When IBM officially ended support for VR71 on April 30, 2018 this meant they would no longer provide automatic fixes, updates and support for users with that version operating system.
If you haven’t kept up with your PTFs (aka temporary solutions) and performed the appropriate steps to prepare before the end of support and upgrade to VR73, you will undoubtedly find that the process of upgrading can be time consuming, not to mention costlier.
Common issues for those who haven’t adequately prepared include not finding the necessary PTFs on the system, meaning you must now track down those prerequisite PTFs and start the process all over again. This can lead to further delays and of course, unnecessary downtime.
Making matters even more challenging, if you are upgrading to VR73 you will need to replace the current version of Operations Console software to the latest version of iAccess Client Solutions to be compatible with V7R3.
This will prevent a conflict between the Operating System and the Console. Many users may not be aware of this and will as a result run into problems.
This is why planning for any upgrade should be considered the most time consuming and meticulous part of the release update, when done properly the update itself is straight forward.
Lastly, another tip before and after an upgrade is to conduct a Full System (option 21) save. This is your best defense in a recovery situation, should you fail to make the necessary upgrades in time.
All of the issues and challenges mentioned above are reasons why it’s so crucial to stay up with best practices recommended by IBM, as well as keep up with current PTF levels.
If you need assistance checking your current level of PTF’s, installing upgrades or updating to a new operating system, North Shore Data Services is here to help. Contact us today by calling 978-988-0201 or by opening a ticket with our help desk at www.ns-data.com.
