Hmc And Se Microcode - IBM z13s Technical Manual

11.5.4 HMC and SE microcode

The microcode for the HMC, SE, CPC, and zBX is included in the driver/version. The HMC
provides the management of the driver upgrade through Enhanced Driver Maintenance
(EDM). EDM also provides the installation of the latest functions and patches (Microcode
Change Levels (MCLs)) of the new driver.
When you perform a driver upgrade, always check the Driver xx Customer Exception Letter
option in the Fixes section at the IBM Resource Link.
For more information, see Appendix 9.4, "Enhanced Driver Maintenance" on page
Microcode Change Level
Regular installation of MCLs is key for reliability, availability, and serviceability (RAS), optimal
performance, and new functions:
Install MCLs on a quarterly basis at a minimum.
Review hiper MCLs continuously to decide whether to wait for the next scheduled fix
application session or to schedule one earlier if the risk assessment warrants.
Tip: The IBM Resource Link
z Systems according to the system availability data that is sent on a scheduled basis. It
provides more information about the MCL status of your z13s server. To access the
Resource Link, go to the following website:
http://www.ibm.com/servers/resourcelink
After you reach the Resource Link, click Tools → Machine Information, select your
z Systems server, and click EC/MCL.
a. Registration is required to access the IBM Resource Link.
Microcode terms
The microcode has these characteristics:
The driver contains EC streams.
Each EC stream covers the code for a specific component of z13s servers. It has a
specific name and an ascending number.
The EC stream name and a specific number are one MCL.
MCLs from the same EC stream must be installed in sequence.
MCLs can have installation dependencies on other MCLs.
Combined MCLs from one or more EC streams are in one bundle.
An MCL contains one or more Microcode Fixes (MCFs).
a
provides access to the system information for your
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