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Chapter 12. Servicing z/VM
This topic introduces IBM service concepts. After this introduction, turn to "Part 4.
Service Procedure" in z/VM: Guide for Automated Installation and Service, GC24-6197,
to install z/VM service.
z/VM service concepts
A component of z/VM, VMSES/E, helps you install z/VM and other
VMSES/E-enabled products and apply service changes that correct or circumvent
reported problems. VMSES/E handles both source code and binaries.
Service is the process of changing a particular release of a software product. There
are a number of reasons for servicing a product, such as:
v Correcting a problem. Problems that you report to IBM are first entered into
v Adding function. New functions can be delivered in a new release or version of
v Circumventing a problem. For expediency, IBM may provide a circumvention for
© Copyright IBM Corp. 2009
problem management records (PMRs). If IBM determines that a PMR requires a fix
to a product, IBM creates a record called an authorized program analysis report
(APAR). APARs provide a formal method of tracking problems for a specific
version of a product. An APAR can also affect several releases of a product. IBM
fixes these problems for a particular release through program temporary fixes
(PTFs). A PTF contains the code changes for a solution to a problem (APAR) on
a particular release. Each release of a product has a unique set of PTFs, because
the fixes may be different on each release. When IBM ships a new release of a
product like z/VM, PTFs from the previous release are merged into the new
release.
a product, or as service. When new function is delivered as service, it is called a
small programming enhancement (SPE). SPEs are delivered and tracked the same
way as problems. An APAR is assigned to the SPE, and it is delivered as a
program temporary fix (PTF).
IBM delivers service through:
– Recommended service upgrade (RSU) tapes, which contain a collection of PTFs
that IBM thinks are important enough that everyone should apply them. An
RSU tape defines a service level for your product and is designed to prevent
problems from occurring. (VMSES/E creates a software inventory and tracks
the currency of the system through service levels.) This type of service is
called preventive service.
– Corrective service (COR) (delivered on tapes or sometimes electronically in
electronic containers called electronic envelopes), which contains PTFs that you
request for a specific problem. Sometimes you cannot wait for an RSU tape to
correct a problem, so you can order a PTF through a COR tape or electronic
envelope. This type of service is called corrective service because it is
designed to correct a specific problem you encountered with the product.
– Expanded Service Options (ESOs), which are defined collections of PTFs
delivered in VMSES/E corrective service format. ESO allows you to choose
the starting and ending service levels.
A product can have either an RSU or an ESO, but not both.
Other reasons for changing a product are:
a problem until a PTF can be developed. A circumvention is meant to be a
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