The purpose of this blog is to briefly summarize key factors happening right now that affect IBM i version upgrades. Disclaimer: IBM i is an operating system. AS400 and iSeries are names for servers. I use them interchangeably so users can more easily find information on the web.
IBM i upgrade season is in full bloom as users upgrade to V7.2 or V7.3.
As IBM users know, IBM software support (SWMA) is no longer available for V5R4 and V6R1.
5/1/2018 – IBM i 7.1 SWMA Will Be SE Only
Also, come May 1, 2018, IBM i V7.1 SWMA is only available with Service Extension (SE). SWMA SE means that IBM will no longer provide PTF’ s (Program Temporary Fixes, or software patches) to fix “bugs” in V7.1. Also, IBM SWMA SE provides “best efforts” support – depending on the technical issue they will help IBM i users…and they explain that some issues can only be fixed by upgrading to a newer version of IBM i.
Some Users Can’t Upgrade
Clearly, many IBM i users cannot upgrade to newer versions for a variety of reasons. The most common reason we hear is that an IBM user is running a 3rd party legacy system that is no longer on software support or is way too expensive to upgrade (particularly when the system will be phased out in favor of a newer software solution).
Upgrade Makes Sense When Possible
For IBM users that can upgrade, it makes sense to upgrade to continue to have ongoing IBM support even if you are not able to take advantage of the enhancements in each new release.
Upgrade to V7.2 or to V7.3? Check Software
So, if you need to upgrade, should you go to V7.2 or V7.3?
As an IBM user running your business with 3rd party software, you want to find out from your software provider if your software is certified to run on V7.2 or V7.3. Then pick the highest version it is certified to run on.
This means if your software provider tells you your software is certified to run on V7.3, move to that version so you can wait as long as you can before you may need to upgrade again. (Our best guess is that if you upgrade to V7.3, you may be able to delay your next version upgrade for 2-4 years.)
Upgrade to V7.2 or to V7.3? Other Factors
Other than that how can you determine which IBM i version to select?
My answers are simplistic (and there are always nuances to consider).
Green Screen?
First, if your applications are written in RPG and they are “green screen” (meaning you do not have Java for GUI screens), you can probably safely upgrade to V7.3.
On the other hand, if your software uses Java you need to determine if your version of Java is compatible to the newer version of Java now supported on V7.3.
Still Uncertain? We Can Help
Second, if you are uncertain, then work with one of my senior engineers. They can help you assess if your software may not be ready for V7.3.
Test Upgrade In Hosted Environment
Also, we can provide hosting to test your software with a version upgrade to see: a) how well it may work at V7.3 and b) what changes you may need to make so your system can run successfully at V7.3.
Hosted Testing = No Production Impact
The big advantage to hosted testing is that a version upgrade does NOT impact your production as you test your system with a new OS upgrade.
Then, if you do decide to proceed with the upgrade, the hard work has already been completed. You may be able to restore the upgraded version to your production environment with less downtime than a full upgrade requires.
For additional details, email me at blosey@source-data.com or call me at 714-593-0387.
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