Editor's Note: In the May 1992 issue, page 73, we published a Technical Tip by Francois Meehan that lets you install microcode PTFs unattended. While the technique works as printed, Neil Palmer has found a better way.
You don't have to mess with the system control panel to apply microcode PTFs. In fact, you don't even have to do two IPLs-you can let the AS/400 do the double IPL for you. Run the following commands, with the control panel keylock in NORMAL:
LODPTF LICPGM(5738999) + DEV(...) + SELECT(MFxxxxx) APYPTF LICPGM(5738999) + SELECT(MFxxxxx) + APY(*TEMP) + DELAYED(*YES) SBMJOB CMD(DLYJOB + RSMTIME(010000)) + JOB(DELAY_1AM) + JOBQ(QBATCH) SBMJOB CMD(PWRDWNSYS + OPTION(*IMMED) + RESTART(*YES) + IPLSRC(B)) JOB(IPL) + JOBQ(QBATCH)
You should use a single-threaded job queue (a job queue that only runs one job at a time). In the example provided above, QBATCH is assumed to be single- threaded; you may have to use a different job queue. Also remember that the PWRDWNSYS command can be scheduled using OfficeVision's job scheduling function or the automatic power schedule provided by Operational Assistant.
This works because OS/400 is now capable of performing the double IPL by itself, if you're running V2R1M0 or later, provided that the following conditions are met:
1. You run the PWRDWNSYS command, specifying RESTART(*YES).
2. There are microcode (licensed internal code, or LIC) PTFs scheduled for temporary application in delayed mode.
3. The current IPL source is B.
4. The target IPL source is B.
5. You're performing a normal IPL (keylock is in NORMAL, and system value QIPLTYPE is '0').
When you run the PWRDWNSYS command, the system IPLs in source A, applies the microcode PTFs temporarily, then performs another IPL in source B-all automatically. This great new timesaving feature is not documented in IBM's System Operator's Guide (SC41-8082), but is fully documented in the Memorandum to Users you receive with V2R1M0 and V2R1M1. The relevant sections are 3.1.1.3 (V2R1M0) and 3.1.1.10 (V2R1M1). If you no longer have this memo, you can get it via ECS with the SNDPTFORD command, ordering SF98007 (V2R1M0) or SF98017 (V2R1M1).
Business users want new applications now. Market and regulatory pressures require faster application updates and delivery into production. Your IBM i developers may be approaching retirement, and you see no sure way to fill their positions with experienced developers. In addition, you may be caught between maintaining your existing applications and the uncertainty of moving to something new.
IT managers hoping to find new IBM i talent are discovering that the pool of experienced RPG programmers and operators or administrators with intimate knowledge of the operating system and the applications that run on it is small. This begs the question: How will you manage the platform that supports such a big part of your business? This guide offers strategies and software suggestions to help you plan IT staffing and resources and smooth the transition after your AS/400 talent retires. Read on to learn:
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