Episode 2 – The Villages of Software Updates and Software Downloads
In episode 1: [(How to guide) Self Service IBM Entitled Software Key Retrieval – It Does Exist], we introduced the land of Entitled Software Support (ESS), and explored the “village” of Software Keys. Here in episode 2, we will build on information shared in episode 1, while exploring the “villages” of Software Updates and Software Downloads. These areas can have a variety of traps and snares to watch out for, however with a bit of care and planning, these can help explorers gain more control over their software journey.
Before we get into the details of Software Updates and Software Downloads, it is important to mention this walkthrough will assume you have already completed the steps to initial access to ESS. This was covered in the first part of episode 1, so please refer there for the steps (If you do not have this information, contact Arbor Solutions and we can help).
Access to Software Updates:
With ESS, IBM has provided a simple way to order an update to your OS and licensed programs (for example, order V7R3). Under “My entitled software”, the first option is “Software updates”. Click “Software Updates, and you will start by selecting the server you have registered (see episode 1 or contact Arbor Solutions for help). Once you select the server, click the “>” arrow. This extends the screen showing you the available products for which you can order updates, and which level versions are available to order. Simply select the product and version you wish to update, and click “continue”. You will need to confirm customer order information and whether you want media (media is an additional charge). Once submitted, the new version keys will be available almost immediately. You can download the new software versions for installation (or wait for media delivery).
If you have a partitioned server, you are allowed access to multiple versions (for example, V7R2 and V7R3). However, if not running partitions, this upgrade process is not easily reversible to a previous version. You will want to make sure you are ready to upgrade, before submitting the update.
It is also important to remember not all software products follow the OS version formatting. Products such as Web Query have their own version/release levels.
Here is a screen shot of the “software updates” screen:
Access to Software Downloads:
“Software downloads” are listed second on the left menu under the “My entitled software”. This can be a bit less intuitive, and starts by having you select the OS (IBM i, AIX, or Linux on Power), and the version (V7R2M0, for example). Then click “continue”. You will be given a list of the software available to you. With a little bit of care, you can access downloads of your software as you prepare to upgrade and/or install. The “Software downloads” section is where you will also find things like the ISO image of the iSeries Access client software (although sometimes specific client software can be hard to locate – feel free to contact Arbor Solutions for assistance).
Here is a screenshot of the “Software downloads” page:
Something to watch out for: If you attempt to view license keys at a newer version than currently installed (for example, looking for V7R3 keys when you are still using V7R2), a screen will pop up asking if you approve upgrading to the newer version. Be careful about this, as there is no reverting to a prior version once an upgrade is submitted.
Within the land of ESS, the “villages” of Software Updates and Software Downloads have provided customers with an easier and more self-reliant way to manage their software. Both villages are beneficial to customers, but are a bit more complex when compared to Software Keys. If you prefer a host for your visit to the land of ESS, Arbor Solutions will gladly guide you.
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