to name just a few. You will discover that you are not alone in experiencing the various difficulties within your business, and will leave the conference with excitement about what you can do to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of your current IT responsibilities.  You may leave a little nervous knowing you need to be better about keeping your systems updated and secure.  Either way, it’s all good because you now have more knowledge and a better understanding of what to do to improve your skills and bring something positive back to your organization.

As we all know the IBM i environment is a self-contained eco-system that, at its core, is being maintained by people who have been working in this environment for many years and are nearing retirement.  These conferences frequently host students looking for a career in IT and are anxious and excited to talk with companies who are hiring. In addition, you may find developers, system admins, operators, etc. that are contemplating a job change but want to continue working on the IBM i.

These conferences are a great place to network and develop new industry relationships.  There is a lot to be learned from other players in your industry and from companies working on the same IBM i platform. Networking on any level is beneficial for exchanging ideas, sharing similar experiences, and gathering valuable recommendations and resource information.  On a personal level, networking boosts your confidence and live events with other people are FUN.  The …

The post To Attend or Not to Attend – The Value of IBM i Conferences first appeared on iTech Solutions Group.

Posted on

Fortra Release Day | Fortra

Release Day Portfolios

Infrastructure Protection & Data Security

Fortra is your trusted partner to help you simplify your strategy, consolidate your technology approach, and harden security across all aspects of your environment. Our tools blend flexibility with the latest capabilities and threat intelligence to empower you to protect data throughout its lifecycle, control identity and access management, and safeguard networks, servers, and related infrastructure. Within the Fortra Infrastructure & Data Protection portfolio, you will find new product releases in the following suites: 

Vulnerability Management 

Vulnerability Management 
Web Application Scanning 
Application Security Testing

Offensive Security 

Automated Pen Testing 
Adversary Simulations 
Red Team Operations

Data Protection 

Data Classification 
Rights Management 
Data Loss Prevention (DLP)

Digital Risk Protection 

Brand Protection
Account Takeover Protection
Social Media Protection

Secure File Transfer 

Managed File Transfer (MFT)
Electric Data Interchange (EDI) 
File Acceleration 

Email Security 

DMARC Protection
Advanced Phishing Defense
Secure Email Gateway

Managed Security Services

Fortra’s Alert Logic is the only managed detection and response (MDR) provider that delivers comprehensive coverage for public clouds, SaaS, on-premises, and hybrid environments. ​Our cloud-native technology and white-glove team of security experts protect your organization 24/7 and ensure you have the most effective response to resolve whatever threats may come.​ Within the Fortra Managed Security Services portfolio, you will find new product releases for the following product:

Managed Detection & Response (MDR)

Alert Logic

Intelligence & Automation 

Fortra’s automation solutions leverage the power of AI to boost the capabilities of traditional automation, giving you the tools you need to reduce costs and overhead. Replacing manual, time-consuming jobs and workloads with Fortra’s intelligent automation tools drives new levels of efficiency, accuracy, and consistency for critical, repeatable tasks. Within the Fortra Intelligence & Automation portfolio, you will find new product releases in the following suites: 

Automation 

Robotic Process Automation (RPA)
Workload Automation (WLA)
Automated Remediation

Fortra IBM i & Additional

Fortra has been a leader in the IBM i space for decades, and remains a trusted partner to support customers with their IBM i security and automation requirements. Fortra Release Day features new releases for the following products:

Fortra IBM i

Robot
Powertech
Sequel

Additional

Document Management
Halcyon
Intermapper
Vityl

Verified by MonsterInsights