1 / 17

AIX Service and Release Strategy February 2011

AIX Service and Release Strategy February 2011. Summary. IBM significantly enhanced the AIX ® Release and Service Delivery strategy in February 2011 for AIX 6 and AIX 7 The principal changes* are: Three years of support for each Technology Level (TL)**

layne
Download Presentation

AIX Service and Release Strategy February 2011

An Image/Link below is provided (as is) to download presentation Download Policy: Content on the Website is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use and may not be sold / licensed / shared on other websites without getting consent from its author. Content is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use only. Download presentation by click this link. While downloading, if for some reason you are not able to download a presentation, the publisher may have deleted the file from their server. During download, if you can't get a presentation, the file might be deleted by the publisher.

E N D

Presentation Transcript


  1. AIX Service and Release StrategyFebruary 2011

  2. Summary IBM significantly enhanced the AIX® Release and Service Delivery strategy in February 2011 for AIX 6 and AIX 7 The principal changes* are: • Three years of support for each Technology Level (TL)** • A single Technology Level per AIX version, per year • Service Packs will be released approximately 4 times per year per Technology Level * All statements regarding IBM's future direction and intent are subject to change or withdrawal without notice, and represent goals and objectives only. **Due to variations in the release dates of Technology Levels from year to year, some Technology Levels will be supported for slightly more than three years and some will be supported for slightly less than three years. A three year service life for each Technology Level is an objective, not an absolute limit. The service life of Technology Levels will also be limited by the end of service life for the underlying AIX release

  3. AIX Technology Level Lifecycle No new fixes Approximately 3 years for AIX 6 TL6 and later Fix Support Creation of new fixes including service packs and interim fixes “How to” Q&A, existing fixes, problem determination SWMA Standard support period End of support for the AIX release Availability of the TL End of TL new fix support

  4. Spring Fall Spring Fall Spring Fall Spring Fall Spring SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP Technology Level 7 Technology Level 4 Technology Level 8 Technology Level 6 SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP Technology Level 5 SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP AIX Release Strategy* (AIX 6 shown) 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 New fixes on AIX 6 TL4 and TL5 will be provided for up to two years New fixes on AIX 6 TL6 and later will be provided for up to three years **Due to variations in the release dates of Technology Levels from year to year, some Technology Levels will be supported for slightly more that three years and some will be supported for slightly less A three year service life for each Technology Level is an objective, not an absolute limit. The service life of Technology Levels will also be limited by the end of service life for the underlying AIX release *All statements regarding IBM's future direction and intent are subject to change or withdrawal without notice, and represent goals and objectives only.

  5. Spring Fall Spring Fall Spring Fall Spring Fall Spring Fall Technology Level 3 Technology Level 0 Technology Level 1 Technology Level 2 SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP Legend: Service Pack -may include new HW support and AIX fixes Interim Fix. Interim fixes will continue to be the method to provide immediate relief for critical issues pending the release of a Service Pack New fixes provided for 3 years** New fixes provided for 2 years New Technology Level - New HW/SW support and hardware exploitation SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP AIX Release Strategy* (AIX 7 shown) 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 **Due to variations in the release dates of Technology Levels from year to year, some Technology Levels will be supported for slightly more that three years and some will be supported for slightly less A three year service life for each Technology Level is an objective, not an absolute limit. The service life of Technology Levels will also be limited by the end of service life for the underlying AIX release *All statements regarding IBM's future direction and intent are subject to change or withdrawal without notice, and represent goals and objectives only.

  6. Release Strategy Schedule Detail* (AIX 6 shown) 2010 2011 2012 2013 Fall Spring Fall Spring Fall Spring Service packs for new hardware support on previous Technology Levels will generally available 60 to 90 days after the availability of the latest TL SP SP SP SP SP SP SP Technology Level 7 Interim Fixes are created for individual clients on a “as-needed” basis *All statements regarding IBM's future direction and intent are subject to change or withdrawal without notice, and represent goals and objectives only. Service packs are planned to be released about every quarter SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP Technology Level 6

  7. What is not Changing* • IBM’s commitment to Binary Compatibility** • Interim Fixes, Service Packs and Technology Levels all will still exist • No changes to support life of AIX Releases or release schedules ** Information and restrictions concerning binary compatibility may be found at http://www.ibm.com/systems/power/software/aix/compatibility/index.html *All statements regarding IBM's future direction and intent are subject to change or withdrawal without notice, and represent goals and objectives only.

  8. 2010 2011 2012 2013 Fall Spring Fall Spring Fall Spring SP1 SP2 SP3 SP4 SP5 SP6 SP7 SP8 SP10 SP11 SP12 Technology Level 6 6100.06 SP1 SP2 SP3 SP4 SP5 SP6 SP7 TL 7 6100.07 SP1 SP2 SP3 TL8 6100.08 Recommended Client Strategy: Once per Year Update* AIX Updates* Potential Client Adoption Schedule SP3 SP3 Technology Level 7 6100.07 Technology Level 6 6100.06 Once per year update implements the previous Technology Level plus the latest Service Pack available for that TL. Depending on the length of the client certification cycle, the client will be able to get new fixes on their environment for more than two years *All statements regarding IBM's future direction and intent are subject to change or withdrawal without notice, and represent goals and objectives only.

  9. 2010 2011 2012 2013 Fall Spring Fall Spring Fall Spring SP1 SP2 SP3 SP4 SP5 SP6 SP7 SP8 SP10 SP11 SP12 Technology Level 6 6100.06 SP1 SP2 SP3 SP4 SP5 SP6 SP7 TL 7 6100.07 New hardware support strategies* AIX Updates* SP1 SP2 SP3 TL8 6100.08 New Hardware Business as Usual IBM recommended method With this method, the client uses the new hardware with the latest Technology Level (if a new TL is available) Pro: Greatest exploitation of new hardware Con: Move up to latest TL required TL 7 6100.07 New Hardware on a previous TL With this method, the client uses the new hardware with a previous TL plus the latest service pack Note: Prior TL support may not be available for all new hardware Pro: Client can use new hardware without upgrading to the latest TL Con: May not fully exploit the new hardware, particularly for the older Technology Levels SP5 Technology Level 6 6100.06 *All statements regarding IBM's future direction and intent are subject to change or withdrawal without notice, and represent goals and objectives only.

  10. Benefits of the new AIX Release Strategy* • Longer support for Technology Levels • More closely matches client deployment requirements • Single Technology Level per year, per version, and about one Service Pack per quarter • Fewer updates reduce administrative workload • New hardware is supported on prior Technology Levels • Easier integration of new hardware into existing environments For more information and best practices see: https://www14.software.ibm.com/webapp/set2/sas/f/best/home.html *All statements regarding IBM's future direction and intent are subject to change or withdrawal without notice, and represent goals and objectives only.

  11. © International Business Machines Corporation 2011 All Rights Reserved

  12. Backup Charts

  13. Question & Answer Q: Why did you make these changes? A: The historical purpose for multiple Technology Levels per year was to support the introduction of new hardware. The support for new hardware on prior TLs (implemented in 2007) and exploited with the introduction of POWER7 allowed us to do away with the “Spring” TL. Q: Will I always have to move up to the latest Service Pack in order to get an Interim Fix? A: Interim Fixes are intended to provide an immediate, short term solution to a specific problem. The intent is to provide Interim Fixes without requiring clients to apply the latest service pack, but there are cases where there might be a dependency on a Service Pack that would require applying a Service Pack before an Interim Fix, but that is intended to be an exception. Q: Why are you including Hardware in Service Packs – aren’t you introducing additional risk by including new hardware support in the fix stream? A: No. When we analyzed historical problems in AIX, we found that new hardware support was not a big contributor to problems within AIX. Most new hardware only requires a minor change to configuration tables within AIX or, in some cases, a new fileset for new hardware, neither of which would typically be a problem for existing clients. *All statements regarding IBM's future direction and intent are subject to change or withdrawal without notice, and represent goals and objectives only.

  14. Question & Answer Q: Why is the a delay in shipping the Service Packs on the old Technology Levels to support new hardware? A: It takes time to verify (test) the new service packs on the new hardware. Because we are supporting up to six Technology Levels/Service Pack combinations for every new piece of hardware, we cannot test all levels simultaneously. We focus on testing the new Technology Level (which may include new software features) and then verify the hardware on the older Technology Levels. Q: How will I get a fixes – right now, if security APAR comes out, it is only released for the latest current level. A: There will be APARs released for each Technology Level. These APARs will be cross referenced to each other. Q: Why doesn’t the new strategy include AIX V5.3? A: AIX V5.3 is nearing end of life with the End of Marketing for AIX V5.3 set for April 2011. Q: I am currently running AIX 6 TL5. Can I stay on this release for three years? A: No. The new release strategy becomes effective with AIX 6 Technology Level 6 (TL6). Q: How will I get bootable media for new hardware on previous Technology Levels? A: A PRPQ will be available to allow clients to order bootable media to support new installation of AIX on new hardware for previous Technology Levels. *All statements regarding IBM's future direction and intent are subject to change or withdrawal without notice, and represent goals and objectives only.

  15. Interim Fix Guidelines/Policies for Maintenance*: • If a client is at the latest level and find a problem – they can get an Interim Fix • If a client finds a problem that is already in a SP - they need to install the latest SP (or, at a minimum, an SP that includes their fix) • If it is a critical problem and/or the client can't install a SP - an interim fix can be offered and support will recommend they move to the latest SP during their next maintenance window • If a client finds a new, unique problem at any supported level (within the 3 year support window for a TL) - they can get an Interim Fix on their current level (if it's possible) • If a client finds a new unique problem on a prior SP, has multiple Interim Fixes installed, which are included in later SP - they must move to the latest SP before getting another Interim Fix • If a client has multiple Interim Fixes and only some of them are in a later SP - they must move to the latest SP and another Interim Fix will be bundled with their prior Interim Fixes on the current level *All statements regarding IBM's future direction and intent are subject to change or withdrawal without notice, and represent goals and objectives only.

  16. Special Notices This document was developed for IBM offerings in the United States as of the date of publication. IBM may not make these offerings available in other countries, and the information is subject to change without notice. Consult your local IBM business contact for information on the IBM offerings available in your area. Information in this document concerning non-IBM products was obtained from the suppliers of these products or other public sources. Questions on the capabilities of non-IBM products should be addressed to the suppliers of those products. IBM may have patents or pending patent applications covering subject matter in this document. The furnishing of this document does not give you any license to these patents. Send license inquires, in writing, to IBM Director of Licensing, IBM Corporation, New Castle Drive, Armonk, NY 10504-1785 USA. All statements regarding IBM future direction and intent are subject to change or withdrawal without notice, and represent goals and objectives only. The information contained in this document has not been submitted to any formal IBM test and is provided "AS IS" with no warranties or guarantees either expressed or implied. All examples cited or described in this document are presented as illustrations of the manner in which some IBM products can be used and the results that may be achieved. Actual environmental costs and performance characteristics will vary depending on individual client configurations and conditions. IBM Global Financing offerings are provided through IBM Credit Corporation in the United States and other IBM subsidiaries and divisions worldwide to qualified commercial and government clients. Rates are based on a client's credit rating, financing terms, offering type, equipment type and options, and may vary by country. Other restrictions may apply. Rates and offerings are subject to change, extension or withdrawal without notice. IBM is not responsible for printing errors in this document that result in pricing or information inaccuracies. All prices shown are IBM's United States suggested list prices and are subject to change without notice; reseller prices may vary. IBM hardware products are manufactured from new parts, or new and serviceable used parts. Regardless, our warranty terms apply. Any performance data contained in this document was determined in a controlled environment. Actual results may vary significantly and are dependent on many factors including system hardware configuration and software design and configuration. Some measurements quoted in this document may have been made on development-level systems. There is no guarantee these measurements will be the same on generally-available systems. Some measurements quoted in this document may have been estimated through extrapolation. Users of this document should verify the applicable data for their specific environment. Revised September 26, 2006

  17. Special Notices (Cont.) The following terms are registered trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation in the United States and/or other countries: AIX, AIX/L, AIX/L(logo), alphaWorks, AS/400, BladeCenter, Blue Gene, Blue Lightning, C Set++, CICS, CICS/6000, ClusterProven, CT/2, DataHub, DataJoiner, DB2, DEEP BLUE, developerWorks, DirectTalk, Domino, DYNIX, DYNIX/ptx, e business(logo), e(logo)business, e(logo)server, Enterprise Storage Server, ESCON, FlashCopy, GDDM, i5/OS, IBM, IBM(logo), ibm.com, IBM Business Partner (logo), Informix, IntelliStation, IQ-Link, LANStreamer, LoadLeveler, Lotus, Lotus Notes, Lotusphere, Magstar, MediaStreamer, Micro Channel, MQSeries, Net.Data, Netfinity, NetView, Network Station, Notes, NUMA-Q, OpenPower, Operating System/2, Operating System/400, OS/2, OS/390, OS/400, Parallel Sysplex, PartnerLink, PartnerWorld, Passport Advantage, POWERparallel, Power PC 603, Power PC 604, PowerPC, PowerPC(logo), Predictive Failure Analysis, pSeries, PTX, ptx/ADMIN, RETAIN, RISC System/6000, RS/6000, RT Personal Computer, S/390, Scalable POWERparallel Systems, SecureWay, Sequent, ServerProven, SpaceBall, System/390, The Engines of e-business, THINK, Tivoli, Tivoli(logo), Tivoli Management Environment, Tivoli Ready(logo), TME, TotalStorage, TURBOWAYS, VisualAge, WebSphere, xSeries, z/OS, zSeries. The following terms are trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation in the United States and/or other countries: Advanced Micro-Partitioning, AIX, AIX PVMe, AS/400e, Chiphopper, Chipkill, Cloudscape, DB2 OLAP Server, DB2 Universal Database, DFDSM, DFSORT, DS4000, DS6000, DS8000, e-business(logo), e-business on demand, eServer, Express Middleware, Express Portfolio, Express Servers, Express Servers and Storage, General Purpose File System, GigaProcessor, GPFS, HACMP, HACMP/6000, IBM TotalStorage Proven, IBMLink, IMS, Intelligent Miner, iSeries, Micro-Partitioning, NUMACenter, On Demand Business logo, POWER, PowerExecutive, Power Architecture, Power Everywhere, Power Family, Power PC, PowerPC Architecture, PowerPC 603, PowerPC 603e, PowerPC 604, PowerPC 750, POWER2, POWER2 Architecture, POWER3, POWER4, POWER4+, POWER5, POWER5+, POWER6, POWER6+, pure XML, Redbooks, Sequent (logo), SequentLINK, Server Advantage, ServeRAID, Service Director, SmoothStart, SP, System i, System i5, Power Systems, Power Systems5, System Storage, System z, System z9, S/390 Parallel Enterprise Server, Tivoli Enterprise, TME 10, TotalStorage Proven, Ultramedia, VideoCharger, Virtualization Engine, Visualization Data Explorer, X-Architecture, z/Architecture, z/9. A full list of U.S. trademarks owned by IBM may be found at: http://www.ibm.com/legal/copytrade.shtml. UNIX is a registered trademark of The Open Group in the United States, other countries or both. Linux is a trademark of Linus Torvalds in the United States, other countries or both. Microsoft, Windows, Windows NT and the Windows logo are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States, other countries or both. Intel, Itanium, Pentium are registered tradas and Xeon is a trademark of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United States, other countries or both. AMD Opteron is a trademark of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. Java and all Java-based trademarks and logos are trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc. in the United States, other countries or both. TPC-C and TPC-H are trademarks of the Transaction Performance Processing Council (TPPC). SPECint, SPECfp, SPECjbb, SPECweb, SPECjAppServer, SPEC OMP, SPECviewperf, SPECapc, SPEChpc, SPECjvm, SPECmail, SPECimap and SPECsfs are trademarks of the Standard Performance Evaluation Corp (SPEC). NetBench is a registered trademark of Ziff Davis Media in the United States, other countries or both. AltiVec is a trademark of Freescale Semiconductor, Inc. Cell Broadband Engine is a trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Other company, product and service names may be trademarks or service marks of others. Revised February 14, 2007

More Related